Get in great shape after the festive season with these four trendy workouts to start the year off right!
Swedish fit
What is it?
Swedish Fit was created by Swedish physical therapists and doctors in 1978. It’s done to fun and dynamic music and most importantly in a cheerfulness mood! Classes are about an hour long and are categorized by levels and needs: stretching, strengthing, cardio, etc.
Who is it for?
It's designed to help increase cardiovascular function and strengthen muscles, so the Swedish Fit is perfect for all ages and levels. The exercises involve moderate bending, so there is no risk of injury.
Why it's a great workout?
It builds endurance and muscle tone, improves the posture and increases flexibility. And, as you know, exercise is good for your heart and to reduces stress!
So, are you up to the Swedish Fit challenge?
Spinning
What is it?
Spinning is usually done in group classes held indoors, and of course, on a bicycle! For about an hour, you're pedalling to the sound electronic music while a coach gives instructions and cheers everyone on! "Faster!" "Slow down!" It moves at a breakneck pace. The bikes simulate different road surfaces : flat, downhill and uphill, all interspersed with sprints.
Who is it for?
Anyone can do it as long as you properly adjust your bicycle's resistance to your your calibre your performance level! Your first classes may be though, but don't give up! It's all part of the challenge!
Why it's a great workout?
Spinning classes are a great cardio workout! It also strengthens your legs' muscles, while tonning the buttocks, abs and abductors. Got weaker knees? Don’t worry, Spinning is a low-impact sport on the joints if you use the right posture (the coach will guide you). It's a really great workout for the heart and you’ll be sweating like mad after one session!
Body Combat
What is it?
Body Combat is an empowering cardio workout inspired by martial arts like karate, taekwondo, and tai chi. It combines a series of movements with punches and kicks to very energetic music!
Who is it for?
Be warned: this workout is for diehards! The challenge also comes with having to learn all the movements and sequences by heart. That being said, it's all a matter of practice and habit!
Luckily, some fitness centres offer classes tailored to every level. It isn't suitable for people with heart issues.
Why it's a great workout?
This intense workout makes you feel like a boxer. For 45-55 minutes, you get all of your stress and anxiety out as you jump around, throw punches and dodge through the air while facing off an imaginary opponent. It engages the core and makes you workout your whole body, top to bottom!
HIIT
What is it?
The "High Intensity Interval Training" is a workout that alternates between intense and moderate exercises, broken up by short recovery periods. The great effectiveness of this wourkout comes from its many exercises interval will get you the best results in the least amount of time. Classes only last 30 minutes!
Who is it for?
Even though classes can be adapted to everyone’s pace, HIIT is for people with a good heart condition! Since HIIT trainings last only 30 minutes, it’s also perfect for people with tight schedules who have trouble finding time to work out.
Why it's a great workout?
Cardio and strength training in such a short amount of time helps you burn a higher number of calories. Even when you've finished your HIIT you'll still be burning calories, it's called the "afterburn effect". HIIT improves your cardiovascular health, boosts your metabolism and tones up your figure.
What's your favorite workout to kick off the new year? Let us know in the comments!