BALLET BARRECORE Despite the name , tutus are not necessary for Ballet Barrecore , currently one of the hottest female fitness trends . Only 2 per cent of Barrecore attendees are male – and perhaps with good reason . Niki Rein , who founded the movement , says : “ A lot of men who come to the class don ’ t make it through as they find it so tough . They need more breaks and find it quite humbling .” Isometric static squats form the basis of Barrecore . Lifting repeatedly shortens and lengthens muscles , but isometrics are about holding the contraction in one spot – something that men are less likely to do . They ’ re proven to give superior strength gains and have a lower risk factor than lifting , but they won ’ t build big muscles . While this is often seen as a benefit for women , when men are looking to add mass , they often opt for short-term bulking . Counterbalancing the shortening of muscles that comes with lifting is key to maximising gains , so the elasticity that Barrecore can provide is a shortcut to maximising results .
ZUMBA Created by Colombian dance guru Beto Perez , Zumba takes the fundamentals of salsa dancing and combines them with aerobic exercises that improve not just your rhythm but stamina too – and guess where those two come into their own ? If you usually do cardio on the elliptical or treadmill , Zumba can mix things up by activating the brain at the same time . Learning the routines is less about nailing them Timberlake-style , and more about loosening the hips and shoulders to achieve more fluid movements . Zumba covers a wide range of movements , using muscles that you otherwise wouldn ’ t use , so soreness is surprisingly common after a class . For anyone looking to start strength-training , an hour-long class provides a solid foundation for muscle memory and developing flexibility .
AQUA AEROBICS Not just for OAPs , Aqua Aerobics classes are popping up all over trendy fitness venues . Vigorous underwater exercise burns through around 500 calories an hour , but without the impact damage – making it a great rest-day activity . Plyometrics – or power building explosive movements – are a major component of Aqua Aerobics , plus large , sweeping movements and lunges combined with water resistance tax areas rarely worked out in the gym , and your core will be working overtime keeping you balanced in the water . Because Aqua Aerobics is a low-impact alternative to on-land activities , it ’ s also a great back-up during injury time that will still push you .
29