Fitness
From ballet to gym – we test three ways to stick to your fitness resolutions
ONLINE exercise sessions, followed from home, will be a big health trend in 2024 as we try to strike a balance between work, family life and fitness.
The Fitness and Wellness Trends Report 2024 reveals two of the major barriers to exercise are being “too tired” and “lack of time”.
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But at home a warm-up, workout and cool-down can be done in as little as 30 minutes and fitted around busy schedules.
Here Jane Atkinson looks at home workouts.
SIX-WEEK PROGRAMME
PERSONAL trainer Nicole Chapman is the founder of the Power of Mum programme. She specialises in pre- and post-natal fitness but I found it just ihipgood for women in general.
It is a six-week course offering four on-demand video workouts a week, so press play when you have time to do it.
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They include high and low-impact HIIT, strength-training, FAWE (holistic movement), Pilates, barre and yin yoga. All you need is a pair of dumbbells or kettlebells.
The bit I like is a WhatsApp support group where members keep each other motivated – and many don’t even have kids.
There’s also recipes to help with your diet, weekly check-ins and goal-setting.
Her next course is on offer at £63 with the code NEWYEAR. See nicolechapman.com
BALLET
ROYAL Academy of Dance registered ballet teacher and former lawyer Sarah Aspinall’s online programme is designed to give those at every level of fitness the sculpted body of a dancer.
The Breaking Ballet workout is designed for women aged 40-plus and uses short, effective, on-demand ballet-inspired exercises that can be worked around busy lives.
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As women’s bodies change with perimenopause and menopause, the programme is designed to help reduce symptoms and provide a workout that is appropriate for changing bodies.
It also improves balance and posture and there are noticeable improvements in muscle tone, sculpting, strength and stamina.
A 21-day online body reboot costs £37 – see breakingballet.com
GYM MEMBERSHIP
IF you want to do both gym and at home workouts, this is a great option.
With a David Lloyd membership, you get an On Demand section on their app which offers at-home workouts.
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Their speedy HIIT routines can be done at home in as little as 20 minutes.
Some of them need no equipment, and it targets the whole body, helping to burn calories and build muscle.
Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, the hundreds of on-demand workouts ensure there is a variety so you don’t get bored and there is something for everyone.
Prices vary by club, starting from £59 a month. Visit your local club or davidlloyd.co.uk for more info.