Tabata at SpringHealth Kickboxing
Leave it to a Japanese professor to come up with a high-intensity workout that appears painless, but is actually gut-wrenchingly difficult. Welcome to Tabata – a hard-hitting interval session that leaves you feeling both exhilarated and nauseous at the same time. The expression ‘every second counts’ could not be more fitting. Continue reading
AntiGravity Yoga at Virgin Active Health Clubs. Instructor – Nuno Campos.
Hanging upside down in a silk-made hammock sounds like something reserved for acrobat performers – yet in Virgin Active Health Clubs along with several other athletic centres, the everyday sports enthusiast is doing just that. The idea is to improve strength and flexibility. Minutes into an AntiGravity Yoga class, you find your body swinging, then twisting and finally stretching in ways you could never have imagined. Think of a challenging pilates or yoga class, and then place yourself in a hammock. Though make note: do not consume food or drink within hours from the start of class – ‘losing your lunch’ gains a new meaning here. Continue reading
Image taken from our video – AltFitHealth – Underwater and Unicycle Hockey
While the National Hockey League (NHL) may be the most popular hockey league in the world – other forms of hockey are also making a name for themselves. Reporter Elisa Iannacone tried underwater and unicycle hockey. Sound a bit crazy? See for yourself here.
Image taken from our video – AltFitHealth – Roller Derby
Roller derby is the fastest-growing sport in Britain, according to sport analysts. Created in 2006, there are now approximately 90 registered leagues across the country. But this women-only competition still struggles to find acceptance in the sporting world. Reporter Bettina Guirkinger finds out what all the skating fuss is about. Check out our video on You Tube.
Photo taken from AltFitHealth – Foot Golf video
Golf is played at over 2,000 courses across the UK. Now throw a football into the equation, and you get Foot Golf. The worldwide sporting sensation started in Holland and went viral on YouTube. And though it just completed its first World Cup last March in Hungary, it has yet to win over the golf community. Zairah Khurshiid tells us a what Foot Golf is, and why it’s all kicking off on the green. Watch our You Tube video to find out more.
Image supplied by Marie Verchere at Swedish Fit
To many in Sweden, and surprisingly France as well, Swedish Fitness is a way of life. With classes performed anywhere from school halls to the beach, this fitness craze, also known as Friskis to the Swedes, combines a mix of aerobic and strength-based exercises to upbeat grooves such as Daft Punk, Kanye West and yes, even Abba at times. While Friskis may sound a bit like cat food, this work-out is certainly not for the felines – but instead an onslaught of women (and a few men) who are eager to burn some calories. Continue reading
Image from GraceD’s flickr stream
Summer is looming, though those chilly, rainy days are always a threat. Rather than forging the usual English moan, why not warm up in a 40°C bikram yoga class? Continue reading
Image supplied by Nahid de Belgeonne at Good Vibes Studios
In the mood for good vibrations? We are referring to the Power Plate (of course!) – a training device that produces vibrations from its platform and then through your body making each movement more challenging and thus burning calories in half the time. Another fitness fad? It’s up for debate. London certainly seems to be embracing it as more studios open every month. Continue reading
Image supplied by Ten Pilates
You’ve been told you should try pilates but were unsure it’s enough of a work-out. Then along comes power pilates and you wish you’d stuck to the more blissful breathing exercises in a basic matwork class. Not for the faint-hearted but a guaranteed calorie burner. Continue reading
Image supplied by Jamie Lloyd Training
You’ve probably seen the bowling ball-shaped weights with handles lying around the gym, and wondered what these things are. Rest assured, we can tell you the ‘kettlebell weights’ are used for implosive work-outs aiming to strengthen the core, tone overall body and nearly knock you for six with the series of squats and swings. Brace yourself for the aftermath of pain, but hang in there for a few sessions and it gets easier. Continue reading