Exercising helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels; it helps keep bones strong, improve concentration and sleep, and even provides benefits for the immune system.
Sometimes many exercisers get bored and fall into a slump with their fitness plan. There are a number of fitness crazes and trends, ranging from group exercise classes to equipment type to help keep you motivated. Here are some of today's popular fitness activities and what they can offer you.
Boot Camp
What: Boot Camp is a four week program of fitness instruction and motivation. Exercises include: calisthenics, sprints, resistance band training, jump roping, crunches, assessment testing, hill running, agility and power drills, sports drills, stair climbing and partner drills.
Boot Camp
What: Boot Camp is a four week program of fitness instruction and motivation. Exercises include: calisthenics, sprints, resistance band training, jump roping, crunches, assessment testing, hill running, agility and power drills, sports drills, stair climbing and partner drills.
The Take: “I have dropped pounds, inches and actually enjoyed every minute of my boot camp time,” says Shelia Simmons of St. Louis. “And the people are fun to be around and there was really great camaraderie.”
Pluses: You work out with a fitness expert who offers tips throughout the class on proper form and techniques. Equipment is provided and is a great way to burn calories. For more information on MVP Boot Camps in St. Louis, go to http://www.mvpfitness.net/.
Minuses: Aching muscles are likely.
Personal Training
What: A personal trainer is someone whose entire job is to provide one-on-one fitness training to their client.
The Take: Trainers will assess your individual fitness level and help you set goals, whether it's to build muscle by weightlifting, lose fat with cardiovascular workouts, or both.Once you hire a personal trainer, you will usually meet them for hourly sessions one, two or three times a week. It's possible to work with a trainer more often, but most people can't afford the cost. Single sessions cost between $25 and $90.
Pluses: Great way to stay motivated and learn new techniques. The trainer also pushes you so your body achieves maximum results.
Minuses: Cost.
Boxing Gyms
What: A high-energy cardiovascular workout set to upbeat music. Participants punch and kick a heavy bag, jump rope and do push-ups.This is a full-body workout geared to tone and slim the arms, legs and waist, while burning hundreds of calories.
The Take: The Boxing workout is a fun class with a party atmosphere. It includes bouts of intense intervals with easy to follow combinations, kickbox-specific strength and endurance training, ending with cool-down.
Pluses: You'll love the camaraderie and the music.
Minuses: The class moves at a fast pace and for those who are not coordinated or aren't familiar with the basic moves, it can be intimidating.
Kettlebells
What: Kettlebells are taking the world of Strength and Conditioning by storm. Athletes are overwhelming their opponents with unrelenting strength and endurance.
The Take: A Kettlebell is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. A Kettlebell work out is better suited for developing strength and flexibility simultaneously.
Pluses: An excellent way to for athletes to get stronger and faster.
Minuses: Expense and availability. Kettlebells are hard to find in fitness specialty stores and in most cases must be ordered. A pair of 35 pound Kettlebells will cost $75.00 plus, add on another $50 for shipping.
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