Get ready to wipe "boredom" off your list of reasons you won't exercise. New trends in classes and clothing will take the ho-hum out of your routine. Some are unconventional (ever consider running in a dress?) and some are surprising (pole classes, anyone?). But all are sure to shake up your fitness routine.

Awaken your inner diva and your triceps.

TRY A POLE CLASS

The invitation to try a pole class could be met with a raised eyebrow and an "I beg your pardon?" by the uneducated fitness enthusiast.

It turns out that pole classes aren't for women who make their livings dancing in nightclubs. These classes, which are more established in cities such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles, are for women of all ages, all body types and all walks of life. You don't have to be graceful. You don't have to be strong. And you don't need the pixie-like frame of a gymnast.

Femme Movement Studio, 4322 Overland Road, Boise, offers pole classes, burlesque dancing instruction and other classes designed to give your self-confidence a workout while challenging your strength and balance.

"You'd be shocked at how much of a workout it is," says Bee Williams, founder of the studio.

The pole classes have gained momentum through word of mouth since late August. So far the target audience has been hard to define. Mothers and daughters, doctors, real estate professionals and women of all ages have had a spin on the pole, Williams says. The pole classes were intended to be for women only - that was the inspiration for the studio's name - but enough men expressed interest that Williams also offers a co-ed pole class in addition to classes for all women.

Williams says the benefit of pole workouts are comparable to yoga. You draw on the strength and resistance of your own body weight. It builds core strength, improves flexibility and lengthens muscles.

"Anyone who thinks it is just for strippers should go see a Cirque du Soleil show," Williams says.

CHECK IT OUT: Femme Movement Studio

4322 Overland Road, Boise.

Pole classes cost $15 per class. Other non-pole classes, such as burlesque dancing, are $10 per class. Class cards can be purchased to take multiple classes (cost information is available on the studio's Web site).

906-1470.

www.femmeboise.com.

DRESSED TO SWEAT

Christine Nienstedt likes to suit up when she's facing a hard physical challenge.

Nienstedt has worn a dress to run half-marathons and complete grueling endurance bike rides, such as the 200-mile Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. After all, these were milestone moments.

"They felt celebratory and fun," Nienstedt says. "I wondered why more people didn't do it."

Nienstedt's unique uniform drew enough comments that she decided to launch her own line of exercise dresses. Nuu-Muu was born in April, and she introduced them to the world at a tradeshow before the Bloomsday Run held in Spokane in May, where she sold more than 50 dresses.

Word began to spread. Women would see someone wearing the dress and visit the Nuu-Muu Web site to get one of their own. A Montana kickboxing instructor wears a Nuu-Muu. A group of friends who run Bloomsday and other races together bought the dresses to wear as their race day uniforms.

"They're purely feminine, and I like the idea of putting something really feminine with something that takes strength and power," Nienstedt says.

It feels good to wear a dress during a workout because they don't bind and they easily move with the body, according to Nienstedt.

The Nuu-Muu design was inspired by a dress Nienstedt bought in college and wore when she'd go dancing. She kept the dress and decided to wear it for the Seattle to Portland ride, knowing she would want to wear something special for the challenging event. The sleeveless Nuu-Muu has the feel of a party dress, but with more room around the arms and a breathable fabric (nylon lycra or polyester lycra).

A friend who wore dresses to cycling events inspired Nienstedt to wear a dress. That friend, Ashley Fullenwider, became Nienstedt's business partner.

"I love the lighthearted part of it," Nienstedt says. "It's all about having fun."

CHECK IT OUT: Nuu-Muu exercise dresses, $68 for adult sizes, $48 for children's dresses.

Dresses are sold at Kenesis, 450 W. State St., Suite 250, Eagle; Cascade Outfitters, 604 E. 45th St., Boise; See Jane Run, 814 W. Idaho St., Boise; and at www.nuu-muu.com.

SPIN AWAY BODY FAT

What happens when you mix a spinning class with circuit training? You get a super-charged workout that blasts fat and builds muscle.

Power 90 mixes the cardio benefits of a cycling class with the strength-building workout you'd get with a personal trainer. It's a major hit at the State Street Idaho Athletic Club, where participants must sign up in advance to get a space in the class, says Chaya Martini, aerobics coordinator and personal trainer who teaches the classes at the State Street club.

The club began offering the class in the fall. There are variations of Power 90 at other Idaho Athletic Club locations, including one that incorporates step aerobics. It is drawing heavy interest because of the intensity and the variety.

"It's getting a lot of buzz here," Martini says.

Here's how it works: You start by cycling for a couple songs. Then Martini tells participants to get off the bikes and get on the floor.

"We've got work to do," she says.

Strength drills might include one-minute intervals of pushups, high-knee runs and plyometric jumps. Then you're back on the bike for more spinning. A couple songs later you're back on the floor for squats and lunges (and by then your legs are on fire). You'll also do some core work and upper body work with dumbbells. The beauty of Power 90? You keep your heart rate up through the entire class, which burns more fat, Martini says.

Martini brainstorms with other personal trainers to come up with different strength-building exercises for each class. Exercises can be modified for people of all fitness levels. Martini says her classes include athletes, beginners and everyone in between.

CHECK IT OUT: Idaho Athletic Club

Clubs throughout the Treasure Valley. Go to www.idahoathleticclub.com for a list of club locations, class schedules and membership information.

Chereen Langrill: 672-6733