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