As more and more people discover the benefits of a sweat-drenched life, there’s a scramble to create new, exciting ways to keep people interested with as many options as possible. With all the possibilities out there, it’s time to experiment and find something new and awesome that you’ll love! With all the up-and-comers dominating the fitness game, which should you try first? There are so many options to choose from. But never fear: we’ll help you decide which of this year’s fitness trends should be a top priority.
Here are a few of the buzziest new workout techniques to hit the streets this summer.
1. Megaformer (The Lagree Method)
It’s not a transformer, but you’re close. Megaformer is a high-intensity, full-body workout. The classes are rooted in the Lagree method, named after trainer and Megaformer creator Sebastien Lagree. It’s very similar to Pilates, if you were to hike up the intensity level. It’s a workout that combines strength, endurance, cardio, balance, core and flexibility training, not only in one session, but in each and every move. It allows for the body to shift smoothly from one exercise to another, attacking each and every muscle in a very concentrated and focused style. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t feel satisfied with a workout unless you’re sore the next day, then this is for you!
2. SurfSET Fitness
From start to finish, SurfSET is a total body workout, working on your legs and abs. Incorporating a number of yoga poses ranging from downward dog to warrior, and tons of fun surfer moves in between to make you feel like you’re really catching waves. The RipSurferX allows you to have a real surf workout on a fixed-in-place machine. The machine consists of a surfboard, strapped to a metal frame and tethered to BOSU balance balls to simulate water. Classes come in four different categories: Burn, Balance, Build and Blend, which focus on cardio, instability, resistance training and all of the above. It’s a fun way to torch body fat, build lean muscle and get a ripped core with this signature surf-inspired workout. Not only will this workout get you beach-body ready, but it’ll prep you for the real thing.
3. Meditation (Headspace App)
We can see why it’s becoming a go-to for fitness gain. Practicing meditation can have an array of physical, mental and emotional benefits. It helps you slow your breath, quiet your mind, and find peace. Mediation involves focusing on the breath and being aware of your body, which are all possible with the help of the Headspace App, an app that helps you learn the basics of breathing and visualization associated with meditation. It’s your on-the-go personal mental trainer, helping you to train your mind with five categories: Foundation, Health, Relationships, Performance, and Headspace Pro. Daily meditation has been shown to help people stress less, exercise more and even sleep better. The psychological and spiritual benefits are truly endless, and those who practice meditation are overall calmer, and improve their concentration and mental focus.
4. Barre
Thinking of hitting up a different kind of bar these days? The barre workout is the perfect way to mix it up from the traditional visit to the gym. You can embrace your inner ballerina with this workout. You’ll hit all those hard-to-target muscles in your core, arms and legs. And the best part? Anyone — no matter their age, weight or fitness level — can hit the bar and get results. Most classes follow the same basic structure: a mat-based warm-up full of planks and push-ups, then a series of arm exercises, continuing at the bar with a lower-body section to work your thighs and glutes. You’ll end with a series of core-focused moves at the bar or a short session on the mat. Shed your sneakers (literally — you do it barefoot!) and give it a try!
5. HIIT
It’s hard work but it’s here to stay. Why? You get all the benefits of an intense workout, but in half the time. HIIT workouts can alternate between short, but intense bursts of activity followed by periods of rest or low-intensity moves, and an entire workout can usually be done in under 30 minutes. A good way to do this is to alternate 30 seconds of activity with 30 seconds of resting. If you’re just starting out, this is a great way to build up endurance before jumping into the gym. With HIIT, you’ll hit your goals every time. So, put on some comfy gym clothes and shoes, and get ready to up your game.
6. SoulCycle
It’s the sweatiest party you’ll ever go to. Bring on the Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj and Pitbull. SoulCycle sessions are marketed as a dance party on a bike. In just 45 minutes, a rider can burn as many as 700 calories per session. Each session involves a warm up, a high-intensity cardio and strength session, and a cool down. Set in a dark room with loud music, riders spend most of their time out of the bike seat doing choreography like push-ups on the handlebars or “tap backs” designed to work the core. The experience is more like a sweaty nightclub than a standard gym.
7. Body Weight Training
This fitness trend is taking us back to the basics! No fancy equipment or expensive membership required! Bodyweight exercises are a simple way to improve balance, flexibility and strength. Plus, you don’t need much room (or equipment) for these workouts. Bodyweight training is a great way to ease into strength training. For beginners, you can modify the exercises to your level. From legs and shoulders to chest and abs, you’ll cover every part of the body that can get stronger with just body resistance alone. Think you need a gym to stay in shape? Think again.
8. Acro Yoga
Say hello to Acro Yoga (or observe from a safe distance). The practice blends acrobatics with yogic consciousness. It is a combination of acrobatics, dance, massage and yoga. If you’ve ever participated in a trust fall exercise, it’s sort of like that, only instead of an entire group of people getting ready to catch you, you have one partner who will act as your base. Acro Yoga is done in pairs. Typically, one partner acts as a base while the other performs acrobatics with the support of the base partner. If you’re still wobbling in your downward dog, then the concept of partnered yoga may seem impossible. But with benefits such as balance, co-ordination and strength, it’s hard to resist trying it at least once. Whether you prefer your poses on the ground or airborne, the yoga-for-two trend can help elevate your flow and sculpt you from head to toe.
Bored with your current workout routine? Now you have a fresh take on some old favorites and emerging trends coming in hot this summer! Reboot your stale workout and stay on the fitness radar. If this summer has its way, you’ll be yoga surfing, Barre hopping and ‘HITT’n’ all your fitness goals. Times are changing, especially when it comes to health and fitness, but the boom clearly isn’t going anywhere, so don’t fall behind with the old. Stay ahead with the new! Which fitness trends have sparked your interest this year?
