6 interesting fitness classes you probably haven't tried yet

6 interesting fitness classes you probably haven't tried yet

Try these 6 exercises to mix your routine

Go to a group fitness class to keep your exercise routine interesting, challenging and fun. You will get the best of both worlds - a fun workout with the necessary structure and guidance from a qualified instructor. There are so many options now for group classes. Choose from aerial yoga and recovery to underwater spinning, cardio circuits, pilates reformer classes and more.

You will generally find a very comprehensive schedule at most gyms. Physical fitness has evolved so much, most of the time, most gyms have a wide variety of classes. If you can't find what you're looking for at your gym, there are also great group classes offered at smaller studios and fitness centres that may also be worth checking out. We also offer some of the classes below on our fitness holidays, which offer variety in the daily schedule. Anyway, if you are looking for something different and feel like you need a change in your normal training, check out these classes.

• HULA HOOPING CLASS

You probably thought that the hula hoop was a thing of the past or something you did only as a child. Think again! Hula hoop classes have become a fantastic way to move your body in a totally different way. With music, you will move around and play the instructor's choreography.
Fitness rims are usually heavy, which gives you a little stamina and makes this class more challenging than the regular rims you could have done years ago. You'll have to stabilize yourself to maintain control and balance while increasing your heart rate!
According to the American Council On Exercise, you can burn up to 600 calories an hour with this full-body workout. In addition, you will improve flexibility and balance, as well as strengthen the muscles of your back, abs, arms and legs. Some gyms even merge hoops in other classes, like Pilates and yoga.

• SLIDE DISCS

Sliding discs make any workout more challenging. Sliding discs are usually placed under your hands or feet, depending on the movement that increases the intensity level in an impact-free manner. You will need to try harder to maintain balance, stability and control while performing movements such as lunges, squats, skaters, board movements, climbers, shuffles and more. Sound fun?
You can try to glide at a local gym or studio. Some classes are gliding - 50 minutes of the upper body, lower body and core work. Some studios can also merge gliders, like hula, into other fitness classes to mix things up. Either way, the movements are fun and effective. Professional tip: If you plan at home, you can always use paper plates on the carpet or towels on wooden floors. Be careful to slide. Test a few movements before starting a full workout.

• BODYWEIGHT TABATA

Bodyweight Tabata is one of our guests' favourite classes at the retreat. This class can be held anywhere, but we do it on the beach, so the view and atmosphere make it a totally different game. This fitness class is a challenge! Most movements are movements that many people have done before - push-ups, planks, falls, squats, lunges, power take-offs, forearm frames, fast feet and more. It doesn't seem complicated or difficult, right? It's the shape and pace that change everything for this workout.
If you don't know Tabata, the format is 20 seconds of intense work, followed by 10 seconds of rest 8 times. For example, we would do 20 seconds of push-ups x 10 seconds of rest 8 times, which is equivalent to about 4 minutes. 20 seconds of work may not seem like much, but when you repeat it several times, it overloads your muscles in a really great way. You will certainly feel the burn with this workout!
Don't worry, you don't have to join us for a fitness vacation just to try this class. There are also many gyms and studios. Look out for Tabata or even a HIIT class that uses only body weight.

• MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

A recovery class, which focuses on releasing tense and tense muscles and connective tissue. In general, we do a lot of tightening and strengthening and little recovery work is enough to keep our muscles and fasciae relaxed and balanced. Some stretching classes will merge myofascial release with them. Other classes can focus only on deep release or foam roll.
According to Yoga Medicine, the term myofascial release refers to any technique that works on the muscles and fascia. There are many different modalities; however, the most common auto-myofascial release (SMFR) techniques usually involve the use of foam balls or rollers. The beauty of SMFR is that it can be done with simple tools and training. Which means it is a very affordable tool.
You will likely see a mix of group classes and/or private sessions when it comes to this type of recovery work. Either way, it is important as part of a balanced fitness routine. It is also important to do it correctly. Although you can do this at home, I recommend that you take at least one class or session from a professional to learn the proper technique.

• AERIAL YOGA

Depending on the fitness centre and/or the class, you may see this called aerial yoga or aerial silks. Either way, get ready for a totally different yoga experience! These classes are basically a combination of yoga and acrobatics. You will explore asanas from a support material (like a hammock) hanging from the ceiling. This support will provide less joint compression during certain inversions and a better range of motion for other poses, such as a hip-opening pigeon.
Now, this may seem complicated, but it's not as crazy as it looks on paper. You do not need previous experience, but be sure to inform the instructor that it is your first time. Although you are using material suspended from the ceiling, your feet can still touch the floor. By practising this type of yoga, you will have a chance to improve your strength and flexibility. We all need some of that!

• APPARATUS EQUIPMENT TRAINING

An entire class dedicated to balance training? Yes! Channel your inner gymnast - OK, not really, but get ready to improve your balance and coordination. Balance training is great for everyone. It is something that we practice at the retreat consistently. What makes this kind of class fun for people is the inclusion of different pieces of equipment.
For example, we use small stability disks, larger balance aids, such as Bosu, and even balance tools that resemble a balance beam to strengthen feet and ankles, challenge balance and refine the mind-body connection. It makes the class challenging and fun, all at the same time. Many of the movements require focus and concentration, making this class an entirely different experience. It's difficult and challenging, but it passes quickly because you really need to think about what you're doing.
Consult your local fitness studio for balance classes. Again, you can see the fusion classes that incorporate a combination of balance and strength or balance and core; so look for creative names and reading descriptions.

• APPLYING YOUR FITNESS

Have fun with fitness! Try new exercises to keep your head and body in the game. The change is always good and it's fun to mix it with interesting exercises. You can find a new favourite fitness class! If you are unsure of the classes and what they involve, ask an employee so that you can better understand what you may be getting into.

Enjoy trying something new. Don't be discouraged if you have a little trouble in that first class. It's normal! Take a break and have a chance to learn a new activity. Most instructors will offer modifications, but feel free to find out if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about an exercise.