It’s a great idea to keep up with the newest trends in fitness and exercise and to change up your workouts so they don’t become stale. Whether you’re looking to get out with the girls for some healthy fun, already have an established regimen or need to work off some of those comfort-food pounds gained over the Canadian winter, consider trying out one (or more!) of these hot Canadian trends in fitness and exercise.
Bikram Yoga
This trend is hot — literally! In this style of yoga, the room is heated (to between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius), and students sweat their way through upwards of 20 positions.The high temperatures are thought to warm muscles, sweat out more toxins and burn fat faster. Be aware of the possibility of dehydration and check with a medical professional if you have health issues that might be exacerbated by the extreme heat.
Dance-Inspired Fitness
Zumba, the high-energy workout that incorporates Latin rhythms of varying speeds with dance steps, remains very popular in Canadian fitness clubs. The reason? It’s the perfect way to have fun while burning calories – it takes the ‘work’ out of workout!
Fusion
This is a concept where two or more different styles of workout are fused together for maximum benefit. For example, a spin fusion class might include 30 to 40 minutes of spinning with 20 to 30 minutes of weight training or resistance work. A yoga fusion class might incorporate yoga, strength training and cardiovascular exercises or might be as simple as mixing yoga with pilates.
Core Fitness
As Canadians’ awareness about the benefits of a strong midsection has grown, so has their interest in core fitness workouts. Achieving a strong abdominal region will not only help to improve balance and posture, but will also support the spine and torso (meaning increased flexibility and health benefits for the lower back, legs and even the neck). While core strength can be enhanced with yoga, pilates and belly-dancing, core training routines also incorporate balance boards, stability balls and weights.
Kettlebells
In gyms across Canada, fitness enthusiasts are avidly checking out kettlebells. Never heard of them? Kettlebells are round, iron-cast weights with handles that come in various sizes and weights. They’re used for strength training and give the user the benefit of cardiovascular and resistance training all in one workout!
Weighted Hula Hoops
No longer just brightly coloured plastic toys, newer Hula Hoops have gotten larger, gained weight and made their way into fitness classes. Playing with them has become a way to achieve an aerobic workout that tones the midsection, glutes and thighs. Hooping typically begins with some basics and in intermediate classes may include dance steps, jumps and tricks.
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