Mixing it Up

Combining a little of this and a little of that, exercise routines are crossbreeding all across the country. And it’s not because we are running short on ways to get fit—it’s more of an attempt to eliminate the boredom often associated with traditional fitness.

In recent years, these new hybrids have surfaced in various gyms, health clubs and spas across the country, fusing fitness with fun to make the idea of working out a little more enticing.

Sometime it’s difficult to be a cheerleader for fitness. “Yayyyyy, Treadmill!” Are you kidding? Seriously, who hasn’t tried and tried—and tried? Even though it’s been proven there is a need for and great benefit to daily exercise, sometimes traditional fitness is just flat-out boring. 

Many gyms and health clubs are catching on and realizing that many of us will not walk through their doors for a treadmill. We want something fun! Something that feels, well, a little less like exercise. With the number of hybrids now available, you might really like the new options.

The Yoga Merger

An ancient practice combining breathing, flexibility and meditation, traditional Yoga has been popular for many years. Now, as it spawns several varieties, Yoga is drawing an entirely new group of followers who previously refused thought it a bit of a…well, stretch.

Perhaps the most popular merger is that of Yoga with Pilates, known by several names including Yogilates™, Yopilates, Yoga Fusion and PiYo. When the controlled strength movements of Pilates join Yoga, the result is a mind-and-body workout that tones your entire body while also enhancing posture, improving flexibility and balance and reducing stress.

Yoga Ball is the offspring of Yoga and the modern exercise ball. For beginners, the balance ball helps support various poses and strengthen the body’s smaller muscles. For long-time Yogis and strong athletes, the addition of the ball can be used to challenge balance and strengthen core muscles. Either way, the balance ball enhances the flexibility training of Yoga while infusing contemporary fun into ancient technique. 

The ChiBall Method™ goes one step further, using a smaller colorful aromatherapy-scented ball while also adding in elements of Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Dance, Feldenkrais and Meditation. The result is a routine of relaxation techniques and large flowing movements that work all of the muscle groups. ChiBall will improve breathing and circulation, enhance strength and balance and ease stress and tension while also toning your muscles.

Song and Dance

And then there’s the Yoga Booty Ballet. A combination of yoga, simple ballet, high-velocity aerobics and booty sculpting moves, this workout is designed to be full of fun, passion and creative expression. It’s a simple way to get a bit of everything into your fitness routine with minimal pressure on your joints. What are the benefits to all this fun? Weight loss and well-sculpted muscles along with improved stamina, flexibility, strength and balance sound pretty good for a start.

Outside the yoga realm lies Aerobagogo, a dynamic fusion of aerobics and retro dance. This hit class sidesteps structured choreography and difficult movements in favor of spontaneity and improvisation, making the class unique for everyone who energetically jumps in. It will burn calories, work your abs, arms and thighs and make you feel like a teenager once again.

If dancing is not enough, there is always singing. With Cycle Karaoke, you pedal and sing along to popular songs with a group. It is interactive, fun and reminiscent of school bus sing-a-longs, where you forget your surroundings and just belt out the tunes. It removes the tedium of cycling and passes the time just like—well, much like those sing-a-longs. An invigorating cardiovascular workout, Cycle Karaoke burns up fat while also building strength and muscle endurance.

Just Add Water

Taking your exercise routine to the water can provide comparable health and fitness benefits to the same exercise done on land. Since water cancels out a large percentage of body weight, water workouts immediately take pressure off of your bones, joints and muscles. And with water resistance being twelve times greater than air resistance, the muscles get strengthened no matter which way they move. This makes for a highly effective yet less painful workout... with a splash of fun.

If you are a closet singer and Cycle Karaoke’s not your thing, you could simply take your cycling to the water. Known as Hydroride, Hydro Spinning or Aqua Spinning, this unique in-the-pool pedaling class offers a complete cardiovascular workout as the water’s resistance works not only the legs but also the arms, lower back and abdominal muscles.

Add the flowing techniques of Tai Chi to the resistance power of water for the relaxing blend known as Ai Chi. Performed standing in shoulder-depth water to enhance relaxation and range of motion, Ai Chi combines deep breathing with broad movements of your arms, legs and torso. This powerful experience will increase metabolism and circulation, reduce stress, enhance balance and also burn away calories.

Perhaps you have some energy you want to expend but don’t want to put stress on your joints? Try AquandoTM, cardio kickboxing in the pool. The water’s buoyancy prevents jarring pain from your kicks and punches, while its resistance makes for highly effective exercise. Resulting is some pool time coupled with burned-up calories and intense muscle conditioning.

Warmed Up Now?

While these fabulous hybrids offer a lot more variety—and a lot more fun—than traditional fitness, they also give us the ability to do more in less time. Instead of needing several classes to create a balanced workout, many of these fitness opportunities condition the entire body, which in turn minimizes the likelihood of overstressing muscles and joints.

So when you just cannot make yourself step onto that boring treadmill (Something we can all understand), check out your local gym, spa, recreation center or health club for their latest blends. If you prefer to sweat it out in the comfort of your own home, all of the Yoga mergers are available on DVD.

What this all really comes down to is that fitness does not have to be boring to be effective. Creative, fun, low-intensity whole-body workouts equal fitness gone hybrid. Now that’s something to cheer about.

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should this information be used as a substitute for medical advice, and RxNorth.com strongly recommends discussing this information with a qualified personal physician. RxNorth.com will not be liable for any damage resulting from the use of the information on this site.