Are your trying one of these new fitness crazes or sticking to the tried and tested methods?
In a recent episode of The Apprentice the budding entrepreneurs pitched weird and wonderful exercise classes to the bosses of a select group of gym and fitness clubs.
Pure Gym were recruited for the programme and reflected on their expertise to gauge whether or not the ideas were a ‘Fitness Fad’ or ‘Built to Last’.
Here are further comments from Pure Gym on the latest fitness crazes sweeping the nation and whether they are set to last:
Guy Russell, Fitness Expert at affordable gym Pure Gym, www.puregym.com gives us his expert opinion.
P.E.- Lurking in the background of the American fitness trend pool, traditional adult PE classes have been growing in popularity since 2008. Old School PE, a grown up exercise programme aimed entirely at adults, combines up to date versions of gym class basics to put adults through their paces. Games such as duck, duck goose and dodge ball keep exercisers on their toes.
Fitness Expert Guy Russell explains: “These games are actually extremely functional, and that’s the reason they are still taught in schools – they are great for increasing body strength, improving flexibility and sharpening reflexes. The other bonus of participating in these “games” is being able to play with your children or grandchildren in a more engaging way, they will love it! For me, this could have legs!”
Stilt jumping- The Australian craze, which involves strapping on unique boots with a spring loaded sole before your usual run proved to be a hit with Made In Chelsea’s Binky Felstead and Cheska Hull, who were filmed jogging in them beside the River Thames. But can a bizarre boot pave the way to weight loss?
Guy Russell says: “FAD FAD FAD! While this is great fun and great exercise, but too many negatives to make it last with safety, cost, exclusivity and suitable locations being a massive turn off. Can only see this having a cult following.”
Hula Hooping- There’s no denying that this vintage playground game carries a certain fun factor, plus those hip motions are a fast track to toned abs. But how good is this for our long term fitness?
Guy Russell explains: “Hula has been around for years, so obviously it’s a great toy, but as a sustained piece of exercise equipment, not so much. It will help strengthen the pelvic girdle, and is cheap, but lack of variety means people will struggle to continuously use it after a couple of weeks, meaning it will end up in the loft, or at the back of a fitness cupboard.”
HIT- High intensity training. Brief, intense training has become the fitness trend of the moment, with the BBC recently exploring the long term health benefits. However, there is much debate around whether such a short bursts of exercise can really compete with calorie intake.
Guy Russell explains: “I’m a big fan of this, and it’s taking the industry by storm. With lots of exposure from action films such as 300 and Warrior, HIT has become the new fitness craze. This one ladies and gentlemen, is here to stay.”
Space Hoppers- The thigh tightening benefits of this retro activity have been making their presence known in the exercise circuit for a while now. The question remains- serious workout, or child’s play?
Guy Russell comments: “This will have even less staying power than Hula. Buy a big Fitness Ball – it will last longer and have a far greater range of exercises to keep you interested. FAD!”
Tagged in The Apprentice Health exercise fitness tips