Let’s face it -fitness regimens can get stale and boring. One of the biggest things that keeps us motivated is actually enjoying our workouts. That’s why it’s great to switch up your routine and try something fun and new. If you’re getting restless with your current fitness regimen, here are a few trends to try this year.
The Megaformer
No, that’s not the name of a new Transformers robot. The Megaformer
is the next evolution of a Pilates reformer class and it is notoriously difficult. Hollywood celebrities have already jumped on board with this trend, but Megaformer workouts – and the machines they use -are spreading throughout the nation. There’s at least one Megaformer studio in every major U.S. city, and Sebastien Lagree – the man behind the movement – says he gets daily requests for more.
Kettlebell
The kettlebell
has been picking up momentum for the past few years and now it’s so popular it has entire classes dedicated to it. Dreaded by some, but loved by many kettlebell classes
take no prisoners and will challenge you and take your strength training to a whole other level. If you’re looking to up your fitness game, doing kettlebell classes is the way to go.
Boxing
Who can forget Gisele Bündchen’s iconic “I Will What I Want” commercial, where the infamous supermodel punches and kicks her way through negativity? Though we can’t promise you’ll turn into Gisele anytime soon, boxing
studios for women and millennials are on the rise. Shadowbox, in New York City’s Flatiron District, is an example of just that – the new boutique boxing
studio has both a juice and coffee bar, and is designed to appeal to female clientele. And no, you don’t have to actually fight somebody as part of your workout. Using just a punching bag still provides a total body workout.
Virtual Classes
Workout videos are nothing new, but in the age of Netflix, we have the capability to stream any kind of content from anywhere – including workout videos! Exercise-focused streaming services like DailyBurn
, YogaGlo, and FitFusion are only going to get more popular this year. If you sign up for one or more of these services, your wallet will thank you. With the price of specialized classes on the rise (RIP Unlimited ClassPass), streaming services give you the same instructor experience for a fraction of the price. All you need is a space to exercise in.
Bodyweight Training
Why spend hundreds of dollars on exercise equipment when you can rely on your body? A kind of weightlifting practice, bodyweight training consists of strength exercises where your body’s weight provides the resistance. If you’ve ever done a push-up or sit-up – you’ve tried bodyweight training. Aside from being an efficient workout, it combines both cardio and strength training to simultaneously improve your core muscles and your flexibility. With enough practice, you’ll start to see (and feel) results quickly.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
has long been a staple of pilates and yoga, but with the rise of meditation studios and the success of Ariana Huffington’s new venture, Thrive Global, mindfulness’ popularity is going to expand this coming year. Being mindful is more than just meditating – mindfulness and wellness actually go hand in hand since they focus on balance and being aware of yourself. Use mindfulness (along with the rest of the above) to update your exercise routine and live a healthier lifestyle.
