If you haven't got into the fitness groove yet, perhaps these new cult crazes are exactly what you need to make exercise fun and give your weight loss a boost.
New research from the US suggests that, when it comes to exercise, variety is the key to staying motivated.
A study by the University of Florida found that doing the same form of exercise over and over again increases your chances of giving up, but that motivation grows when you spice up your exercise options.
We all know that something new and different challenges the body and sharpens the mind. You may be surprised at how many different activities suit you.
The good news is, with so many emerging fitness trends, there’s never been a better time to keep your training interesting and fun. From the sweaty dance beat of a Zumba® class to chess boxing – we give you the low down on them all...
Jukari
JUKARI Fit to Fly and JUKARI Fit to Flex were both born out of a collaboration between fitness giant, Reebok, and world class circus performers, Cirque du Soleil. In JUKARI Fit to Fly classes, a weighted trapeze-inspired bar is attached to your gym’s ceiling. The special moves use this bar to give the sensation of flying.
JUKARI Fit to Flex classes use the special elasticated JUKARI Band – designed to create resistance while you exercise and help you follow the unique moves which promise to lengthen and sculpt the body.
www.reebok.com/US/womens/fittoflex
Zumba®
It’s the instructor-led cardio-dance class that has got everyone in a spin – borrowing moves and music from a range of popular dances including Salsa and Flamenco with the occasional hip-hop or belly dancing move thrown in. While the emphasis is on having fun, it’s a full-on work out that works up a decent sweat.
www.zumba.com
Pose
A teaching method devised by a Russian track-and-field coach back in the 70s and now used by runners worldwide. The theory is that by breaking down running into a series of snapshot poses – from standing on the balls of your feet to one foot falling forwards and landing on the ground – you can develop the perfect running technique.
www.posetech.com
Hula hooping
This retro exercise craze is making a comeback – with hula hooping inspired dance classes popping up everywhere. The classes have an element of gymnastics and dance to them. As well as being a lot of fun, they’ll tone your body, burn calories and help strengthen your pelvic floor, pulling in the abdominal muscles.
Mobile yoga
Yoga and inline skating teacher Kris Fondran noticed how integrating yoga-influences, such as body-awareness, breathing and flexibility, complimented the balance, rhythm and flow of inline skating and dramatically helped her skating students improve their technique and confidence. The Mobile Yoga Workout was born – sessions involve both mat work and skating.
Martial arts
The punching and kicking moves associated with these exercise classes provide a great way to tone your arms and legs. But today a new breed of martial arts training is emerging – that mix in elements of yoga or T’ai Chi alongside the traditional combat sport element of martial arts – giving even more fitness benefits.
Chess boxing
Described as the thinking person’s combat sport – competitors in this bizarre trend alternate punching power with brainpower. They face each other in the boxing ring for a round of boxing and then take off their gloves, put on headphones and play a round of chess – challengers have 11 rounds in which to either checkmate their opponent or knock them out.
www.chessboxing.com
Image courtesy of Zumba® Fitness LLC