The leaves are turning, the chestnuts are falling (watch out!) and, as happens annually, it’s time to adust our fitness routines to account for colder temperatures and prep our bodies for fun winter activities. Luckily, our friends at Steve Nash Fitness World and Sports Clubs (SNFC) have identified the top five fitness trends for this fall: from functional training to joga, there’s plenty of inspiration below to kick your exercise regime into seasonal gear! —Vita Daily
functional training. Trying trendy new fitness classes can be fun, but many aren’t practical to how you use your body in everyday life. Functional training is a no-nonsense, straightforward form of exercise designed to mimic activities performed in your daily life. It involves training your muscles to work together rather than isolating each muscle independently, and focuses on training your body to be strong in real-life situations and positions, rather than a certain position that’s specific to the gym. One example of a functional fitness class is the 45-minute AXLE Full Body class at SNFC, which delivers a total-body conditioning workout (during which you can burn up to 750 calories!) via lunges, pushups, planks and cardio drills—all with a fun, versatile and challenging Axle twist. SNFC is the first in Canada to launch this class format and will offer the next level, Axle Loaded, in January!
winter sport prep. In preparation for ski season, we’ll see an increase of classes focused on getting your body ready for the slopes. SNFC offers classes to help outdoorsy Vancouverites up their fitness for a great season on the slopes, including:
> 3D Glutes: a focus on the all-important power muscles of quads and glutes with lots of core stability make this an ideal strength builder for the demands of the slopes.
> Body Glide: using the gliding discs provides similarities of friction and dynamic lateral movement to gain strength and muscular endurance in the same movement patterns as skiing and skating.
> Athletic Step: even if you think you’re “not a stepper,” this class provides interval drills to improve overall stamina while conditioning the lower body through constant hip and knee flexion and stability.
> Joga: more than just a catchy name, this is an excellent balancing element to traditional cardio/strength workouts, Joga takes an athletic approach to developing and maintaining optimal range of motion and flexibility to rehab and/or prehab from injury.
abs training. Core-strengthening exercises are making a comeback this fall (but do they ever really go out of style?!) and, luckily, a surprising array of classes can get you a rock solid core. A great way to get into this is through SNFC’s Rocktober Abs Challenge—a fun way to explore different classes that will rock your core. The challenge is to try all four class formats within four weeks, plus instructors will measure plank times in classes at the start and end of the month to gauge core strength improvement:
> 3D Core or Pilates: 30-60 minutes of focused core work that targets not just the esthetic six-pack, but all the important stabilizers of the pelvis, spine and shoulders.
> Shred Express: you can’t see those toned abs if you have extra body fat covering them! Torch the excess with a no-nonsense HIIT approach to group cycling in this 45-minute interval spin class.
> Axle Full Body: this innovative tool (that looks like a barbell with bicycle wheels instead of weight plates) allows for traditional strength moves coupled with intense rolling planks and stability challenge, creating constant core engagement.
> Belly Dance: dancing is truly non-stop abdominal work. Twist, shake and wiggle your way to a sculpted middle. (Note: LaBlast, Le Barre, Street Dance or Zumba! class formats are equally effective options!)
resistance band training. If you’ve been to the gym lately, chances are you’ve seen resistance bands crop up as people use them to supplement their usual exercises and provide that extra challenge. Resistance bands are great because you can use them anywhere—from the gym to in front of your TV at home (Netflix and burn!). Use them to take your squats to the next level (put the bands around the outsides of your feet, cross the two ends and pull handles up to your chest) or to elevate your pushups (with the band around your hands and upper back) for a next-level workout.
personalizing it. People are getting increasingly conscious of tailoring workouts for their unique goals. While classes are a great way to get in a fun group workout, tailoring your workouts will help you tone those arms, strengthen that core or whatever else you’re hoping to accomplish. A great way to get a tailored workout specific to your body type and fitness goals is to use a personal trainer, who can put together a fitness plan specific to your needs.
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