Time to change your workout up? Looking for some ways to change up your fitness routine?
At this time of year, gyms are pretty full. Many of us are filled with good intentions. We have made health resolutions after the usual overindulgence of the holidays. It is great to join a gym and stick to an exercise program. What happens after a while though, is our bodies get used to the same thing over and over and so now is time to think about switching it up. Here are some ways to change up your fitness routine for great results.
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1. Walking
One exercise that almost everyone can do is walking - it is great for you and so easy. If walking has become too easy, then try hills, try stairs, try speeding things up. Race your own times, find a walking partner. If you have a real spring in your step, do some little sprint bursts, say from one tree to the next. Walking is a beautiful exercise that is even recommended to ward off depression and other mental illnesses. Fitness, stress relief, and an environmentally friendly way to travel - why not? Walking is one of the best ways to change up your fitness routine.
2. Cycle Classes
If you have not exercised in a while and have maybe let yourself go, this is a great place to start. It is low impact but can be very high intensity. So it is gentle on your joints, but can still raise your heart rate and burn loads of calories, which is good. A friend once described Spin or RPM classes as dancing on a bike. It is fun and many gyms make the room dark, which is great if you are looking for anonymity. This is a great place to start to increase your fitness.
3. Pump
Pump is great for strength and toning. This class can also be done at your own pace. You can select light weights and build up. The class can even be done with just a barbell if you want to perfect your squats and lunges before making them even harder. There is something about being in a class with other people that makes you feel part of a team. For toned arms, legs, tummies, and buttocks, give Pump a try.
4. Yoga
If you think yoga is not really exercise think again. Look at the people who do this class regularly. They are lean, strong, and relaxed looking. Yoga strengthens and lengthens. It is also so good for your mind. This class will have you floating on air as you walk out. There is a lot of breathing and holding poses, but you can always work up a sweat. The whole reason yoga became a thing was to prepare the body for meditation. One of the best parts of a yoga class is the mindfulness part at the end. This is where the teacher will tell you to relax each part of your body and where you really may find yourself letting go.
5. Zumba
Now, this is a fun class. Basically dancing - but don't let that scare you off. Zumba has beautiful music with infectious beats. It is a cardio workout with simple easy to follow moves. You can burn a lot of calories in this class and I have never done one without a lot of smiling and laughter. It is not a concert and most teachers encourage you to have fun with it and laugh it off if you make a wrong move. This is the class to do when you are looking for light-hearted movement.
