New year, new you? If you have plans to hit the gym hard and get your diet under control as we head into 2020 to undo the damage done over the festive period, then you’re not alone. But, if like many, you tend to dive in head first on 2nd January only to fall off the wagon only weeks later, this time, it might be worth considering taking a new approach.
The key to staying on track towards your health and fitness goals isn’t only willpower or determination, and often, creating a routine you genuinely enjoy can turn out to be the springboard you need to long-term success. So, if you’re looking to get in shape before jetting off on that luxurious winter sun getaway, then it’s time to look at your methods.
Think about it; if you pledge to run 5k a day each morning before work, but hate doing it, then it should come as little surprise if you find yourself calling it quits a few days in. After all, who wants to go jogging in the dark at 5am in temperatures nearing freezing?
The same goes for signing up to that gym membership for the luxurious health club in your area. With state of the art facilities and a range of new and trendy ‘boutique’ style classes to choose from, it sounds like just the ticket – but if you’re the type of person who gets self-conscious in the weights area or feels embarrassed about going to new fitness classes alone, then the chances are that you will soon start coming up with reasons not to go.
With this in mind, the new year is a great opportunity to wipe the slate clean and plan to do things differently in 2020. No more forcing yourself to participate in that barre class you hate – it’s time to find yourself a fitness activity you love.
It might take a bit of trial and error, but there is a huge variety of sports, classes and clubs to choose from, and we’d be willing to bet you’ve never tried most of them before. So, sign yourself up to some taster sessions and give some of them a go – you never know, you might find something that changes your relationship with exercise forever.
Unsure where to start? Here are some ideas to get you going. Be prepared to splurge, too – because if there is one thing you should never think twice about treating yourself to, it’s a top class fitness regime you adore.
Judo
Judo might not be the first activity that comes to mind when you’re looking to get back into shape, but martial arts are surprisingly demanding – and can be pretty empowering, too. Not only will signing up to a club get you active, but it will also equip you with some valuable self defence skills. You never know when you might need them.
You won’t need to invest in much in terms of equipment, although protective MMA mats help to reduce the risk of injury – so if you’re thinking of practicing at home then it’s worth getting your own.
Hybrid Yoga
Tipped to be one of the hottest fitness trends for 2020, hybrid yoga classes will soon be making their way to a health club near you. Yoga HIIT is set to be particularly popular, combining challenging stretches with sharp bursts of high-intensity activity.
While it might not sound like the relaxing session you were after, it does give you more bang for your buck – ensuring you use all of the muscles in your body to burn off some energy and that you leave dripping with sweat and buzzing with endorphins. If you love Vinyasa but the calorie burn isn’t cutting it, then this one is for you.
Barre and Cardio Fusion
A new style of trendy barre class is ramping up the traditional, ballet-style workout by adding an intense cardio component to the mix. This fast-paced, full body workout is a great way to sculpt and tone whilst packing a serious calorie bun, getting you performing a range of high-intensity moves followed by short moments of active recovery.
Not one for the faint-hearted, it’ll get your heart pumping and take your fitness to a whole new level – plus, you’ll have plenty of fun in the process.
Whatever your class or activity of choice, make 2020 the year you finally fall in love with exercise. It’s guaranteed to transform your workout ethic, will have you raring to get going each week, and will get you well on your way to finally achieving those health and fitness dreams.
