Fitness

Does the perfect workout really exist?

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2024

The first time Olympia Cure tried a pair of rebound boots—a ski-boot-like shoe with a flexible, plastic oval attached to the bottom—she “felt like a kid on a trampoline.”

Soon after, Cure, a fitness enthusiast and part-time roller skating instructor in Chicago, launched Chainless Movements, a group rebound class that resembles step aerobics on space-age stilts. Since December, she says, she’s lost five pounds, and her endurance has increased.

A 2019 ClassPass survey found that participation in non-traditional fitness classes, such as trampoline workouts, bungee fitness, and dance cardio, increased by 82 percent compared to the previous year.

But to some, classes like Cure’s—plus a swath of other trendy group workouts like bungee fitness, trampoline jumping, and drumstick routines—have become the subject of ridicule. On sites like YouTube and TikTok, millions have posted videos with the running joke, Middle Aged Women Doing Anything But Working Out.

Traditionalists sometimes view unconventional workouts as fads lacking scientific backing, while proponents argue that these new methods can enhance motivation and make exercise more accessible and enjoyable.

Yet, with a glut of information and limited time, choosing the best way to work out can be daunting. Research alone suggests one should forego the flying bungees. But what about exercisers disinclined to hit a weight bench or intimidated by CrossFit? Is there any such thing as a perfect workout? Here’s what the experts say.

It’s all about exercise “buckets”

Though there are few large, high-quality studies on trampolining and other fitness trends, the studies that do exist suggest it improves balance, cardiovascular fitness, and pelvic floor musculature. It is also gentler on the joints and often has a lower perceived level of exertion since it is generally more fun.

However, the value of weightlifting and high-intensity cardio for weight loss has been around for years. A recent study found that lifting reduced women’s cardiovascular mortality by a whopping 30 percent.

(Lifting heavy weights is for middle-aged women too.)

But Mike Roussell, author of Strength: The Field Manual and a nutrition expert, says it’s more about ticking certain fitness boxes than one particular workout.

“You need cardiovascular training, and you need resistance training, and having both is the ultimate fitness résumè,” he says.

In the cardio “bucket,” Roussell says, aim for low-intensity cardio—low enough to hold a conversation while you move—and bursts of high intensity. Low-intensity cardio strengthens parts of the heart, lowering blood pressure and resting heart rate. In high-intensity cardio, the heart pumps more intensively and forces the body to use different kinds of fuel, called metabolic flexibility, which boosts longevity and disease prevention.

Then there’s the resistance “bucket.” Building strength and power contribute to longevity, says Roussell, partly because lean body mass helps prevent falls and fractures later in life and makes it easier to maintain muscle later. “It’s just like your retirement savings,” he says. “You’re going to spend it, but at least you have it there.”

(Here’s what lifting weights does to your body—and your mind.)

As if that weren’t enough to make the barbell-averse reconsider, resistance training has also contributed to brain health.

“It’s like physical Sudoku,” says Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist with expertise in women’s athletics. “Wordle and Sudoku are good for neural pathways. But you could do resistance training and get a bigger bang for your buck because you get better muscles, better metabolic control, and brain health.”

Sims recommends thinking of resistance training in terms of three movement planes: quad-dominant/glute-dominant (think squats), push-pull upper body (bench overhead press), and posterior work (deadlifts and Cossack squats).

“Then you’re looking at the functionality of the different planes of movement and the different exercises that you can put in there, depending on what people are doing in their lives,” she adds.

Evolution of fitness trends

This isn’t the first time a trendy workout has faced criticism. In the early 20th century, calisthenics and gymnastics were sometimes considered too basic and rigid, unsuitable for all populations. The 1950s and 1960s brought home workouts into the spotlight, but programs like Jack LaLanne’s were criticized for their simplistic approach and lack of personalized guidance, potentially leading to injuries.

The aerobics boom of the 1970s and 1980s, popularized by Jane Fonda, faced criticism for its high-impact nature, which could cause joint injuries. At the same time, bodybuilding was scrutinized for promoting unrealistic body images and the use of steroids.

(The exercise phenomenon born in a prisoner-of-war camp.)

In the 1990s, step aerobics and spinning were noted for the risk of repetitive strain injuries, and yoga and Pilates were sometimes dismissed as too gentle or ineffective for weight loss. The 2000s saw the rise of functional fitness with CrossFit, which faced criticism for high injury rates and intense workouts, as did boot camps and HIIT for being potentially dangerous for beginners.

From the 2010s to the present, boutique fitness studios have sometimes been seen as elitist due to their high costs, while digital and at-home workouts raised concerns about a lack of personalized guidance.

Finding balance

For both Sims and Rousell, the best workouts are those that take real life into account. Roussell calls it “the gray area”—where fitness and nutrition goals meet things like business travel, parenting, and parties.

Instead, he says, the secret to success is embracing the nuances and realities of one’s real-life demands. Start with what you enjoy, and add whatever exercise components you might be missing.

(Walking is the sixth vital sign. Here’s how to do it right.)

“We have to look at that motivation component,” says Sims. “If someone likes to walk, I tell them to put a weighted backpack on because that’s going to give you extra load that you have to push against. You’re still doing what you love, but you are getting some resistance training component to it.”

For Olympia Cure’s rebound students in Chicago, the motivation factor has opened the door to regular fitness.

“A lot of the residents said they don’t have affordable fitness options around us that would trick the mind,” she says. “They want to do something that makes them think, ‘I’m not really exercising. I’m just having fun.’”

Fitness

Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Published

8 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

Amazon

This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

Fitness

Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Published

21 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.”

Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

Fitness

What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”