In Kenya's capital Nairobi, there's a keen interest in getting fit. But for some, hitting the treadmill just doesn't cut it anymore.

More and more Kenyans are moving away from traditional gym work like treadmills and weights, and are looking for alternative ways to get fit. And, as Kenya's middle-class grows, so do the options for those seeking variety when it comes to fitness. 

For example, if you're looking for a more exciting form of aerobics, there's Zumba -- a dance workout choreographed to the contagious beats of Latin and international music.

"Zumba classes are popular in Nairobi, because people, especially with women, they are looking for other types of fitness," said Jossy Simonet, Zumba instructor.

"I keep coming back because it's fun fitness, it's fitness disguised in dance, and it's very therapeutic after a long day at work," said a woman.

"And music is so interesting, and the music is so enjoyable, so you get to enjoy the music and work out," said a woman.

Something less familiar to Nairobi, but gaining popularity, is pole-dancing for fitness.

Marjolein Blokland introduced pole fitness to the city two years ago.
Initially, she had a hard time attracting clients due to the stigma attached to the sport, but nowadays, she trains close to 50 people a week.

"It increases your confidence, it's challenging and hard doing all these spins and these tricks, so it's daunting at first, but eventually after a couple of months you conquer that one move and then you're like, 'wow, I can't believe I just did that!' So you feel good about yourself, also there's the exercise part of it, pole dance for fitness, you're looking at increasing your stamina, your endurance, basically just cardio, and then the strength part is holding on to the pole," Blokland said.

And I couldn't resist giving it a go myself.

One class that Marjolein never has a problem filling is Muay Thai, or Thai Kick Boxing.

"Muay Thai has gained popularity in Nairobi, especially with the ladies. Someone like Maria with her petite size can actually learn to pack quite a punch," Blokland said.

Taking part in Zumba, Pole, or Muay Thai will set you back between 10 and 14 dollars a class. While it's a bit pricey for the average Kenyan, many here in Nairobi do enjoy this alternative path to a healthy lifestyle.