We’ve found it: Your new favorite workout
| 3 min read
What’s the best way to stop exercising? Keep doing the same old workout you’ve done for years. What’s that? You want to keep exercising? Then you’re in luck because 2014 is filled with fresh and innovative ways to shake things up at the gym. While boot camp and Zumba classes led fitness trends in years past, this year it’s all about workouts that cater to your lifestyle and pack a lot of power into a short amount of time. We’ve broken down our favorite new workouts so you can figure out which 2014 trend is right for you.
For those who love cardio
Try high-intensity interval training
High-intensity interval training (HIIT for short) involves bursts of a high-intensity exercise, like burpees, followed by a short period of rest or recovery. It’s tough, but routines typically take less than 30 minutes to perform. This type of workout has grown in popularity lately because it yields impressive results in short periods of time. The only drawback is that it can result in high injury rates, especially for individuals who may be out of shape. Our suggestion? Team up with a trainer who knows the moves until you’re comfortable enough to do them on your own.
For those without a gym
Try body-weight training
Body-weight training uses minimal equipment, which makes it perfect for people who prefer working out at home but who still want to see great results. This idea of using your own body as a form of resistance training has been around for centuries (cavemen didn’t have fancy gyms to go to), but it’s back in the spotlight this year partly due to its affordability. Get started with moves you already know like push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and squats. Or look here for more inspiration.
For those looking to make everyday tasks easier
Try functional fitness
These types of exercises focus on building a body that’s capable of doing real-life activities easily, not just excel at lifting weights on a gym machine. The goal of functional fitness is to use strength training to improve balance, coordination, endurance and your ability to perform daily activities. For example, multidirectional lunges prepare your body for vacuuming and lawn work while farmer’s carries mimic holding heavy bags of groceries.
For those who want a cheap, but personalized experience
Try group personal training
Get a personal trainer at a fraction of the cost with group personal training. In these classes, personal trainers work with around two to four people and offer discounts to the entire group while each still receives hands-on training. Most gyms offer these types of classes so ask friends if they want to join and split the fees.
Photo credit: personal-training-yoga-studios-seattle-wa
