1. Calisthenics.
Calisthenics is not a new trend, but over the last couple of
years it has made a massive comeback and is fast becoming mainstream. It
involves no apparatus and consists of exercises designed to increase your
strength, mobility, flexibility and in some cases improve cardiovascular
fitness at the same time.
The exercises can be tailored to your needs, so
whether you are a complete novice who is looking to be able to get through
their first set of perfect push-ups or a gym veteran who wants to bulletproof
their core so they can do a human flag, then calisthenics will be the workout
for you in 2015.
2. Myofascial release.
If you have ever seen someone in the gym looking in agony as
they roll their legs over what looks like an oversized swimming pool noodle,
then you may have an idea what myofascial release is. It is in-fact a soft tissue therapy for the
treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain.
Over the last few years certain
health and fitness experts such as Dr Kelly Starett have raised the game and
highlighted the importance of soft tissue release in maintaining a healthy, injury
free, pain free body and the techniques are now widely used by Fitness Trainers
to get their clients good results. So next time you see your PT get out a
lacrosse ball or foam roller don’t shy away and say no because it could be
exactly what you need to help you hit your fitness goals.
3. Outdoor fitness.
It’s all too easy to stay in the comfort of a warm gym and
forget about the great outdoors as the perfect playground for getting fit. I
don’t mean just going for a jog around the park or go for a bike ride (although
they would be perfectly suitable options for a workout), I mean using the
surroundings to challenge your body in different ways, for example; using
adventure playgrounds and designated outdoor gyms for climbing frames, monkey
bars and balance beams to test upper body strength, balance and co-ordination. Jumping over fallen trees in the woods and climbing steep muddy hills on all
fours to test explosive power and cardiovascular fitness.
You could even enter
yourself into one of the many outdoor adventure/obstacle races that are
becoming the gold standard of fitness achievements. Whatever way you choose to
get fit this year, make sure getting outside is part of it.
4. Weightlifting.
Olympic weightlifting is a sport that promotes strength,
co-ordination, mobility, flexibility and mental strength, it is the ultimate competition.
It is also made up of a range of movements and transitional exercises that if
taught correctly and progressively can be hugely beneficial to someone’s
strength and overall fitness.
Whether your goal is to have an athletic
physique, improve your flexibility, improve your power and endurance for sports
or just want to the satisfaction of learning how to pick up something heavy
above your head then learning the foundations of Olympic lifting will be
perfect for you in 2015.
5. Combat sports.
Adding a combat sport such as boxing or kickboxing to your
exercise regime is a no-brainer. They improve cardiovascular fitness, speed,
agility, strength, co-ordination, are a great way of burning fat and firming up
your midsection as-well as acting as a great cathartic outlet to improve your
mood.
Many gyms have heavy bags available and most PT’s will be able to provide
you with some pad-work to learn the basics, but if you do want to step it up to
a good level then there are plenty of dedicated boxing, kickboxing and mixed
martial arts clubs out there. So download the Rocky soundtrack, get your gloves
on and make 2015 the year you get fighting fit!
Stay healthy!!
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