Are you fit to join the STARS?
Celebrities are being pushed to the limit by a range of hot new workouts... now read our guide to find how they can also work wonders for YOU
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS
WHAT: Functional 45 – or F45 as it is better known – emerged in Australia where it has gained a cult following among celebrity fans including Hugh Jackman, below, and Nicole Richie. It is based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with 45 seconds’ exercise and 15 seconds’ rest in a constant circuit for 45 minutes (including a mid-way rest). There are several types of F45 classes, with names such a as Romans, Athletica, Brooklyn and Wingman, carried out in a group setting. WHY:W HIIT tra training boosts meta metabolism and burns fat, meaning you lose weight but not muscle. As F45 exercises can be carried out using just bodyweight or with equipment, anyone can join in and adapt it to their fitness level. WHERE: There are 450 F45 studios in 18 countries, but so far just one in the UK. However, with the London Bridge location becoming more popular, several new London studios are set to open this year. More information at f45training.co.uk
MIX IT UP
WHAT: The big fitness trend for 2017 will be combo or fusion classes. These mix different types of training into one class, such as HIIT, Pilates and strength exercises. Such classes include Boom Cycle, combining spinning and boxing, Pao-la’s BodyBarre fusing boxing and barre, PHIIT, which mixes Pilates and highintensity interval training, and Balates – a combination of barre and Pilates. WHY: By combining different types of training, you get a ‘complete’ workout which, though shorter, is more intense to fit in with busy schedules. WHERE: Paola’s BodyBarre is taught in several locations across London ( paolasbodybarre.com) while Balates classes are held at Gymbox ( gymbox.com). PHIIT has a studio in Fulham.
STRETCH A BIT FURTHER
WHAT: Gyrotonic training was created in the 1970s by professional ballet dancer Julio Horvath as a ‘yoga for dancers’. He used it to rehabilitate himself after a herniated vertebral disc and torn Achilles tendon. The training is carried out using a piece of equipment called the Pulley Tower – which looks more like a medieval stretching rack – and mixes yoga and t’ai chi with martial arts and dance in gentle movements. WHY: Gyrotonic training aims to decompress the joints, stabilise the body and co-ordinate breathing. Using the Pulley Tower, the exercises stretch, strengthen and lengthen the muscles in one go, while being kind to joints. WHERE: To find a studio nearest you, visit gyrotonic.co.uk.
JUMP AROUND
WHAT: Freejumping – a kind of trampolining – is set to explode in 2017. Also known as ‘antigravity cardio’ sessions, these trampoline classes are miles away from jumping on a rebounder to boost your pelvic floor. Celebrities such as Victoria a Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow, right, reportedly hit trampolining classes to burn fat and stay slim and limber. WHY: Jumping on a trampoline is healthier for joints as there is no impact against a hard surface. It is also said to be three times more effective than jo jogging when it comes to s strengthening muscles and burning calories. WHERE: There are several freejumping and trampolining studios c cropping up in the UK. Se See oxygen free jumping. co co.uku for details of centres across the country.
GET OFF THE FENCE
WHAT: Looking for something different? Try Urban Escrima. Escrima, invented in the 1500s, is derived from the Spanish word for fencing and is the national martial art of the Philippines. Participants use both canes and hand techniques in combat classes specially developed for fitness enthusiasts and martial-arts fans. WHY: As well as introducing selfdefence methods, the intensive classes burn fat and train your reflexes. WHERE: Visit urbanescrima.com to find out where the self-defence classes are held in London.