Tired of the same old dull exercise routines? Let’s explore three popular exercise trends for 2024. Before we hit the list, let’s briefly learn why people should exercise in the first place!
Why sitting still all-day stinks:
Sedentary lifestyles are enemies of health and fitness. Per Better Health Channel, sitting or lying down for too long increases risks of chronic health problems to include some of the following:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Some cancers
Why moving around is great:
Helping the body
Physical exercise is essential to health as it keeps our bodies functioning well. Not only does it strengthen bones and muscles, but exercise also increases energy levels and endurance.
Helping the mind
Staying active is not only beneficial for physical health, but it can help mental health as well by helping to prevent conditions like depression and anxiety.
Uh-oh!
When we fail to exercise, our bodies can weaken and decline. So, it’s essential for people to maintain adequate levels of exercise and to keep bodies moving. To learn what type of workouts and amounts of exercise are right for you, talk to your physician.
Now, check out these three popular trends in exercise:
- Hot yoga: This form of mind and body exercise is performed in a heat-controlled environment, mainly under hot and humid conditions. The room temperature generally ranges between 85 and 100-degrees Fahrenheit. The heat ultimately results in sweating. Proponents of this form of exercise assert that it affects the body differently than regular yoga. Per com, hot yoga serves to promote flexibility and improve circulation. They explain the science behind it. “The heat of the practice does wonders on the body’s ability to circulate blood. Combined with increased oxygen, the body can send blood to the muscles more efficiently.” The heat also increases challenges for the mind, expanding both focus and awareness. Do talk to your medical doctor before embarking on a hot yoga session. This type of yoga is not for everyone. It is important to drink water before and after the class and avoid standing up quickly that can lead to lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Cozy cardio: This form of low-impact exercise is done at home. It is different than basic cardio as there is an emphasis on self-care. People do these workouts at home in controlled environments. During cozy cardio, participants wear comfortable clothing such as silky loungewear or soft sweatsuits. Then the mood must be set with soft lighting. Aromatherapy, such as lighting a scented candle, is also part of the sensory experience. Then, people do what they enjoy during exercise. This may include watching a favorite movie or TV show, listening to a beloved playlist or music video, or even chatting with a friend on the phone. The whole idea of the cozy cardio craze, now exploding on TikTok, is for people to enjoy working out, rather than viewing exercise as a chore. While cozy cardio may not be the very best way to strengthen cardiovascular health or lose weight, as it may not be strenuous enough to produce desired results, it still pushes people in a healthy direction and gets folks moving and having fun.
- Pilates Reformer Flow: Pilates is a form of fitness that is practiced worldwide. It uses a combination of spring-based resistance machines and repetitive exercises to spur motion, build stamina, and increase coordination and flexibility. Reformer Flow is an intermediate to advanced level of exercise. It focuses on body movement, mainly to increase flow, balance, and endurance. It uses advanced choreography and the use of spring tensions for exercise. Since it can be hard core in terms of exercise, those interested in taking classes should be in good physical shape and have already successfully completed Beginners Reformer and Dynamic Reformer classes before attempting this next level of ultimate exercise. Because it is physically challenging, this form of fitness is not suitable for everyone.
Your doctor as your best resource
Always talk to your doctor before embarking on new exercise routines. A physician can review what types of exercise are appropriate for your age, overall physical condition, and specific health needs. In addition to defining the most suitable exercise routines for you, they can also help you determine what intensity level is best. Signing up for an exercise class and still unsure which one is most suitable? Do speak directly with the class instructor before beginning. And, when in doubt, start at the easiest level to build strength and stamina and work your way up.
This article is purely informational. Consult your doctor before exercise.
