The biggest fitness trends of 2017

Heard of floating yoga, or Piloxing? Here are just a few of the hottest new fitness trends you can expect to see and hear about in 2017.

I’m always on the hunt for new, exciting ways to work out – because let’s face it, you need to have fun to stick to any exercise regime long enough to see results. And in today’s fast-paced world with endless chores and to-do-lists, moving your body needs to be something you look forward to doing every single day.

ALSO SEE: My Top 5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips

During a recent brainstorm session, my team and I came across some interesting new fitness trends which are fast becoming obsessions in wellness circles around the world. Some haven’t made their way to SA yet, but watch this space for exciting things to come…

Floating Yoga/SUP yoga

What is it? As the name suggests, this is a new type of yoga, practised on a floating board in the middle of a pool or if you’re lucky – outdoors. You might be wondering why you’d do yoga on water, and the truth is, it’s way harder because you have to balance and stabilise your body while holding the poses, ouch! Keeping stable on a board basically forces you to tighten every muscle in your body in a short space of time, so expect to feel the burn.

The bonus: This is a full-body workout using a combination of strength and toning moves to firm up every square inch of your body, without breaking too much of a sweat. But hey, you’re on water so you can always dive in and cool down after class.

Is it in SA? Yep, SUP Yoga Fitness is based in Cape Town. Visit their Facebook page here for more info;

Goat yoga

What is it? Practising yoga with your child, yes? Practising yoga with a goat, nope! But we’ve since discovered that goat yoga is a real thing, created by English farmer Lainey Morse, who says her miniature goats got her through an autoimmune disease and a divorce by restoring her “spiritual balance”. She says since it’s taken off, her business has gone from strength to strength and most of her classes are fully booked! Morse believes that animal-assisted therapy and exercise is the future in fitness.

ALSO SEE: How To Burn More Calories

The bonus: Although you are working through a Vinyasa-flow class, the main aim of each session is to relieve stress and put a smile on your face. In fact, some people just prefer to sit on the mat and snuggle the goats!

Is it in SA? Not yet, but have a look at www.goatyoga.net if you’re interested.

Kangoo jumping

What is it? If, like me, you’re a fan of rebounding – then this type of exercise will definitely appeal to you. Essentially Kangoo Jumps are ski-shaped rebounding boots that you wear while walking or jogging outdoors. Although it might take a little time to get used to the feeling of springing around (literally there are springs inside the boots to help you bounce), once you’re comfortable, you can tackle any terrain! You might get a few side looks while doing it, but it’s so much fun, you might even forget you’re exercising.

The bonus: The health benefits of Kangoo Jumping are quite extensive. From weight loss to incredible cardiovascular benefits, the rebounding motion is also low-impact, making it ideal for runners wanting to protect their knees and joints. Plus, it helps to promote better bone density and postural balance. Need we say more?

Is it in SA? It is. Visit www.kangoojumps.co.za for more info on the boots. Classes aren’t in SA yet, but there are loads of exercise videos to follow on YouTube. And if you like the idea of rebounding, visit my website here and sign up to my Bounce Back programme launching soon!

Piloxing

What is it? If you’ve found Pilates to be a little boring, but like the idea of toning and lengthening those muscles, then Piloxing might just be the thing for you. Workouts are basically a fusion of high-intensity cardio-type boxing with standing Pilates moves. The hour-long, high energy class can help you burn up to 1000 calories, thanks to the upbeat music and full-body moves. Classes are exhausting and invigorating!

The bonus: Classes are a blend of graceful movements, with powerful explosive moves so you’re always challenging your body and won’t get bored for a second. There have also been new additions to the original Piloxing concept- Piloxing Barre classes, incorporating more Ballet moves on a barre, and Piloxing Knockout classes – with a focus on high-intensity boxing exercises.

ALSO SEE: How To Beat Your Exercise Excuses

Is it in SA? The original concept hasn’t made its way to SA yet, although you can find Barre classes, boxing classes and loads of Pilates classes here. Some gyms also offer their own unique workouts incorporating all these disciplines. To test out an original Piloxing class,  you can work out at home with the DVD: Piloxing – The Original V Pilates Workout + Bonus available on Amazon (www.amazon.com) or www.wantitall.co.za