Animal-inspired fitness class latest way to get in shape

Animal-inspired workout

Animal-inspired movement classes are a growing trend around the country. Fox News Health's Anna Kooiman checks out 'Stoked Primal' in New York City and channels her wild side

Turning to nature to work every muscle in your body is a growing fitness trend that can burn some serious calories.

Stoked Primal is an animal-inspired movement class, which promises to burn 350 calories in a half hour.

Fox News Health’s Anna Kooiman recently visited Reebok Sports Club in New York City to see what Stoked Primal is all about.

With moves like gorilla, panther and komodo dragon, Stoked Primal is a total-body workout that doesn’t require any equipment—you only use your own body weight.

Fitness instructor Kira Stokes has 20 years experience in the industry and said she created the class for some exercise variety.

"I wanted to come up with a class really different than your traditional push, squat, lunge type of workout really got your heart rate up and really has a lot of movement not just a stationary exercise," Stokes said.

The challenging routine tests strength, flexibility, mobility and agility. Stokes said the best part is being able to do the moves anywhere.

“The beauty about not using equipment during Stoked Primal is you can take this workout, the knowledge you gain here, you can take it outside, do it in the park,” she said. “If you are stuck in a hotel and there is no gym there, you have no resources, you have no excuse. You can drop down, and do these primal moves, and get an amazing workout in. (You will) feel that you really challenged yourself beyond the typical body weight workouts that are out there.”

Class participant Heidi Ladrow said although she was a little intimidated at first, the results are real.

"My clothes fit better; I look better in a dress, and I feel better," she said.

Soon, a smartphone app will be available with all of the Primal moves, and Stokes said she will also develop a class for kids because they, too, seem to like the moves.

For more information, visit KiraStokes.com.