Prints, leather and velvet are some of the biggest fashion trends this fall. The iPhone 5, Instagram and tablets are at the top of the current technology trends. But did you ever think your exercise routine could be going out of style?
Health magazines and fitness experts all over the country have been ranting and raving about the latest trends in the fitness world. Tabata, Bikram and barre might sound like another language, but they are just the names of the latest workout routines.
Also known as the 4-minute workout, Tabata is a quick fat-burning interval. Tabata can be applied to just about any exercise, all you need is a timer. Basically you go all-out for 20 seconds followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeat this interval for a total of 8 times. Each 20-second interval should be at your maximum effort level- going as hard or as fast as you can.
Confused? Take sprinting on the treadmill for example. Set the pace at a speed you would consider a sprint. Run at that pace for 20 seconds, and jump off on the sides of the machine for 10 seconds of recovery, then hop back on for another 20 seconds, and so on and so forth.
Keep in mind this exercise is challenging, but it is also only 4 minutes long. An article in Shape Magazine stated that one set of Tabata can help you burn more fat than a 60-minute aerobic workout. The intervals in Tabata work to get your heart rate up to burn calories.
Tabata can also be applied to cycling, jumping rope, swimming, burpees, push-ups, mountain climbers and squat jumps. Even better, Tabata can be done at the gym, in your living room or outside.
But if you’re not up for the intense fast-paced style of Tabata, Bikram yoga may be better suited for you. Bikram yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced in a room of about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Lululemon Athletica, Bikram uses a series of 26 poses and two breathing exercises. While this class will leave you drenched with sweat, it will also help you fight stress, improve flexibility and flush out toxins. It is important to remember to stay hydrated before, during and after the session.
Big Ron’s Yoga College in Gainesville offers a Bikram class at least twice a day, seven days a week. Purchase rates and class schedules can be found on the website.
If you’re not serious about extreme sweat, barre workouts may be more fitting for you. According to post on the Daily Spark, barre workouts include movements that involve using a ballet barre. The technique combines ballet, Pilates and yoga for a total body workout. The exercises emphasize repetitions of small, pulsing movements using your own bodyweight for resistance. The workout targets your lower body and core muscles.
Barre workouts can be done at a studio with an instructor and a ballet barre. Evolve Pilates and Fitness in Gainesville offers a body barre group fitness class.
Otherwise, barre can be practiced in your own home using a sturdy chair or table and instruction from an online workout video.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your workout routine, pick a favorite and get moving.
What are some new fitness routines you want to try? Post them in the comments below.
