The new year is here, and you know what that means - new year, new us! Our visions boards have been created and resolutions drafted, we’re ready to take on 2022.
The top two most common new year’s resolutions people make are to exercise more and lose weight. While we’re definitely here for unlocking our inner fitness bunnies, the new year motivation we have usually dies down after a couple of weeks. The first couple of weeks seem to go by well but after the first month, we usually hit a dip in our motivation and then it’s a downhill spiral from there. If this happens to you often, it could be that you aren’t actually enjoying your workouts. If you are bored and exercising feels more like a chore than an exciting new challenge, it’s quite unlikely you’ll stick with it. But don’t worry besties, we’re here to put you on to 5 workouts to try that are far from boring!
1. Barre
Barre class is a workout technique inspired by elements of ballet, yoga and pilates. It focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements designed to strengthen your body in ways that few other workouts can. If you’re looking to build strength and muscle and increase your flexibility, then this is definitely the workout for you!
Barre KZN in Durban, Raise the Barre in Johannesburg, and The Movement Lab in Cape Town, all have some really cool Barre classes you could try this year.
2. Pilates
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that combines deep breathing with gentle stretching to boost strength, balance, and mobility. It concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength. Workouts target your abs, lower back, pelvic floor, hips and glutes but you’ll hit other areas too.
Check out Peach Pilates Studio in Durban, Coco Pilates in Johannesburg, and the Basi Pilates Academy in Cape Town for classes.
3. Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility). Regular yoga practice can promote endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility, and well-being.
Get your zen on at The Toolbox in Durban, the Yoga Experience in Johannesburg, and the Yoga Life in Cape Town.
4. Hot Yoga
Hot yoga means that the room is heated above normal room temperature. The heat can be set to whatever the yoga instructor wants, though it’s typically between 27 and 38°C. If done correctly, it can improve flexibility, burn more calories, builds bone density, reduce stress, ease depression, provide a cardiovascular boost, reduce blood glucose level and nourish the skin.
If you’re keen for some steamy fun, book a class at Guru Cat in Durban, Hotpod Yoga in Johannesburg and Hot Dog Yoga in Cape Town.
5. Pole Dancing
Pole dancing is a full body workout. It's resistance training and cardio all in one and it improves flexibility as well. This form of dancing involves performing acrobatic tricks either suspending their weight or propelling it around a metal rope. Some of the many benefits of pole dancing include cardiovascular endurance, toning, strengthening, improved co-ordination and balance, and increased flexibility.
Ready to channel your inner fitness aerial vixen? Head over to Pole Base in Durban, The Pole Project in Cape town and iPole Dance Studio in Johannesburg.
Whatever workout regime you choose to commit to this year, make sure you stay consist with it. Remember, besties - consistency will be the key that unlocks the fittest and healthiest version of yourself!
PS: Check out our sister brand, @shopbrettrobson, for some cute af activewear that’s currently at 40% off until the end of January 2022. You’re welcome!
