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Mermaid Fitness Class Lets You Live Out Your Childhood Fantasy

Mermaid Fitness Class Lets You Live Out Your Childhood Fantasy

"The Little Mermaid" is finally being released from Disney's "vault" on Oct. 1st, and every time we turn on the T.V., we're inundated with commercials reminding us how much we miss and adore the old gang: Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder and Scuttle. “The Little Mermaid” came out in theaters in 1989, which means little girls who watched it obsessively as children are now in their late twenties or early thirties, jaded by life, and looking to recapture a sliver of that redhead’s optimism, if not her waistline.

Cue the latest fitness trend coming to a pool near you. The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, offers “a unique aquatics workout program inspired by the mermaid.” “Fin to Fitness” is taught by a petite, smiley blonde who goes by Kariel (real name: Kari Roberts) and the program is turning out to be a hit for bachelorette parties, bridal parties and nostalgic, wistful young women in general. Participants don a monofin and learn to master the dolphin kick, a swimming technique that strengthens the core and helps to explain Ariel's improbable proportions.

Kariel then treats her students to the chance to wear one of her very own, hand-made tails. Kariel moved to Hawaii from Oregon in order to fulfill "her life-long dream of being a living mermaid" and now makes custom, handcrafted tails from recycled wetsuits. "All I was missing was Flounder," said Taryn Felly (who even has red hair) after trying on the tail.

So for the girl who has everything -- gadgets and gizmos aplenty and whoozits and whatzis galore -- try swimming like a mermaid for an hour; you might even meet your prince charming.

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Before You Go

11 Unusual Ways To Get In Shape
Reach New Heights(01 of11)
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If you’ve always dreamt of being in Cirque de Soleil, trapeze classes are your chance to unleash your inner circus star. Indoor and outdoor trapeze schools are popping up throughout the country for those who want to learn how to flip and fly. Most beginner classes start out with basic moves taught on the ground before moving to the skies. And, aside from being super fun, it’s a fantastic way to target your upper and lower bodies, particularly your lats and shoulders, and carve out your core muscles. (credit:Getty Images)
Tone With A Playground Favorite(02 of11)
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If you haven’t picked up a hula hoop since your playground days, now’s the time to add it to your fitness routine. Incorporating a weighted hula hoop will tone your thighs, abs, glutes and arms -- and burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes. Pick up a hula DVD or just crank up your favorite music and get your hips moving. (credit:Alamy)
Pole Positions(03 of11)
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No, this isn't about heels and lingerie -- it’s about working out. Whatever you may feel about the explosion of the pole dance industry in recent years, classes in the highly athletic dance form have, in fact, become all the rage for women who want an acrobatic, fun workout that strengthens and tones. The women-only classes combine dance moves with pole tricks involving suspension and stretching -- the dance portion gets the heart pumping as a cardio workout, while doing tricks on the pole strengthens your upper and lower body, especially your core. (credit:Getty Images)
Hang Ten Without Hitting The Water(04 of11)
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If you don’t want to paddle into the ocean but still want that lean surfer body, indoor surfing classes are the answer. A surfboard is balanced on three exercise boards while you use your core to mimic real surfing movements and then mix them with cardio bursts to burn fat. You’ll improve balance, define muscles and you won’t even need sunblock. (credit:SURFSET Fitness)
Find Namaste In The Air(05 of11)
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If you’re ready for a new yoga challenge, it might be time to get up in the air. Aerial yoga adapts traditional yoga moves while in a large silk hammock raised off the ground. You’ll twist and maneuver your way into stretches while working your core and relieving stress. (credit:Getty Images)
Look Silly, Feel Great(06 of11)
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If you’re not self-conscious about exercising, Kangoo Jump shoes will spice up your typical workout. The funny-looking shoes actually add gravitational force to your body -- they double the resistance of your aerobics while wearing them. Originally designed as a way to relieve the stress on runners’ joints, they reduce joint stress while still making you work up a sweat. (credit:Getty Images)
Barre Your Way To A Better Booty(07 of11)
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If you ever wanted a ballerina’s body, you’re in luck. Barre-based workouts will get you looking like your favorite dancers in no time. The ballet-inspired moves use yoga, Pilates and weight training to lengthen muscles and reshape your body. While the workouts use your entire body, your legs will especially feel the burn -- but your perky booty will make up for that in no time. (credit:Alamy)
Get In Shape Reliving Medieval Times(08 of11)
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If you want an activity that’ll work your mind as much as your body, it’s time to take up fencing. Essentially sword fighting without the risk of losing limbs, fencing forces you to make fast, accurate decisions while dueling. The fast-paced workout will raise your heart rate while improving speed, agility and toning your muscles -- especially your butt and arms. (credit:Alamy)
Bounce To A New You(09 of11)
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If you thought you outgrew trampolines, think again. Mini-trampolines -- known as rebounders-- are taking fitness by a storm. Trampolines provide an intensive workout that you can do at home or in the gym. They’re a fun way to get your cardio in without it feeling like a chore. Keeping steady while busting a move will tighten your abs and improve leg power and strength -- without increasing pressure on your joints. (credit:Alamy)
Burn Calories While Getting Competitive(10 of11)
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“Ultimate” isn’t just tossing around a Frisbee with the dog. It’s an intense game and, with no referees, rooted in sportsmanship and team play. While you’re having fun, you’ll be burning calories as you run and pass the Frisbee to your teammates across the length of a soccer field. (credit:Getty Images)
Dance Yourself Thin(11 of11)
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Whether you’re the first one on the dance floor or an uncoordinated wallflower, salsa dancing has something to offer. The seductive dance is cardio-heavy, and an hour of dancing will torch around 600 calories. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll get. And if you’ve been looking for something to do with your partner, it’s a great workout for couples -- or, if you’re single, to find a new partner. (credit:Getty Images)
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