When a New Year comes around, there is no shortage of tips and advice for getting fit and healthy. According to the stats compiled on New Year’s resolutions by iQuanti, the most common New Year’s resolution for 2017 was to get healthy. We do not doubt that 2018 will be any different.
Every body is different, and you can’t merely change the genes your parents gave you when you were born. We are all too familiar with the tricky trouble areas of our bodies. Rather than pounding the treadmill or mindlessly lifting weights, why not engage in exercise that will get you inspired and in shape this year? From high-intensity interval training (HITT) to the various styles of yoga, there’s something for everyone. Here are our predictions for the top five exercises for 2018.
Yoga
There are four critical faculties of fitness: cardio, muscular fitness, flexibility, and body composition. Yoga has proven to be effective in improving all four of these faculties. The body is not the only one to get exercise from yoga, but also the mind. Founded more than 5,000 years ago, yoga gets reinvented year after year to help bodies and minds feel prepared to cope with day to day life, stresses and of course to get in shape. There are many various forms of yoga such as traditional hatha yoga, power yoga, vinyasa flow yoga, yin yoga, hot yoga and much more.
Health and fitness begin in the mind. How does yoga build fitness? Stretching through dynamic and passive forms whilst working on strength building asanas (postures) make for a balanced body, ready for the changes and stresses of life’s demands. It also improves the circulation, the function of respiratory system and helps us stay energised and calm. The improved tone and posture, are a bonus.
Pilates
Pilates is already a growing exercise form. However, this year be prepared to see more men discovering the benefits of the Pilates method. Pilates works your entire body, focusing on the Powerhouse (core) muscles to make movement stronger and more efficient.Like yoga it brings the mind and body together synchronising breath and movement, but doesn’t have the same spiritual aspects, which makes it much more accessible to all. It’s no surprise that so many celebrities, such as Madonna or Kerry Washington and professional sportsmen, like David Beckham and Jake Arrieta, all sing the praises of the Pilates.
Bonus side effects that Pilates can bring are stronger, more toned muscles, reduced pain, and more flexibility and has also been claimed to help people feel younger and live longer.
Barre Classes
In ballet, the barre is the handrail that dancers hold while perfecting their technique. Barre exercises take those classic ballet moves, add them to yoga and Pilates inspired moves and use them to help a much wider audience. The modern-day version is a leg-butt workout. Your ankles and calves up through your knees, hips, and glutes will feel an incredible burn and become more toned. Barre movements are about improving range of motion, strength, and flexibility whilst having a lot of fun. Check out Jo and Laerke’s Barre and Pilates week, in Fuerteventura, for an incredible introduction to this fun fitness method.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
HIIT has been popular for a few years now, and it more than proven its success. This form of training involves intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, active recovery periods. Due to busy schedules and less time for exercise, this method is beneficial in numerous ways. High-intensity interval trainers design these workouts for beginners and experts. Work up a sweat with a 10-minute beginner workout or challenge your entire body with a 30-minute blaster.
Body Weight Training
This type of exercise brings together elements of gymnastics and a cross-fit style workout. Gym machines can target a specific area of your body, but they can be monotonous and boring and don’t really work out the whole body. Body weight training is ideal for this and can be done in groups which makes it more fun.
Body weight exercises are a type of strength training that helps rebuild damaged muscle. Building lean muscle mass is great for your heart, blood vessels, lungs, hormone production and brain activity. Numerous studies have proven this exercise benefits your sleep, metabolism, bones, immunity, and mood.
Begin simple and work within your limitations when first starting body weight training. Find a certified trainer to advise you and help to build a circuit, or join a class that works for you. Push-ups, wall-sits, squats, and planks are all moves that will have your muscles working hard after a good workout.
There are plenty of exercises that will help you get fit in the New Year. The five we have mentioned focus on all fitness compositions. Anyone can engage in these exercises from the comfort of their own home. For more tips and tricks for staying focused and fit in the New Year, visit www.azulfit.com.