Four fitness trends for 2011
If getting fit is your aim for the New Year, then look no further as we guide you through some of the top new fitness trends for 2011.
1. TIME SAVING TOTAL BODY TRAINING
Gravity Blast classes appeared on our fitness radar at the end of 2010 and thanks to a rapidly growing fan base – Coleen Rooney included – they are now set to have a huge impact on the New Year fitness scene. Gravity Blast is a 30 minute Cardio Resistance Class that helps to sculpt and tone the whole body using just one piece of kit. Resistance is provided by your own bodyweight and a variable incline allows to you increase / decrease the difficulty. Classes are perfect for people that want an effective workout in the minimum of time because they engage all five components of exercise - muscular endurance, cardio endurance, strength, agility and flexibility – and work literally every muscle in the body. With over 200 exercises available including plyometric moves, Pilates exercises and core training, classes never get dull.
The Gravity Training System is available at selected Nuffield Health Clubs and independent UK gyms, with prices starting from £10 a class. For a full list visit: gravityuk.net
2. FUN FITNESS FOR ALL THE FAMILY
When it comes to keeping kids active, making fitness fun is the key to success. Vew-Do Boarding is an exciting way for all the family to workout together, kids think it’s cool while adults get hooked on the challenge. Vew-Do is the world's first multi-directional balance board. The board resembles a skateboard deck and comes with three different bases which allow it to really put your balance to the test. The whole family can rock, roll or wobble their way to better fitness and stability. Traditional exercises are given a new dimension as the unstable positions work the whole body while targeting the desired muscle groups. The versatility of the board is in the range of exercises that can be achieved, with differing degrees of difficulty to suit any fitness level. The Vew-Do Board looks the part too. It’s fun and funky design appeals to all-ages and the simple concept is enticing for fitness and non-fitness fans alike.
The Vew-Do Balance Board is priced £129.99 and comes with an instructional DVD. Available from vew-do.co.uk.
3. EXERGAMING GOES MAINSTREAM
Last year, The Future of Fitness White Paper from industry giant Les Mills predicted that Exergaming would hit the mainstream in the coming months and years. This prediction has now become a reality as Virgin Active install the Trixter Xdream mark3 bikes in their clubs nationwide. The Trixter Xdream is the UK’s first indoor interactive bike that accurately simulates the experience of riding outdoors. An LCD screen mounted in front of the Xdream’s handlebars allows you to steer through more than 400 cycling trails, from arid desert to densely forested highlands and race alongside virtual competitors who set the pace and push you to your limits. Riders use the unique laterally-moving handlebars to negotiate corners and avoid potential hazards along the route. Sensors are embedded in the seat, handlebars and pedals, so your every movement is replicated on screen. When you turn right, your virtual avatar turns right on screen. This is gaming technology at its best, allowing users to become fully immersed in their workout, shifting their focus towards completing the courses and beating the other riders rather than on the hard work they are doing. The Xdream provides a full body workout, helping to tone the arms and strengthen the core and burns more calories than a standard exercise bike.
The Trixter Xdream bike is available to ride in Virgin Active Clubs nationwide, trixter.net.
4. FITNESS BOOT CAMPS ARE OUT, FITNESS RETREATS ARE IN!
Exercisers are fed up with army-style shouting and starvation diets. Fitness Boot Camps may get results but as soon as recruits get home the weight piles straight back on. 2011 brings a new era of Fitness Retreats, like Renew Fitness Retreat, the Luxury Holistic Weight Loss Retreat for the over-worked, stressed out woman who puts everyone else’s needs before her own. Set in the stunning Herefordshire Countryside, this retreat is exclusively for women and is designed to teach guests how to make healthier lifestyle decisions whilst also helping them to drop a dress size. Weekend-long programmes include country hikes, yoga and personal training sessions. A nutritionist is on hand to carry out an in-depth nutrition and health assessment including tongue and facial analysis and allergy testing. Wholesome locally sourced organic meals, smoothies, juices and snacks are served throughout the day and a top chef even provides cooking lessons. Guests are rewarded for a hard day’s work with massages, facials and other luxurious and relaxing treatments.
Prices start at £595 for four days: renewfitnessretreat.co.uk
The New Year weight loss course runs from Friday 28th - Monday 31st January 2011.
