Fit & Slim: the fitness trends

The trends are going fast in fitness land. We were just used to XCO and hot pilates, but now we’re going to burn calories by going wild on the punch bag or grab the fitness ball.

Based on martial arts: body combat and kick fun

Body Combat is a powerful cardio workout with exercises that consist of combinations of different fighting techniques such as karate, boxing, taekwondo and muay thai. You are mainly concerned with burning calories to uplifting music.

With kickfun you use a punching bag. With boxing gloves you can indulge yourself in the bag and learn combinations of punch, kick, knee and elbow techniques. Good for the condition and the muscles.

Dancing: zumba, body jam and sh’bam

You can indulge yourself with dance-like workouts. During these classes you burn a lot of calories in a fun way. You also improve coordination and strengthen your muscles. Zumba is mainly inspired by Latin American dance, sh’bam is a workout with show and musical elements and body jam is a mix of movements from Latin, hip hop, disco and funk.

Good for your back: core training

At more and more gyms you can core training to do. This strengthens your torso and creates a natural corset. Core training is good for balance, the abdominal muscles and at (low) back problems. In addition, it gives you a good foundation for other sports. Core training includes the use of a fitness ball.

Functional training: ViPR and TRX

In functional training, you imitate daily movements such as to walkbending, lifting and climbing stairs. You combine strength training with balance, coordination and endurance to better perform everyday activities.

Functional training can be done, among other things, with the help of the ViPR: a rubber tube in different weights, equipped with handles. Hollywood and elite athletes are now captivated by functional training with the TRX suspension trainer: adjustable nylon straps with handles that attach to any sturdy anchor point and allow you to practice using your own body weight. Both workouts provide a ‘total body workout’, a workout of the entire body. Anyone can start functional training, regardless of the athlete’s age or fitness level.

Working out together: body pump

Would you like to exercise, but prefer to exercise in a group? Then choose body pump. During this one hour workout you will target all muscle groups. Barbells are used in the class and you perform all kinds of exercises with them, such as squats, presses, lifts and curls. They are the same movements as in the fitness room, but without a device. You will be helped by the exciting music, an enthusiastic instructor and your fellow athletes. You can choose the weight of your barbell yourself.

Challenging sport: pole dancing

When you think of pole dancing, you quickly think of half-naked dancers in strip tents. But more and more gyms offer pole dance classes. Dancing on and around a pole is a combination of cardio and strength training. Furthermore, your movements must of course look graceful, flowing and streamlined, and for that you need good muscle control. The movements you have to perform and the control you need to do so demand a lot from your body. So don’t think too lightly about pole fitness. It’s a real sport, complete with world championships.

Soothing combination: body balance

Bodybalance is a combination of yoga, tai chi and pilates. It’s a workout that builds flexibility and strength. A body balance lesson consists of a series of stretches, movements and postures to soothing music. At the same time, you will learn to control your breathing and concentrate. The aim is not only to make physical progress, but also to gain a sense of calm and balance.

Extreme: boot camp and crossfit

Bootcamp is based on the US military training routine. It consists of running, interval training and fitness exercises, preferably in the open air. With the training you build up condition, strength, flexibility and explosiveness.

Crossfit is also an intense workout that combines cardio, strength training and flexibility exercises. It’s really back to basics: no machines, no mirrors, no excuses. The exercises mainly consist of natural body movements such as pushing, pulling, punching, throwing, lifting, jumping, climbing and running. Both boot camp and crossfit are tough, but suitable for most people, because you can do the workouts at your own level.