Determined to shape up and slim down this season? Whatever your fitness and wellness goals, these new fitness classes are sure to inspire you. Want to be stronger? Looking to get lean? We guarantee that these fun new ways to train will help you get there, without even feeling like hard work!
5 new fitness classes to try
If you love a group environment, and a gym or studio is your happy place, these new fitness classes might be just what you’re looking for.
Brazilian Booty Blast
What is it?
A high energy exercise class dedicated to firming and toning your hips, thighs and bum. Classes are held at premium Planet Fitness Clubs and combine a variety of lower body exercises with Brazilian music to help you sculpt the perfect ‘Brazilian booty’! Each class is designed to target the areas where women typically carry the most weight, including your core and legs.
Best for?
Those wanting to transform their booty shape and burn plenty of kilojoules in a fun, dance-inspired way.
Find a class:
Classes are available at select Planet Fitness Clubs nationwide. Click here to find a club near you.
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Barre Body Ballet
What is it?
A classical dance-inspired workout using the ballet barre as the base and with moves drawn from Pilates and ballet, (think toe-pointing and thigh lifting exercises). Some poses are done while holding on to a barre, some on the floor or while freestanding, with the idea being to tone the inner thighs, hip and bum area, plus that stubborn muffin-top!
Best for?
Anyone wanting to strenghten their core and lose fat around the hips and thighs. Also, if you’re not a fan of traditional exercises like doesn’t like running or cycling, these classes are totally unique and will, without a doubt, inspire you.
Find a class:
For 60-minute classes in Cape Town, visit www.barrebodnutrition.com. For classes in Joburg, email [email protected] or visit www.thepilateslounge.co.za for classes in Pretoria. If you’re in Durbs, classes are held at www.body-licious.co.za
3 new home workouts
Prefer working out at home? Here are some of our favourite exercises to try…
The Fitness Website
What is it?
Instructor Live is a new website which offers a host of fab online workouts, from yoga, Pilates and meditation (there’s even Beditation and Pyjama Pilates!), to sweaty sessions of HIIT and dance-based aerobics. Essentially, there’s just about any workout for your preferred fitness goal, whether it’s to get strong or lose weight. You can join live classes (from the comfort of your home) or participate in classes on demand. Some of our favourites include Beat The Blues, which combines breathing, exercise and yoga for increasing mood, and Rebuild Your Core for a flatter mid-section.
ALSO SEE: Which workout is best for you?
Best for?
Anyone who prefers to exercise at home, but needs inspiration and structured workouts to stay motivated.
Get it:
It costs £9 (around R178) a month for unlimited classes. Click here for more information.
The Dance DVD
What is it?
Andrea Rogers, a professional dancer and choreographer, takes you through five 10-minute dance workouts in her DVD, 10 Minute Solution: Dance Your Body Thin! Each class includes step-by-step dance instructions using different dance moves that’ll help you tone and trim.
Best for?
Dance lovers who want to practise at home. The good news is, you won’t have to worry about looking too silly while you learn to nail the moves – plus you’ll get a workout through something fun!
Get it:
ALSO SEE: Why ballroom dancing is so good for you
Lisa Raleigh’s At-Home Rebounding Workouts
What is it?
Trampoline parks not your thing? No fret, wellness expert Lisa Raleigh has revived rebounding in SA with her own range of fitness gear, rebounders and at-home workout DVD’s to get you bouncing. Why rebounding? The exercise modaility is fast-becoming a universal, effective and fun way to work out. Because, the truth is, rebounding is a full-body workout that burns fat and kilojoules, while building muscle at the same time, and it’s low impact so anyone can do it.
Lisa’s home workout videos range anywhere from 5 minutes to 60, and include everything from quick cardio sessions to core workouts, strength and toning sessions, or strength training.
Best for?
If you’re bored of the gym, time strapped or recovering from an injury and need something low impact, but effective, rebounding is the answer.
Get it:
Downloadable video workouts range from R30 – R100 depending on the length of the workout, or buy Lisa’s workout bundle with over 50 rebounding classes for R999. Click here for more info.
Also watch:
This quick sneak preview of Lisa’s workouts to get you in the mood…
