Have you ever checked out core conditioning? Through various workout dead ends I've found it after several years of experimentation. I've found it safer, easier, faster, and much more interesting. These principles are similar to that of pilates or even yoga, but extend the ideas towards the ultimate goal of combat training. Each exercise allows you to build strength, stretch, and also gets your blood pumping. This stuff could help anyone get the core strength needed to perform stunning feats of break dancing in just a few months.
I'd thoroughly recommend checking out this guy for more info (he's really pushing the concept), his videos are pleasant and easy to watch, and despite first looks he's really not some kind of psycho:
http://www.mattfurey.com/
wikipedia entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Furey
Just to prove I'm not some kind of advertising agent, search fot these non spcific terms too:
carl gotch (apparently the indirect father of this stuff)
core conditioning
combat conditioning