Boutique fitness studios are having a moment. There are literally hundreds of different fitness studios popping up every year, claiming to be the best, most fun, and most challenging. To help you decide if you should follow the crowds, we’re breaking down some of the hottest fitness trends for 2016, so you know what it’s all about, if it’s for you, and what to sport to class.
Crossfit 2.0
What Is It?
If you’ve heard about Crossfit, it’s probably either because a friend wound up a cult-like convert, or in hospital. But some bad PR means the brand’s rethought its focus: less of the back-endangering Olympic lifts without sufficient training, more of the community encouragement and high-energy sessions. It’s no easier, but it’s one of the best ways to get ripped. Quick.
Who’s It For?
Masochists. Also people bored of their current training regime, people who struggle to work out alone, and former athletes. But mostly masochists.
What’s In Your Kitbag?
You’ll need to be able to move freely in Crossfit, so keep it flexible in shorts or compression leggings. You’ll also want something to stop your hands slipping off the bars, like gymnastic grips – and something to keep the inevitable callouses at bay, like Jack Black Intense Therapy Hand Cream (£14.50, mankind.co.uk). Just make sure not to wear anything too precious – Crossfit is all about getting down and dirty.
Bokwa
What Is It?
Dance fitness for non-dancers. It’s billed as an alternative to Zumba, mixing hip-hop, step aerobics and South African-style dance. The moves are all based on forming letters and numbers with your body (and throwing in a shimmy every so often). Think dance fitness, but not just for girls.
Who’s It For?
Party animals in pretty good shape. Instructors blast top 40 jams and demand a lot of “woos”, so it’s definitely not for the timid. It’s also non-stop, so build up some endurance before taking the plunge.
What’s In Your Kitbag?
To match the club atmosphere, go in on the neon colours and bold prints. Something like this statement-making sports top from H&M, or these trippy Nike Free trainers, should do the trick.
HIIT Cycling
What Is It?
The king of boutique fitness, Cycling classes are becoming even more popular than hitting the gym. With studios like SoulCycle, Cyclebeat and Boomcycle, there’s an option for every taste. Classes usually consist of a blend of cycling and toning exercises, like handlebar push ups and some bicep curls with free weights. If it’s good enough for the Beckham clan…
Who’s It For?
People who love fitness but can’t stand the gym. There are plenty of distractions to help you push through the pain, like pounding music, light shows and instructor encouragement. Cycling classes try to build a community spirit so that you never feel like you’re going it alone.
What’s In Your Kitbag?
If you’re a cycling pro, ditch the rentals and buy your own clip-in shoes, which make you more efficient so you get more from your workout. You’ll also want a decent pair of bike shorts, like these ones from R.E.I. that include silicone leg grippers to keep them in position. Rather than riding up where they’re not wanted.
Indoor Rowing
What Is It?
Blame Frank Underwood, but rowing is making a comeback. But this is more considered than your ordinary warm-up; most classes and follow a SoulCycle-style pattern of intense blasts and endurance. And it’s effective – just 50 minutes can burn an insane 1,200 calories. Rowing is a full body workout – every stroke works your entire body, from calves to lats. You’ll be looking like the third Winklevoss in no time.
Who’s It For?
Who said peer pressure is a bad thing? Most of the motivation in a rowing class comes from keeping up with the person next to you, so it’s perfect for those with a competitive streak.
What’s In Your Kitbag?
Burning all those calories means you’ll be getting warm real quick. Leave the sweats and tights behind for something light. A breathable, chafe-resistant tee like this one from HPE will keep you cool even when your heart rate’s rising.
PHA Training
What Is It?
A regime first devised in the 1960s, Peripheral Heart Action training is making a comeback. The concept’s simple – switch between upper and lower body weightlifting moves to shunt blood around your body, spiking your metabolism to burn fat while building muscle. Pick four-to-six moves, then swap between top and bottom – e.g. overhead press, deadlift, chin-up, squat, bench press, lunge – then perform 12 reps of each as a circuit, with a 30 second rest between each.
Who’s It For?
Bodybuilders, move on. But anyone who values functional strength and fitness over pure aesthetics will find PHA’s blend of fat-torching and muscle-building a win. It’s also ideal for those short on time. Because you’re jumping between muscle groups, you give each time to recover, so can get a total-body workout with minimal rest. In, out, ripped.
What’s In Your Kitbag?
PHA training spikes your metabolism for that fabled ‘afterburn’ – the heightened metabolism that lingers even after you’ve left the gym, so you burn more fat just sitting around. To keep track of your ticker – and make sure it’s up high enough – strap on a Fitbit. Then try to keep an eye on your weights, not your pulse.
