What you need to know if you're trying a spiritual workout

NEW YORK (AP) - If you're looking for more from your workout than squat thrusts and box jumps, here's the lowdown on these spiritual workouts designed to challenge your thought patterns and better connect with your inner self.

THE CLASS BY TARYN TOOMEY

Description: An intense workout that include moves like squats, jumps, squat thrusts and plank variations repeated for very long intervals. Works every muscle group starting with legs and usually ending with abs. Less than a minute rest between segments.

Difficulty Level: medium to difficult, but you are encouraged to listen to your body and take breaks if needed. The room is heated.

Locations: New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver. Check the website for pop-up classes in other cities like Miami. www.taryntoomey.com

Cost: $35

QOYA

Description: Be prepared to do things outside your emotional comfort zone. You will move your body, but the real challenge is letting go of your inhibitions, not worrying about what others are thinking and embracing the spirit of the class. Nobody's looking at your weird shadow dance, they're all focused on themselves.

Difficulty Level: physically easy. A great idea for those new to exercise or recovering from injuries.

Locations: Held in dozens of cities around the U.S. including Miami; Austin, Texas; Washington, D.C.; Boulder, Colorado; Norwalk, Connecticut; and Minneapolis. Qoya is also in several countries including France, Ireland, Australia and Canada.

Cost: varies depending on city, but average $15 to $25.

INTENSATI

Description: boxing kicks, squats, lunges and punches coupled with empowering statement. Come prepared to chant.

Difficulty Level: This is a challenging class, medium to difficult, but you can modify the intensity to your needs.

Locations: Classes are held around the country including several spots in New York City; Tucson, Arizona; San Diego; Denver; Goddard, Kansas; Bend, Oregon; and Philadelphia.

Cost: The cost varies, but around $30 to $35.

EQUINOX'S HEADSTRONG

Description: Sequences of high-intensity interval training and strength training moves using your bodyweight are held for unknown amounts of time in an effort to push boundaries and redefine mental thresholds.

Difficulty Level: challenging.

Locations: It's a special class that's not on the weekly calendar but is frequently offered at most Equinox clubs around the United States, including California, New York and Chicago.

Cost: You must be an Equinox member to try the class.