Fast And Fun Ways To Keep Fit
NEVER again can you complain you do not have enough time for exercise - the new fitness trend in gyms is slimmed-down classes.
Some bite-size sessions now last just 15 minutes.
And many keep-fit clubs are time-tabling half-hour classes before breakfast or during lunch breaks.
The growth of express-style fitness follows demand from time-poor workers and parents, according to the Fitness Industry Association.
FIA chief executive Andree Deane said: “Sixty per cent of people who do not have a regular fitness regime blame both work and domestic commitments.
“In recognition of this, fitness centres have evolved activity programmes that include shorter, high-intensity classes at times convenient to the modern worker.”
While health experts recommend an hour of aerobic exercise, such as walking three times a week, research has shown that shorter, harder keepfit sessions can have similar benefits physically.
Personal trainer Maria Righetti said: “People do need to put in more effort if they are only working out for 15 or 30 minutes at a time.
“If they work harder and more intensively then they will see benefits in terms of improved fitness and weight loss.” She added: “Ideally, would need to do a short session every day to reap the same rewards as exercising for longer, three times a week.”
At Next Generation, a nationwide chain of health clubs, the number of express classes has increased to suit customer needs.
Sports manager Andy Raitt, of the Anniesland centre, said: “We realise busy people want classes available before work, at lunchtime and straight after work, and we always strive to meet our members’ needs.
“We’ve found that more and more people are looking for a workout that is quick and effective - our express classes are the perfect solution.”
The Next Generation clubs offer a half-hour Cardio Cycle session, often in a breakfast time slot, and Abs Blast, a 20-minute core strength workout.
Fifteen-minute Abs Blast classes are also promoted at Greens Health and Fitness, LA Fitness, and Fitness First.
Virgin Active call their session V-Core. A nationwide gym, they have a number of other bite-sized sessions including 15-minute Fast Classes that take place on the gym floor.
Then there are the novel 30-minute-long high energy Drums Alive (complete with drum sticks and stability ball) and Hulaerobics fitness classes.
Many gyms have half-hour spin sessions on stationary bikes. At Fitness First, the spin class is called RPM and is billed as “a high-speed, calorie-guzzling cardio workout”.
An alternative to a fitness class is the vibrating training machine called the Power Plate or VibroGym. It claims to give an all-over-body workout in just 12 minutes.
All exercisers are required to do is pop into a gym, follow a simple routine of stretches and leave.
It’s claimed the machines, available at Health Heaven Boutique, Glasgow, and various Virgin Active studios, will work between 80 and 100 per cent of the body’s muscles in just minutes.
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