Inspiration, gym guru, choirmaster

At L.A. gyms, the out-of-shape often feel as if they need to work out before joining. At least that’s how Merlyn Harriger felt 4 1/2 years ago, when he weighed 435 pounds. Not only were the cardio and aerobics classes too intense, working out in front of fit people just wasn’t any fun.

So he created Broadway Boot Kamp -- an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink workout that emphasizes fun as much as fitness. Harriger, a finance company director whose fitness credentials include dojo training in China and a personal trainer course from Bally’s, holds his class in a dance studio instead of a gym. There, participants are encouraged to laugh, yell and otherwise distract themselves from the mirror.

The 90-minute class moves from tai chi and yoga to dance moves to abdominal exercises, martial arts and an obstacle course.

“Then, just when they think they’re leaving, I make them come over to the piano, and we do all the arpeggio scales, singing all the vowel sounds,” says Harriger, who, at 250 pounds, is closing in on his goal weight of 180. “It’s the most horrible choir you’ve ever heard, but you’ve never seen so many people smiling.”

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-- Susan Carpenter

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Broadway Boot Kamp, Art of the Dance, 5259 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, 9 p.m. Tuesdays, 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Also: Jinenkan, 2130 Sawtelle Blvd., L.A. 6:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. Saturdays. $6 per class. (323) 244-1939.