HAMPTON -- Fitness Revolution's Sh'Bam class feels more like a dance party than an actual workout.

It's actually hard to remember while shimmying, model-strutting, chacha-ing and doing the Soulja Boy that you are there to burn calories and build muscle.

It's when you become drenched in sweat, calves burning as Brittany Spears is bellowing "Gimme More" that you remember that, yes, this is a workout. But you don't want to be out of synch with the 20 other dancers or the enthusiastic class instructor, Danielle Hornsby, so you keep going.

It's also really fun.

The Sh'Bam class is one of eight fitness classes that Fitness Revolution offers. They're calling Sh'Bam the new Zumba, said Hornsby, and it has brought in a number of clients to the new Hampton location. They're only one of 65 fitness centers to pilot the program worldwide. There's also Bodyattack, Bodycombat, Bodypump, Bodystep, Bodyvive, Bodyflow and an RPM cycling class.

It's clear that most of the people who attend the Sh'Bam class are regulars, as they all seem to know all of the steps. Hornsby said it typically takes at least three classes to get the hang of them.

The fitness center moved this summer from its North Hampton location at 18 Lafayette Road to Hampton, at 845 Lafayette Road. Hornsby feels that Fitness Revolution's new set-up creates more of an integrated atmosphere. The new equipment and work space also makes working out more enjoyable.

The Sh'Bam class takes place in a workout room perfect for exercise, and even better for dancing. The black spongy floor is springy, spongy and fantastic for jumps and leaps. The flashing lights create an ambience that creates an urge to cha-cha and pump iron.

Many of the fitness classes contribute to the popularity of the new fitness center, said Hornsby. The Sh'Bam class has brought in more regular clients than any other group class.

After all, "Who doesn't want to dance for 45 minutes?" asked Hornsby.

The fitness center also changed the way it goes about health and wellness. They're not "just a gym," said Hornsby; they provide nutritional counseling and personal training. While many of its members initially began attending Fitness Revolution because of the fitness classes, they continued because of the opportunities the fitness center provides, and because of the community at Fitness Revolution.

"They become a part of our club in our club. It turns into a situation in which they look forward to working out instead of it being a chore. It's a place that's become more than just a fitness center," said Hornsby. "We're trying to change people's lives through fitness."

Hornsby said that she feels the community is different because the group leaders really care about the success of each and every member.

"We know all of our members by name. It's more of a family atmosphere, and I think everyone who walks in feels like we care about them," said Hornsby.

There is group fitness, and then there's small-group training. The small-group training is within groups of five or six under a group fitness trainer. With these classes, members get extremely intense workouts. With that comes better results in a shorter amount of time, said Hornsby.

Working out has also become more of a family affair at the fitness center, said Hornsby. On Tuesday night's Sh'Bam class, she had eight teenage girls attend with their mothers.

"Seeing the 12- and 13-year-old girls, and seeing them come in with their moms to a fitness classes — I just thought that was so awesome. Now that I see, with what's happening with youth living sedentary lifestyles, seeing kids getting excited about fitness, or just about dancing — I just think that's so awesome," she said.

Sign up for its regular fitness package, or sign up for the elite package. Those who do choose to sign up in August will receive a free upgrade to the program's elite membership, including the small-group training class.

Fitness Revolution is located at 845 Lafayette Road in Hampton, across from Lena's. For more information, visit www.fitrev.net or call Fitness Revolution at 964-2348.