Try These 6 Workouts To Mix Up Your Routine
Head to a group fitness class to keep your exercise routine interesting, challenging, and fun. You’ll get the best of both worlds – a fun workout with the necessary structure and guidance from a qualified instructor. There are so many options now for group classes. Choose from aerial yoga and bouncing to underwater spinning, cardio circuits, Pilates reformer classes, and much more.
You will generally find a fairly full schedule at most gyms. Fitness has evolved so much that for the most part, most gyms have a large selection of classes. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in your gym, great group classes are also offered at smaller studios and boutique gyms that might be worth a visit too. We also offer some of the classes below on our fitness vacation, providing variety in the daily lineup. Either way, if you’re looking for something different and feel like you need a change from your normal alignment, check out these classes.
HULA HOOPING CLASS
You probably thought hula hooping was a thing of the past or something you only did as a kid. Think again! Hula hooping classes have become a great way to move your body in a completely different way. With music, you will move and enjoy the choreography of your instructor.
Fitness hoops are generally weighted, which gives you a bit of resistance and makes this class more challenging than the regular hoop you could have done years ago. You will need to stabilize yourself to maintain control and balance while increasing your heart rate!
According to the American Council On Exercise, you can burn up to 600 calories per hour with this full-body workout. In addition, it will improve flexibility and balance, in addition to strengthening the muscles of the back, abs, arms and legs. Some gyms even blend hooping into other classes like Pilates and yoga.
Glide
Sliding discs make any workout more challenging. Generally, sliding discs are placed under the hands or feet depending on the movement, increasing the intensity level in a non-impact manner. You will have to work harder to maintain balance, stability, and control while performing movements such as lunges, squats, skaters, plank moves, mountain climbers, decks, and much more. Sounds like fun?
You can try sliding into a local gym or studio. Some classes are all gliding: 50 minutes of upper body, lower body, and core work. Some studios may also blend gliding, like hula, into other fitness classes to mix things up. Either way, the moves are fun and effective. Pro Tip: If you’re sliding around at home, you can always use paper plates on rugs or towels on hardwood floors. However, be careful of slipping. Try a few moves before starting a full workout.
BODY WEIGHT TABATA
The bodyweight tabata is one of our guests’ favorite classes at the retreat. This class can be done anywhere, but we do it on the beach, so the views and atmosphere make it a completely different ball game. This fitness class is challenging! Most of the movements are movements that many people have done before: push-ups, planks, dips, squats, lunges, power takes, forearm raises, quick feet, and more. It doesn’t sound complicated or difficult, does it? However, it is the format and tempo that change everything for this workout.
If you are not familiar with Tabata, the format is 20 seconds of hard work followed by 10 seconds of rest 8 times. For example, we would do 20 seconds of push-ups x 10 seconds of rest 8 times, which is equivalent to about 4 minutes. 20 seconds of work might not sound like a lot, but when you repeat it over and over again, it tests your muscles in a really great way. You are sure to feel the heat with this workout!
Don’t worry, you don’t have to join us for a fitness vacation just to try this class. There are many gyms and studios that offer it too. Be on the lookout for Tabata or even a HIIT class that uses only body weight.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
A recovery class, this focuses on releasing tight, tense muscles and connective tissue. In general, we tense and strengthen a lot and not enough of recovery work to keep our muscle and fascia relaxed and balanced. Some kinds of stretching will fuse myofascial release with them. Other classes may focus solely on deep release or foam roll.
According to Yoga Medicine, the term myofascial release refers to any technique that works on the muscles and fascia. There are many different modalities; however, the most common myofascial self-release (SMFR) techniques often involve the use of foam balls or rollers. The beauty of SMFR is that it can be done with simple tools and training. Which means that it is a very accessible tool.
You will most likely see a combination of group classes and / or private sessions when it comes to this type of make-up work. Either way, it is important as part of a balanced exercise routine. It’s also important to do it correctly, so while you can do it at home, I highly recommend that you take at least one class or session from a professional to learn proper technique.
AERIAL YOGA OR AERIAL SILKS
Depending on the gym and / or class, this may be referred to as aerial yoga or aerial silks. Either way, get ready for a totally different yoga experience! These classes are basically a combination of yoga and stunts. You will explore the asanas with a support material (such as a hammock) that hangs from the ceiling. This support will give you less joint compression during certain inversions and a better range of motion for other poses like the hip-opening pigeon.
Now this may seem complicated, but it is not as crazy as it seems on paper. You don’t need prior experience, but be sure to let the instructor know that this is your first time. Although you will use material suspended from the ceiling, your feet will still be able to touch the ground. As you practice this type of yoga, you will have the opportunity to improve your strength and flexibility. We all need a little of that!
EQUIPMENT BALANCE TRAINING
A whole class dedicated to balance training? Yes! Channel Your Inner Gymnast – Okay, not really, but be prepared to improve your balance and coordination. Balance training is great for everyone. It is something we practice in retirement constantly. However, what makes this type of class fun for people is the inclusion of different teams.
For example, we use small stability discs, larger balance aids like the Bosu, and even balance tools that resemble a balance beam to strengthen the feet and ankles, challenge balance, and refine the connection between mind and mind. the body. It makes the class challenging and fun at the same time. Many of the movements require focus and concentration, making this class a totally different experience. It’s tough and challenging, but it goes fast because you have to really think about what you’re doing.
Check with your local gym for balance classes. Again, you can see fusion classes that incorporate a combination of balance and strength or balance and core, so keep an eye out for the creative names and read the descriptions.
IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL STATE
Have fun with fitness! Try new workouts to keep your head and body in the game. Change is always good and it’s fun to mix it up with interesting workouts. You may find a new favorite gym class! If you are unsure about the classes and what they entail, ask an employee so you can better understand what you might be getting into.
Enjoy trying something new. Don’t be discouraged if you have a little difficulty in that first class. It is normal! Give yourself a break and a chance to learn a new activity. Most instructors will offer modifications, but feel free to do one if you are uncomfortable or unsure of an exercise.
If you’re not sure where to start or where to look for classes, check out the Class Pass. It’s a great way to try out different classes and studies in your area.