LOOK OUT, WORKOUT!
Take a break from your usual gym routine and indulge in an active rest day with these alternative workouts. This could be your new ticket to fresh fitness. By Sabrina Loh.
BEER YOGA
Started by two yoga instructors in Berlin, Emily and Jhula of Bieryoga, from their love of beer, this bizarre fitness trend has taken the world by storm after going viral online this year. Combining beer and yoga, the workout which is now available at Black and White Fitness Studio consists of traditional yoga poses, reworked to balance the beer bottle on one hand, by bringing drink to mouth, or balancing on top of the head while practising your asana. The bottle also doubles as added weight to strengthen poses. “Both are centuriesold therapies for body, mind, and soul,” the official Beer Yoga website notes. “The joy of drinking beer and the mindfulness of yoga complement each other, and make for an energising experience.” Black and White Fitness Studio, Level 3, KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-7931 2365
HULA HOOPING
If you haven’t picked up a hula hoop since you were a kid, here’s a totalbody workout you can revisit to tone your muscles and improve balance. More than just spinning the hoop around your waist, the modern-day hula hooping workout incorporates elements of contemporary dance and fitness. “Hooping is an expression of your own personality. Everyone’s style differs and that’s what makes it so special. It’s also a great way to meet other people and be reunited with your inner child,” says Michelle Tan, founder of The Hula Hoop Institute, which provides free online tutorials and annual retreats. To further tone the arms and build core strength, weighted hoops are the way to go. www.thehulahoopinstitute.com
MERMAIDING
Take swimming laps to the next level and make your The Little Mermaid dreams come true with artistic mermaiding. At Dolphin Lee Aquatic, learn to freedive and utilise a faux mermaid tail to propel yourself through water. With far-reaching benefits as many of the moves target your core muscles, you’ll also build higher endurance, as well as flexibility in your shoulders, spine, and hips. Dolphin Lee Aquatic, Klang Executive Club, Selangor. Tel: 03-3344 1228
JUMPING FITNESS
A full-body workout that activates over 400 muscles, Jumping Fitness takes endurance sports to a higher level with fast and slow jumps, as well as aerobic steps, conducted on the Jumping Profi trampoline. “It’s also suitable for those with joint injuries because the trampoline absorbs the impact,” explains Ritchie Lee, founder of Jumping Malaysia. Jumping Fitness Malaysia, 50-3, Jalan Jalil 1, The Earth Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 012-699 1512