Highlights
- we're always looking for new ways to get inspired and stay motivated for fitness
- often, it's not new but an idea that's coming back or a bit of a twist on a favourite
Tips
- ANYTHING that gets you inspired to start or step up your program....use it!
- make it manageable - so you can sustain it after that initial novelty has worn off
- have back up plans - for options in type and time so you don't give up your routine completely ('cause that's the most common reason people fall off their fitness bandwagon)
- balance your program - high and low intensity
What's new for fall 2014?
- perfect example of things that have been around for a while, but for whatever reason are just catching on more now
1. BARRE Classes
What is it?
- classes based in ballet style conditioning
- use dance inspired movements but there's lots of variations on the theme and equipment used
- body weight - more traditional ballet type format that perhaps uses a ballet bar
- other formats use a mix of core and balance training with a dance style theme, use small hand weights, bands, balls, rails, etc
Benefits?
- total body conditioning with a different approach from traditional weight training
- small weights - so can be appealing for people who really don't like using heavier weights
- easy to do at home - since the equipment does tend to be light and portable
- easy to do in manageable blocks of time as you can do 10 minutes here and there
- great for posture and core!
Cautions?
- moves tend to be repetitive so watch any joint issues you may have
- can be repetitive with the workouts - any sport relies on repetition to master movements so some people do get bored
- you're NOT going to immediately get a long, lean dancers body as soon as you start BARRE classes; it still requires a balance of cardio, muscle and diet!
2. SurfSet
What is it?
- a training board made of lighter material than a conventional surf board
- 70" x 22" and 35 lbs
- mounted on a platform over top of 3 balance balls that create an unstable surface
- board has loops to use resistance bands
- are used for a variety of group workout formats including yoga, core and muscle
Benefits?
- stability challenge but standing on a flat surface - great combination as sometimes a BOSU or multi-axil stability board be too much
- adds a fun twist and theme to stability training
- adds an interesting twist to yoga
- builds on the popularity of SUP (stand up paddle)
- so many options for movements
Cautions?
- space and expense - for home or club
3. Fusion workouts
What is it?
- a hybrid that combines 2 or more existing workout formats into mix - yoga and Pilates, dance and yoga, muscle and dance, cycle and yoga
- there are some definite hits and misses
Benefits?
- offers variety to keep people motivated by reducing boredom
- offers a mix of formats and elements of fitness - to pack more into one workout
- pulls in different demographics that may not try a full, single class of one format
- allows more instructors to teach elements and workouts inspired by specialities
- some amazing workouts developed by creative and credible fitness professionals
Cautions?
- they don't always work!
- sometimes the instructor ends up stepping outside of their scope or increasing potential risks if they aren't informed enough with any specific element
- sometimes variety is created at the cost of common sense!
4. FitPAWS
What is it?
- yes, equipment for dogs
- balls, pods, donuts, balance pads and discs
Benefits?
- not sure...just saw this and thought it was NUTS...so have a call into my colleague who has this on her equipment website!
- thought it was different though!
5. Metabolic based training
What is it?
- more what we think of as professional athletic training - more targeted and specific with type, time and intensity to optimize results
- used in classes, training and boot camps
Benefits?
- increasing awareness and knowledge of intensity helps to improve results and decrease risk of injury
- motivation - avoid frustration of investing time and NOT getting results
- variations of training approaches use the concepts - HIIT, Tabata, interval training
Cautions?
- many classes and training USE it to market programs and training
- to truly benefit, you do need a metabolic test first - can be costly (about $200) and uncomfortable
- can be very technical vs. fun
6. BAR Training (sorry....again, nothing to do with cocktails!)
What is it?
- body weight and balance using bars
- started with playground equipment and now, like ballet classes, are using a variety of more portable bars like the EQ (Equalizer) that we have here
- i.e. The Bartendaz - an amazing group of guys who started promoting this in Harlem as a healthy option against gangs and drugs
- use the bar or playground equipment for support, balance and resistance
Benefits?
- easy and low tech
- amazing development of balance and coordination
Cautions?
- not so easy if you have any existing upper body injuries including shoulders, elbows and wrists
7. Getting back in the game
What is it?
- anything recreation and team - basketball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, swimming, etc
- NEW options such as sand up paddle, parkour, ultimate marathonning (like our friend Ray Zahab!)
- also anything recreation outdoors - hiking and biking from casual to endurance training
Benefits?
- truly life STYLE offering a balance of fun activity from a WORKout
- more social
- can be as or as little competition as you like
- fresh air
Cautions?
- can't return to your 20's level of activity right away!
- injuries - on uneven surfaces
- pushing too far in a competitive arena