A Fun Road to Fitness

Today there are many different types of classes on offer that provide a fun, invigorating and refreshing alternative to mindlessly sweating it out at the gym; lifting weights or running on a treadmill.

Many of these classes are becoming popular alternatives to getting the body and healthy lifestyle you want. Here is an overview of some of the most unique, exciting and (not-to-mention) exotic classes that are currently available.

Pole Dancing
One of the most enticing trends to emerge in fitness today is the rise of pole-dancing classes. The health benefits of pole dancing are tangible, for pole dancing is said to burn up to a staggering 400 calories per hour. Further, pole-dancing does wonders for self-esteem, confidence and sex-appeal. The tricks that you have to perform during pole dancing also insure that your motor fitness (speed, balance, agility, coordination) and flexibility are significantly enhanced. Supporting your own weight on the pole contributes significantly to muscular strength, whilst taking up to two hour classes also aids muscular endurance.

Capoeira
Capoeira combines gymnastics dance and martial artists in a series of fluid movements (handstands, cartwheels, kicks, etc.) linked by ginga (a swaying movement) and is performed with two players in a roda (circle of people). It provides a challenging workout that exercises the buttocks, quadriceps and hamstrings as well as improving flexibility and hand-eye coordination. The fact that it’s a ‘game’ and that music, clapping and singing are essential parts in the workout, also means that there is strong community spirit and a sense of playfulness in its practice which differentiates it from other forms of exercise.

Salsacise
Salsacise combines aerobics with basic Latin salsa movements such as mambo turns and side movements; the aerobics section warming people up for dancing. The benefits of salsacise include increased flexibility and coordination; it also gets your heart working without being too intense. Salsacise is perfect for anyone seeking a gentle form of exercise.

Boxercise
Boxercise is a class that borrows many of its moves from established boxing training principles and has become popular for its high-intensity ‘get fit quick’ ethos. Classes are based on a series of activities used in circuit training, such as sparring with hand-held pads and punch-bags, skipping, weight-lifting and shadow-boxing. It combines stretches, crunches, running and exercises with equipment like the medicine ball to really work the body. Boxercise really helps to sculpt the body and increase muscle strength and stamina. It increases powers of concentration and improves reflexes as well.

Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is a form of Hatha yoga combined with aerobics, made more intense by being practised in a room heated up to 100 degrees. The heat means that the body is more effectively detoxified and the muscles and tendons are relaxed which allows for deeper and more effective poses without risk of injury.

There is, therefore, something out there for everyone with varied forms of fitness classes that not only exercise the body, but challenge the mind and give a sense of overall well-being as well. Exercise never has to be boring again.