Spin class
Spinning involves indoor cycling on a stationary bike with varying levels of resistance and speed. At its core, this class focuses on speed and stamina training, with the uphill resistance options giving you the challenge to strengthen your legs and tone your bum. These classes are a fantastic option for focusing on endurance and resistance training, as well as HIIT training options. Higher energy in shorter bursts is also a great option for those of us that are a little restricted on time or are aiming to boost our metabolic rate quickly.
That being said, be sure to know your limits before you begin- don’t push yourself too hard too soon as it puts you at risk of an injury. Be sure that the resistance options are right for you- not too much so you push too hard and not too little so you breeze through without any changes. A steady resistance will work your muscles, boost your endurance and leave you fighting fit for the next session.
Zumba
An increasingly popular option, most likely because of how much fun you can have as you work out. Mixing high and low-intensity moves into a dance workout lets you have fun and get fit all at once. A popular Latin inspired group activity that focuses on movement, helping to improve your cardio, muscle strength, and balance. The emphasis on enjoyment comes first in most cases, making this a great choice for beginners looking to try something new. There are many different forms that Zumba classes can take, including more focused branches and aquatic variations to help you improve specific areas with greater efficiency. You can either try a bit of everything or decide for yourself what sounds good to you, and go from there.
HIIT Training
High Intensity Interval Training has its core foundations in achieving the maximum results in short periods of time. Mainly working to improve your cardiovascular endurance, HIIT also targets various areas and muscle groups because of the changing nature of its routines. HIIT employs circuits of exercises that you would go through one after the other, or clusters. You can decide what exercises work best with what you want to achieve, so long as you follow the formula and give it your all. Many high-intensity programs make use of this technique as their foundation, so learning the fundamentals of HIIT training can prepare you for various other high-energy routines you might discover.
Tabata training
Named after Dr. Izumi Tabata, who conducted research into the best possible way to burn calories, this option takes the fundamental principles from HIIT training and fine-tunes them. Each set within a Tabata workout only lasts four minutes, but required the highest possible energy for 20 seconds with 10 seconds of rest intervals.
This is not an option for those just starting out on their fitness journey, because each high-intensity interval must be performed at the highest possible energy levels. This isn’t an issue in itself, but doing so without sufficient practice in maintaining your form and balance could result in serious injury. Instead, try out this option when you want to move on to something more challenging than HIIT routines, so you have had a chance to build up your muscle and confidence.
CrossFit
A great choice if you are looking for an overall workout, CrossFit by definition incorporates a broad range of varied exercises to cover all the bases. Each day brings a different variety of exercises focusing on aerobic, weightlifting, and muscle building techniques. This can be a great start for those looking to get into weight training because of their periodic use, or those looking to find new ways to workout. A CrossFit class usually lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, including warmups and summaries of the initial goals, as well as the workout of the day (WOD) that will be the focus for that particular class.
Bodyattack
Many of the core exercises implemented in Bodyattack routines use lunging, sprinting, and jumping at their core, making this a fantastic option for those looking to improve balance and general mobility. That isn’t to say that you won’t also be targeting strength too- muscle conditioning and resistance training are also included in these workouts. The amount of time you spend on each workout session and the level of variation between exercises are determined by you and can be revised at any point to give you the best results. As with many of these workouts, they provide you with the key fundamentals and let you decide what you can benefit from the most.
Bootcamp UK
Bootcamp UK consists of tailored outdoor routines for all ability levels, making this a great way to get the ball rolling on your fitness journey and make the most of the outdoors at the same time. Working out with people at the same level of fitness can often encourage greater motivation and support, which can make all the different in those clutch moments.
There is also the option of online workouts that are designed to be completed in the comfort of your own home. This makes bootcamp UK a great option for those with constantly changing schedules, or those who just prefer the extra element of flexibility. The online workouts give clear guidance on each exercise, so this can be a great place to start if you’re a little nervous or aren’t sure where to begin.
Pilates
Developed by its founder Joseph Pilates with the sole goal strengthening your body and mind in a more well-rounded way, this is an increasingly popular option for both people looking to workout inside and outside the home. The primary focus of pilates is to strengthen your core and improve your posture through its regimen. Most of the options are low impact to help keep you safe and avoid injury as you gradually condition your body. Pilates aims for improved balance, agility and mobility above building mass, but targets very specific areas of the muscle groups that we often overlook. If you want to tone up your whole body and improve your overall control and posture, then this is a great place to start.
Boxercise
Based on training techniques used by boxers, there is never a sparring partner involved. Instead, there is a focus on stamina and precision under der pressure. Exercises such as shadow boxing, skipping, and hitting pads are all implemented to help you keep fit and work on mobility at the same time. Fast reps will work on your endurance and help you practice keeping your form consistent even under pressure. You can also work on your reaction times and general motor skills whilst boosting your fitness exponentially. This option is straightforward and is good for all fitness levels, so if this sounds like something you would be interested in you can’t go wrong here.
