Staying trim while staying on trend
If the treadmill has become boring and pushups are no longer producing results, it may be time to try some of the much-talked about workouts that have been gaining in popularity. With so many ways to stay fit nowadays, it is hard to know where to begin and what might work, but a closer look at several hot and healthy workouts reveals that there are options for everyone when it comes to staying in shape.
While CrossFit may seem intimidating to the untrained eye, as muscular men and women perform Olympic lifts or flip tires, it is designed to work for all body types and ages that are willing to withstand some hard work. Combining weightlifting, powerlifting and gymnastics, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program comprised of three elements: function, intensity and variance. Essentially, participants see results from completing functional movements as fast as possible that are constantly varied.
CrossFit members complete a WOD, or Workout of the Day, which indicates what exercise is to be done, how many reps and sets to complete and when to rest. Participants track results which adds some friendly competition to an activity that is largely completed in groups with supervision that encourage community and camaraderie.
Regular practice of the CrossFit tech-nique leads to an improved level of fitness and increased strength which often leads to a gain in lean muscle mass and loss of fat. While the abbreviations, terms and proper form may take some time to perfect, those committed to CrossFit tend to become enthusiasts and report seeing results after each workout.
Zumba may sound like the latest Dancing With the Stars routine and it is perhaps not far from the truth.
A combination of dance and aerobic elements typically taught in an hour long class, Zumba incorporates hip-hop, salsa, samba and many other dance styles with martial arts, belly dancing and a variety of squats and lunges.
Developed in the 1990’s but recently gaining in popularity due to celebrity sightings and an increase in people looking for a fun alternative to a typical fitness class, Zumba combines fast and slow rhythms with resistance training.
Classes are set to music that is typically reserved for dances – turning exercise classes into upbeat parties where enthusiasm and celebration are encouraged.
Different levels of intensity and variations of movements throughout each class allow Zumba to be safe for all ages. Classes have been developed for varying levels, ages and abilities and are said to burn between 500 to 1000 calories.
The Bar Method, founded in 2001, is a full-body workout based on a technique that combined ballet bar routines and rehabilitative therapy in the form an exercise routine. The unique combination of isometrics, dance conditioning and physical therapy with interval training produces a noticeably sculpted body. With regular participation, expected results include elongated muscles, reduced body fat, improved posture and increased energy among other body-beautifying benefits. The Bar Method quickly and safely reshapes the body.
For those lucky enough to live in the Vancouver area, The Bar Method Vancouver is one of only two studios in Canada and 65 in the United States that is licensed to offer The Bar Method workouts. Participants attend one-hour classes where they receive personalized attention in a group setting and leave with a better mind and body connection than when they arrived.
“You’re really working out against yourself,” says Marc Brunet, Operations and Business Development Manager for The Bar Method Studios in Vancouver. “And you’re using the inspiration of everybody in the room to push yourself and inspire yourself. It’s very addictive – you’re always dancing between form and endurance.”
While participation is predominately female, classes are open to anyone willing to give it a try which is what Brunet suggests for beginners. “Come with an open mind and just participate. Clear your mind of feeling like you have to do this or do that.” All skill levels are welcome and can be found in each class making it an inviting environment for those wanting to try it out. It is also low impact, encouraging athletes of all ages.
Getting to a gym is not always easy and several programs have been developed to cater to the at-home exerciser. DVD fitness programs have seen a recent surge in participants as people look to get in shape while maximizing the time and intensity of their workout without leaving home.
Created by Tony Horton who is known as the “Master of Motivation,” P90X is a popular set of 12 DVDs that leads users through a complete fitness program that requires a commitment of just an hour a day, 6 days a week for 90 days. Described as ‘extreme home fitness,’ participants need just a set of weights or resistance bands and a chin-up bar that fits in any doorway – along with a small area in front of the TV – to complete the exercises.
P90X is considered an effective workout because of its reliance on muscle confusion so users don’t experience the typical plateau that often accompanies other static training programs. Instead, the variety of moves are designed to provide continual challenges to the mind and body.
Through resistance training, cardio, plyometrics, martial arts, stretching and yoga, P90X is a workout that maximizes fat burning and muscle sculpting in different ways every day. While accessible to anyone who has the space to workout at home and is looking for variety and a challenge, P90X includes a fitness test to ensure individuals are suited to the program.
Trying something new can be intimidating but when it comes to fitness, it can definitely be fun. With so much talk surrounding certain programs, it’s hard to know which are worth the action. Discovering which ones work can result in not only weight loss, muscle gain and a healthy mind but also an understanding of all the healthy hype.