Your perfect pairing

Get the most out of your exercise hour with a fusion workout…

BOXING XING WITH A SIDE OF YOGA? HIIT plus mindfulness? The latest workouts marry two polarised disciplines with the aim of finding your perfect, personal balance. ‘We focus on different areas or health philosophies: strength versus flexibility; East (yoga) versus West (boot camp),’ says Dan Percival, whose new gym 3Tribes is built on this principle.

But why now? James Duigan, founder of uber-cool London gym Bodyism, says, ‘To be healthy you have to care for your body and mind equally; fusing energetic moves with holistic practices enhances wellness.’ In other words, it’s no longer #bootygains vs #yogaeverydamnday – fusion classes work both into one session.

Dalton Wong (the man behind J-law’s abs) advises moving away from pure high-intensity cardio and changing tempo for periods of slow, considered movements that ‘engage the mind/muscle connection’. For Dalton, adjusting your mindset is key: ‘Working across several disciplines in a one-hour practice is a challenge in itself.’ And while high-intensity moves work your muscles and burn calories, Dan says flexibility is key. ‘Aim for the strength of a boxer with the mobility of a dancer.’

A combination of approaches ‘stops the body from behaving in habitual patterns of motion,’ he adds, ‘but the real clincher is efficiency, as these combos deliver maximum results in minimum time.’

So, where to start? The good news is you’re already combining approaches if you jog to the park to do some stretches or do Pilates after lifting weights. Now turn the page for the hottest pairings right now.