Make your fitness regime a hula lot more interesting

From revisiting childhood activities to training using hi-tech toys, there are a load of ways to bring some fun to your workouts, writes Prudence Wade

FOR many of us, the pandemic has completely transformed how we work out – with a bigger emphasis on flexible training and taking care of your body and soul.

In 2022, the “hybrid model” will continue to be big news, as more of us seamlessly switch between at-home workouts and sweat sessions in the gym.

But there’s also an increased emphasis on having a bit of fun with your workout, as seen in many of the fitness trends set to be big in 2022. Let’s take a look...

1. Weighted hula hooping

The pandemic has seen us return to a whole range of childhood activities – just take a look at the boom of roller-skating. The latest nostalgic sport to add to your exercise routine is hula hooping – but perhaps not as you know it.

Weighted hula hooping takes your workout to the next level, challenging your core much more than it might have done when you hooped as a child. It’s set to be hugely popular, with PureGym (puregym.com) naming it the world’s fastest-growing fitness trend ahead of 2022.

You can even make it into an arm workout too. The extra weight will have your muscles aching for days afterwards.

2. VR fitness

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the predicted rise of virtual reality (VR) fitness – about as far from nostalgic childhood activities as you can get. VR has been slowly but surely making its presence known in the fitness industry but previously it’s been too expensive and inaccessible for the average person. That could be changing now.

It’s not just traditional fitness apps making their mark (although VR workouts such as boxing and skiing are proving popular) but we’re also seeing the rise of “gamercising” – VR apps making your workout into something fun, with lots of challenges and adventures along the way.

3. Reverse running

Bored of jogging forwards all the time? You might want to try reverse running – another fitness trend PureGym says is climbing in popularity. This fitness trend originated in the 80s but is seeing a resurgence and it’s a great one to try because you don’t need any fancy kit or gadgets.

You’d be surprised how different running backwards feels to your traditional forwards jog – it’s said to be easier on the joints, works your muscles in a different way, and is a real challenge for your coordination. Of course, there’s a bit more jeopardy involved – just make sure you’re aware of what’s going on behind you!

4. Surfing

Surfing made its debut as an Olympic sport at Tokyo 2020, sparking an interest in what can only be described as an extremely cool activity.

It’s not the easiest sport to master – you definitely have to have a lot of patience, and will have to be prepared to fall down a whole lot. But there’s nothing like catching the perfect wave and, as a bonus, it’s a full-body workout that will get your heart pumping and muscles toned.

5. HIRT

Move over HIIT, because HIRT – High Intensity Resistance Training – is set to be the next big thing. This basically means short, intense bursts of resistance training – anything using weights.

It could be barbell squats, deadlifts, shoulder presses – whatever way you want to train that day. The aim is to tire out your muscles and spike your heart rate, with short rests between each set.

It’s definitely a good one to squeeze in if you want maximum results in the shortest amount of time.