Bored with your workout? Hit a plateau and stopped losing pounds? Consider switching your routine. You’ll be inspired by the new challenge, and possibly work new muscle groups to tone and firm your body even further.
Here are some of the newest and trendiest exercise routines. You may find something to get your adrenalin going—and revive your passion for a fun, fabulous workout.
Bond with baby, burn the calories
This is possibly one of the coolest ways to lose the pregnancy weight. Stroller workouts can burn up to 500 calories an hour, and the best thing about it is that you simultaneously bond with your baby too. Bonus: exercise helps relieve stress, and we all know how stressful the first year can be for parents. You’ll feel your energy levels go up, so you’re ready for those midnight feedings or (for working moms) the hectic demands of juggling career and family.
Get a maga-workout!
Krav Maga is based on the self-defense system used by the Israeli Defense Forces. You’ll learn several kicks, blocks and punches, which will work all the major muscle groups—including problem areas like the butt and thighs. Best of all you learn self-defense, and that’s important for any woman in this day and age.
Sweat it out like a samurai
The Forza workout gets 100 extra points for just being so cool. You get to use a samurai sword, and let me tell you, swinging that baby around builds endurance and tones muscles. You also develop your concentration. If you’ve always loved playing those computer role-playing games, this workout is for you. Also great for working out all those aggressive emotions. Hate your boss? Mad at your ex husband? Grab a sword and pretend that you’re hacking their limbs off. Ah, what a great way to end the day!
Take yoga to new heights
How would you like to do yoga while suspended on a hammock? Called Unnata Yoga, this exercise routine has you hanging upside down, which participants say gives you a totally different endorphin rush. Don’t knock it till you try it. Who knows, it might change your perspective on exercise—in more ways than one.
Zumba swimming—oops, we meant swimming
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or a neck-deep pile of potato chips) you’ve probably heard about Zumba, a cardiovascular dance workout with a strong influence of Latin music. But why not try Zumba in the water? Water workouts add extra resistance, so you tone muscles and lose weight much faster than you would if you were exercising on land.
Photo from thecelebrityworkout.com