1.) CrossFit:
CrossFit is a form of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). It combines cardio, heavy lifting, and flexibility training and is done a group training setting. This branded fitness regimen "is a lifestyle characterized by safe, effective exercise and sound nutrition," according to their website.
The diet focuses on lean proteins, garden vegetables (especially greens), nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar.
The optimum workout regimen, according to the CrossFit method, is based on these three elements: "constantly varied functional movements, executed at a high intensity."
CONSTANTLY VARIED: "Since we are training for the unknown and unknowable (also known as life), we train in accordance with nature... Life outside the gym does not occur in expected set rep ranges or prescribed combinations of movements..." (CrossFit). These varied training exercises keep the mind and body in well-rounded shape for fitness in life, not just fitness in the gym.
FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT: With this method, the exercises you're doing are 'natural,' meaning "they are not movement patterns used only at the gym." Crossfit exercises are based on movements you would find in every day human behavior, like getting up from a chair or picking up groceries.
HIGH INTENSITY: CrossFit believes that a workout should only be as intense as an individual's capacity can handle. "By calculating the appropriate intensity of a workout," they an establish "observable and repeatable data," showing that everyone will achieve the same benefits from the program even if their workout intensity is different than another's.
For me, the whole CrossFit thing is a little too intense! I'll stick with more low key workouts like yoga and hiking. But if you're down for the challenge, this group training method that can be fine tuned to every individual offers huge health benefits. It also provides a strong sense of community, building connections that help you reach your fitness goals faster.
A few local gyms now offer CrossFit programs in the Buffalo area, including Lumber City Athletics, CrossFit - RockPile Athletics, and Crossfit Buffalo.
2.) Twerking Class:
Yup. That’s a real thing. That low-squatting, booty shaking dance is a fun and actually super intense workout for your glutes, quads and abs. (Not to mention all the calories you'll burn from laughing at yourself trying these moves-- unless you're Beyoncé or JLo.)
In an article from Heathline, "using guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine," it was estimated that "vigorous dancing" burns eight calories per minute. Twerking burns five to eight. "So constantly twerking for an hour, should you choose to do so...
will burn somewhere between 300 and 480 calories in an hour, about the same as 60 minutes of power yoga or an hour of moderate jogging," says writer Brian Krans.
Seriously, as fun as it is to laugh at ourselves, this unique fitness class offers all the serious health benefits of traditional workouts, and then some! Twerking tones your body, gets your heart pumping, boosts confidence, relieves stress and can even liven up your sex life.
Go head and shake that thing, miss-- if you're ready for about an hour of continuous feel-good movement to some throwback dance beats from your days at the roller rink or the night club (and you are otherwise fit enough to take on the challenge). Try a local twerking class, one of the fastest growing fitness trends in 2023, offered by one of these local fitness centers in WNY: GoPole Fitness, House of Hips, or La' Movement Fitness.
3.) 75 Soft:
A more human version of the original 75-hard wellness challenge seen on TikTok and other social media that's expected to emerge this summer, all with health and wellness at the front of our stressed out minds.
The 75 hard challenge was designed to be an entire mind-body transformation, taking place over the course of a strict 75 day challenge. Participants would have to follow a regimented diet of their choosing, quit drinking alcohol, exercise for 45 minutes twice a day and drink a gallon of water each day. They're also supposed to read 10 pages daily from a non-fiction book of their choice, and take a picture of their physical progress all 75 days.
The 75-soft challenge is a little less drill-sergeant and a little more supportive friend. Participants should eat healthy, drink on occasion, set a desired daily water intake amount and make sure they reach that goal, and "accumulate either 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio exercise per week" according to new Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The reading regimen is 10 pages per day from any book. Selfies are not required, as the 75 soft challenge tries to focus more on the mental gains.
75 soft focuses on the benefits of obtainable, sustainable lifestyle adjustments we all can make, rather than the more superficial physical aspect of our super hot bodies-- whatever shape or form or color we find ourselves in.
Follow this trend on social using #75hard, #75hardchallenge and #75soft, #75softchallenge if you're interested in learning more, or if you want to join in!
4.) Hyrox:
What the H is Hyrox?
Hyrox is the sport of fitness racing, "a sport that combines running and eight workouts. The set-up and order of workouts is always the same everywhere in the world" (Hyrox.com). It's being called "the world series of fitness."
"There are no time caps and no qualification requirements, so everyone is welcome to run and race at their own pace with the continuous support of friends, family and fellow participants" (Hyrox).
A competition consists of the following elements: a 1 kilometer run followed by 1 functional workout, repeated 8 times. "Functional training," one of Crossfit's founding categories, "is a classification of exercise which involves training the body for the activities performed in daily life."
In 2023, there were over 40 races, 90,000 participants and 50,000 spectators all over the world. "Join the #HYSOCIETY" to be part of this worldwide fitness challenge. Although this sport is most popular among CrossFitters, runners, triathletes, and obstacle course race competitors, anyone brave, fit, and willing enough (ages 16 and older) can participate.
It's sort of like the people's Olympics where everyone can test their overall physical, mental, and emotional stamina, competing against themselves or anyone in the world.
Get your finishing time and see how you compare to others in your age group. After each event, the top 3 winners are awarded for each age group. After every season, Hyrox holds the World, European, and North American Championship.
5.) Pole Dancing Classes:
This isn't really a new trend, but it's still hot. A pole dancing class a unique, fun, healthy and sexy way to get in touch with your mental and physical well-being. It can help you foster friendships, a sense of community with diverse and strong-minded women, and open you up to a confidence you might giggle at or shy away from at first. It's okay to laugh at yourself, but remember that you are seriously fierce. Don't be afraid to try new things, exploring all the many versions of your sensual self.
Pole dancing engages and strengthens your entire body, increases flexibility, balance, posture, and coordination, improves cardiovascular health, helps with weight loss, promotes better sleep and is shown to positively impact mental health overall.
These amazing Fitness studios in the Buffalo area offer some of the best pole dancing classes around: Electric Daisy Fitness, Pole and Barre Fitness Studio, and GoPole Fitness.
So whether you're looking for the more high-intensity vibes of CrossFit, getting your twerk on, trying your hand at the 75 soft challenge, competing in the world series of fitness with Hyrox, or spinning around a pole exercising every muscle in your body, you're sure to kick your boring fitness routine up a notch this summer with one of these five fitness trends.
Commenti