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Yoga: A great mind/body workout
Photo: Courtesy Yogaletics/GoFit.net
FABULOUS FITNESS TRENDS
FUN FITNESS FOR THE CHANGING SEASONS!
By Felicia Pesis
Keep the perfect body all year long.
As the seasons change, it is easy to let your strict fitness and diet routines fall by the wayside. But just because you can curl up in cozy sweaters, it doesn’t mean you can start hiding those extra pounds. It is still important to maintain your physique and keep your body healthy all year long. Plus, you will be proud of yourself when next summer rolls around and you are already in great bathing suit shape. To keep yourself motivated and change up your workout routine with the shifting seasons, we have rounded up some of the newest fitness trends.
Back to Basics. There was a time when everyone had to have the newest fitness gadgets and machines. However, as the economy struggles with the recession, workouts have also gone back to basics. Ken Locker, a spokesman for the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) says, "Everybody in America now has a little treadmill in the corner with clothes on it -- and now, there is a trend away from that, a trend back to basics." So, instead of running to purchase a new piece of equipment, use your own bodyweight to train. It will allow you to work out anytime, anywhere. Check out some great routines in our exercise section that you can do at your local gym or in your living room to squeeze in a great, quick workout.
Mind/Body Workouts. With the stress of daily life, it can be difficult to relax and settle your thoughts. Why not work out your mind and body simultaneously, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated afterward? There are now a multitude of different yoga classes that train your body and your mind at the same time, as you concentrate on the different poses. Yoga also provides a great workout – a 140-lb. woman can burn over 600 calories in an hour class of Bikram yoga, or hot yoga! If this type of yoga does not appeal to you, many gyms and yoga studios offer free classes so you can find the class that works best for you. Yoga.com offers a plethora of information on the practice, featuring books, DVDs, articles and studio information. Visit the site to learn more.
Circuit Training. As always, time is a commodity, and we are constantly trying to fit the most into each and every one of our days. Circuit training is great because it allows you to burn a lot of calories in a short period of time. As the American Council on Exercise (ACE) notes, “Studies have shown that interval training combining strength training and cardiovascular activity at different intensities provides a more time-efficient workout than participating in traditional aerobic and weight training sessions.” You can create your own circuit exercise regimen, or join a circuit class at your gym to optimize your time. “With an increase in popularity of circuit training, many gyms are even setting up their own circuits to allow their members an easy path to fitness,” according to ACE.
Get a Buddy. This is the best way to ensure you follow through with your workout plans. Consider your workout with your friend just as important as any other meeting or obligation in your busy day. Plus, you can set workout goals together, and track each other’s progress. Of course, it is also a great way to multi-task, catch up with a friend and workout at the same time!
Bootcamp. Now that the weather is starting to cool off, it is a great time to take advantage of a sunny day and do a bootcamp workout. These classes have increased in popularity because of their unique muscle benefits. Besides burning over 600 calories, a one-hour class offers a wide array of exercises to keep your body guessing and your muscles working. Expect a great cardio workout along with pushups, squats and lunges in your class. If you are trying to save money, recruit a few of your friends and search for a bootcamp workout on freeworkoutsguide.com, then get started!
Editor’s Note: As always, consult a physician before making any drastic changes to your exercise routine.
