Fitness is the key mantra for ‘Gen X and Y’. It has to be as our present lifestyle continues to take a heavy toll on our bodies and minds. Medical surveys across the globe unanimously point to the fact that lack of proper exercise, rest and improper diet lead to health-related complications such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and all that evil that it brings along. These diseases are biggest killers in the 21st century.
But then, hitting the gym is a tough call for most. So, how do we keep ourselves fit! The answers lie in the new age fitness routines that can not only keep you fit but also are enjoyable.
Here are some of our favourite new-age fitness tricks that you should definitely try.
Zumba: It is a fitness programme created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez during the 1990s. This involves dance and aerobic movements performed to peppy music. The choreography often incorporates various dance forms like hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo. Squats and lunges are also included. This form of exercise has gained immense popularity worldwide and it is evident from the fact that approximately 15 million people take weekly Zumba classes in over 2,00,000 locations across 180 countries.
Aerial Yoga: Aerial yoga is a type of exercise routine developed recently in 2014 combining traditional yoga poses, pilates, and dance with the use of a hammock. Studies indicate that this form of yoga strengthens joints and muscles by facilitating bending and stretching of the whole body during exercise. As with other forms of active exercise, the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems are improved through increased blood circulation as well.
Trampoline: What else can be more fun than jumping around on a trampoline! While trampolines have been around for eight decades now, this — as a form of work-out – has come to fore only recently. This latest workout to hit the block is said to be more effective than jogging. Bouncing up and down trampolines is a great cardio exercise and helps burn calories, build heart and lung fitness and improve your balance. A mere 10 minutes on the trampoline is said to be equivalent to 30 minutes on the treadmill.
Bodhi Suspension System: Developed by Pilates instructor Khita Whyatt and businessperson Kirsten Sell, this system includes two independent ropes which, when installed, create four suspension points. This allows for endless opportunities to suspend the body from each point. In addition, each point choice adds strength, flexibility, balance and proprioceptive challenges leaving you fitter and stronger. It helps increase your body-balance, strengthening your arms, lower back and core!
Jukari Fit to Fly: This is a rather new and lesser known technique that puts women on focus regardless of their fitness levels. It has everything that can prove to be tremendously popular in coming days. Developed by famous sportswear brand ‘Reebok’ and renowned entertainment company – ‘Cirque du Soleil’, this is a head-to-toe workout that is new, different and above all, fun. It is a workout which gives the sensation of flying while ‘strengthening and lengthening’ the body through cardio, strength, balance and core training.