Being fit is certainly in, but the road to achieve that perfect body isn’t that easy. Following a regular schedule can be boring and it is no surprise that most of the run-of-the-mill regimes have high drop-out rates. And so, gymnasiums and fitness instructors all around the world are coming up with innovative workouts. While group exercises have a fun quotient, dance workouts are a step up with peppy music adding to the thrill. And though rigorous and sporty workouts are more popular abroad, Indians it seems like to mix enjoyment and fitness. Here’s a peep into the hottest fitness trends that will help you shed that extra flab but not turn it into a boring exercise...
ROUGH AND TOUGH:
for the second year in a row the american council on exercise has predicted boot-camp style workouts will continue to dominate the fitness world. According to the council, “they give a total-body workout that’s varied, fun and challenging”. These workouts mirror the physical training of soldiers, and are efficient because you work your entire body — heart and muscles — by going from one exercise to another with no rest. The workouts involve calisthenics such as pushups, jumping jacks, crunches and other body weight exercises. The extreme cardiovascular factor leads to a high calorie burn, resulting in a greater weight-loss potential. But the best part is that despite being rigorous and taxing on the body, they are fun as each exercise is different, so you don’t get bored.Nirbhay, fitness manager at Ozone Spa, New Delhi says, “Calisthenics use your own body weight to provide resistance needed to strengthen muscles, so you don’t need fancy equipment or lots of money to get into top physical condition.” Interestingly, experts say that boot-camp workouts are perfect for women who shy away from weight training. As it is a military-style workout, it is high energy, high intensity and an excellent form of cardio exercise. But Mickey Mehta, one of India’s prominent health experts, warns that it is very intense. People over 40, in particular, should be careful while getting onto this regime. “It is the ultimate training programme, so people should gradually build up to it.”
Though yet to catch up in India, boot-camp style workouts are enjoyable and demand a certain kind of discipline.
DANCE MANIA:
The ‘masala bhangra workout’, for instance, is simply a blend of aerobics and Bhangra. It was first initiated by an NRI in the US, where it became hugely popular. From hip-hop and jazz to African, Latin and Bollywood-inspired aerobics, gyms are harnessing the energy of dance to burn extra calories. Dance-exercises are mainly cardio vascular workouts that aims to work on the entire body and can burn 300-400 calories in one session. These high intensity workouts tend to be good mood enhancers too.
