Are you suffering from a stagnant fitness routine? Can't seem to break through a weight-loss plateau? Still searching for love at first sweat? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's time to step outside the conventional world of treadmills and step class to reinvigorate your love of exercise.
Read on to discover five new and fun fitness trends that are worth trying out.
1. Tabata
What it is: A high-intensity form of interval training originally developed for Japanese speed skaters. Exercises (which can be anything from jump rope to plank) are performed at maximum effort for 20 seconds with 10 seconds rest for 8 reps – a total of 4 minutes.
What it does for you: It keeps you working near or at your anaerobic threshold, which keeps your heart rate elevated for hours afterwards, leading to an increased calorie burn throughout the day.
Dress code: Standard workout duds.
Equipment required: Depending on what exercises you choose for your intervals, your equipment might include free weights, a chin-up bar or nothing at all.
Estimated cost: Enlisting the help of a personal trainer can cost anywhere from $30 to $75 per session, but incorporating the Tabata principle to your own at-home routine is free!
2. Zumba
What it is: Developed by a Miami-based choreographer, this cardio-intensive fitness program combines aerobics and a wide variety of Latin dance moves.
What it does for you: It gets your heart pumping, and you'll be too busy getting lost in the rhythm to notice how hard you’re working.
Dress code: Active wear that's loose enough for you to move in.
Equipment required: An instructor, or if you're embarrassed about your two left feet, a DVD player.
Estimated cost: Drop-in classes start at $15 and some fitness centres run classes that are included in the cost of membership; DVD box sets start at $35.
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