Average calories burned: 240
Cost per class: $25
Cost per calorie: 10.4 cents
Class time: 1 hour

The average calories burned may seem a little low, but keep in mind that you burn most of the calories in the short-but-intense WOD (workout of the day). Before the WOD, the class will typically consist of mobility, a warm up and a strength portion. This means you're building muscle -- and muscle tissue burns more calories than fat in the long term -- even when you're not working out.

Average calories burned: 350
Cost per class: $27
Cost per calorie: 7.7 cents
Class time: 1 hour

Because the class moves quickly, you'll find your heart rate slightly elevated -- certainly not as much as a high intensity or cardio workout, but enough to burn a fair amount of calories in an hour. Expect to work your entire body during every workout (no "leg days" here), and know that if your muscles start quivering uncontrollably, you're doing it right.

A word of caution: Bring your own socks, or you'll have to buy a pair for $10.

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Average calories burned: 400
Cost per class: $25
Cost per calorie: 6.3 cents
Class time: 1 hour

This workout consists of three stations: the treadmill, the rower and strength training. The goal: to spend 12 to 20 minutes in the orange zone, aka at least 84 percent of your maximum heart rate. This helps your body continue to expend energy once you're done working out -- resulting in extra calories burned.

Upon entering the studio, you'll be hooked up to a heart rate monitor, and your numbers will be projected onto a screen in the studio (the fact that everyone can see your numbers -- even if they're likely focused on their own -- is surprisingly motivating). When the class is over, they email you a printout of your workout performance.

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Average calories burned: 600
Cost per class: $34 class
Cost per calorie: 5.7 cents
Class time: 1 hour

Were it not for the dozens of stationary bikes in the room, you might think you were at a nightclub. The lights are dim; the music is loud. There's a raised platform in the front of the room with a lone bike and a turntable, the other bikes surrounding it worshipfully. The hour-long spin class will push you to go harder, faster. Your teacher might jump off her bike to dance and yell motivational quotes. And by the end, your legs will feel like jelly (in a good way). Expect the endorphin rush to last throughout the day.

Do not expect to preserve your blowout during this class.

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Average calories burned: 800
Cost per class: $30-$40, depending on location
Cost per calorie: 3.8 to 5 cents
Class time: 1 hour

Barry's Boot Camp alternates between intense treadmill action and weight training, so you get the best of both worlds -- you build muscles while you burn calories. The low lights and rows of treadmills may seem intimidating at first (especially if you don't consider yourself a runner), but a glance around the room at the superfit people will show you that something, clearly, is working.

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