Ninja Fit Gym, Orlando

In medieval Japan, ninjas carried out missions of espionage and assassination, often relying on their prodigious dexterity and core strength to see them through strenuous assignments. In modern-day America, these warriors have passed into the realm of legend, but they left behind an important legacy: their dedication to functional, full-body fitness. Such is the belief of the trainers at NinjaFit Gym, whose obstacle-course-inspired workouts draw from many of the same skills (and muscles groups) prized by the ninjas of yore. Strength and conditioning sessions here might find exercisers scrambling across a set of rope netting, ascending the hand and foot holds of an indoor rock wall, or holding their own on a set of gymnastics rings. Weight work, including deadlifts and kettle bell programs, round out the functional regimen.