As we say Ciao! to yet another decade, it’s time to drop-kick our old, tired workout routines to the proverbial curb, and embrace the fierce new trends in fitness. While balance training and core stability are by no means newcomers to the fitness world, they are pulling a Robert Downey Jr. and making a well-deserved comeback in a huge way.

Our fitness extraordinaire and celebrity trainer, Elise Gulan, is showing us some of her favorite new trends to help you have fun, find bliss and maybe even get your mojo back. Who would have thunk?

The Key is to Get Balanced. We know all about balance. From balancing our checking accounts to our antioxidant-rich dark chocolate with leafy greens, stability is a key component to keeping our lives harmonious.  2010 is all about fitness that stabilizes our core and keeps us centered.  Check out these retro-fitness trends that prove …everything old is new again.

Hula Hooping. What’s all the hoopla? Well, for starters, hooping not only improves balance, but it can burn a whopping 200 calories in just 30 minutes! Tighten your belly and narrow your waist while impressing your friends and family with your mad skillz.   You’ll also support and strengthen your hips and knees. For classes and DVDs with Hoopnotica, click here. To learn more about starting your own hoop community, click here.

Ballet. We’re not a 100-percent on board with pink tights and fluffy tutus, but we all secretly wish for the graceful strength of ballerinas. Improve posture, relieve stress and tone your full body while increasing flexibility.  In addition to giving you legs even Gisele would envy, classical ballet builds muscles that help protect the spine. No tutu required. Click here to learn more about ballet conditioning.  

Shake it Out.Ballet rules in terms of technique and alignment, but why not expand your horizons. Get that booty shaking with Afro-Brazilian.  Work those hips with Bollywood, or just express yourself with good ole’fashioned hip-hop for a full-body shredding. Hip-hop is a fabulous way to get centered, get ripped and get down with yo bad self.

Fierce Fusion Fitness. Fusion classes have been a staple of the workout world for over a decade but here are some fun, fresh combinations that keep you moving and shaking. Check out your local gym’s group fitness program for these and other workouts designed to maximize your healthy bitchiness and minimize your time commitment.

Yollet: 30 minutes of ballet. 30 minutes of Yoga. Need I say more? Click here to learn more.

Disco Yoga:Disco moves + yoga = Stayin’alive! Click here to learn more.

Burn Bliss:Feel the burn and find your bliss! Okay, I’m partial … I did create this class for Equinox Health Clubs, but it was featured in Shape magazine as a new hot discipline for 2010. Burn Bliss fuses moves from yoga, Pilates, ballet, qi gong, and martial arts for a unique and effective way to get high-energy intervals using mind, body, strength and low-impact cardio. Click here to learn more. Don’t have an Equinox near you? Pick up “Shape: 20-Minute Makeover,”which features moves from Burn Bliss.

Get fit and get fabulous, honey. The New Year is all about new chances.

- Elise 

Elise Gulan is a celebrity trainer and television personality who has charmed the pants off the fitness industry with her challenging and motivating ‘mind and body’ techniques. Elise contributes to a myriad of publications including Shape, Self, Women’s Health, Glamour and Elle, along with a series of top-selling fitness DVDs.  Ms. Gulan’s diverse hosting and fitness talents have been featured on various networks including ABC, E!, Lifetime Television and MTV. Visit her Web site at www.elisegulan.com.