BE A KNOCKOUT EXERCISER
Prepare to unleash your inner fighter because boxing gyms are getting a makeover. Out are smoky warehouses with yesterday’s gym kit: in are polished studios with mood lighting and a class atmosphere. Bouncing off the popular addition of women’s boxing to the 2018 Olympics, boutique boxing studios and mainstream combat classes have gone from strength to strength to become the big trend they are today. Gloveworx in Santa Monica, California, is leading the way with its sleek 5,000 square foot state-of-the-art studio that’s equipped with a competition ring, heavy bags, speed bags. Spin bikes, rowers and VersaClimbers. ‘Gloveworx combinesboxing training with strength and conditioning in an enthusiastic team atmosphere,’ explains founder Leyon Azubuike. ‘It’s popular because there’s avariety of different exercises combined with high-intensity boxing training. Peopleget in peak shape while having fun.’
TRY IT NOW: Try Gloveworx methods at home with these tips from Azubuike.
TIP #1 ‘Perform the simple jab-cross moveto rev up your heart rate and develop sculpted and toned arms and shoulders!’
TIP #2 ‘Now add in a seated Russian Twist. To do this, balance on your glutesand reach your arms out before rotatingat your waist to touch the ground on theopposite side. Start with two sets.’
GET READY FOR A BATTLE
If it’s a cardio burn you’re after, battle ropes are your workout friend (if you like friends who inflict pain, of course). The weighted ropes will be making waves this year by showing up at classes across the country, teaching fitness fans how to do more than simply wiggle the ropes up and down. Expect a very intense workout, as this fit kit is rumoured to burn 112 calories every 20 minutes, while working your whole body, including your core muscles.Ropes & Rowers is already a popular class at New York’s Equinox gym. and now it’s set to whip Londoners into shape at the gym’s Kensington branch. ‘Ropes & Rowers produces peak performance for members by using WaterRowers and battle ropes – two of the most effective and efficient pieces of fitness kit on the market.’ explains Caitlin McGowan, Equinox group fitness manager. ‘In the class, participants will be challenged with rope relays. 400m endurance rows and As Many Reps As Possible drills.’ Phew!
TRY IT NOW: Add these Ropes & Rowers rounds to your gym workout.
ROUND #1 Row for four minutes.
ROUND #2 Do as many 150m rowing sprints as possible in four minutes with a 20-second rest between each effort.
ROUND #3 Perform 10 ‘double rope slams’ (Google it). Run to the end of the rope and back. Repeat this as many times as you can in four minutes.
ROUND #4 Finally do 10 squats. 10 push-ups. 10 V-sits. Do as many rounds as possible in four minutes.
HIT A GROUP TREADMILL CLASS
The running world’s answer to a Spin workout, group running classes are pretty intense and a great way to put your aerobicand anaerobic fitness to the test. Using typical training methods – intervals, sprintsand threshold efforts – these boutique studios take running club workouts indoors. New York City has the Mile High Run Club, a studio with 36 top-notch treadmills and two class types. London hasProject Fit. Barry’s Bootcamp and EquinoxPrecision Running classes. There’s plenty to choose from, and we’re sure the trend will expand to gyms nationwide soon.
GET HIM DOING BROGA!
What do you think of when you think of yoga? Women on mats contorting themselves into flexible shapes? Not anymore, as yoga is set to get a ‘man-over’ in 2016. With an increasing number of guys realising the benefits of ancient disciplines, such as yoga and Pilates, studios are set to offer male-friendly classes.Pioneering the trend is Broga, which began in America and is now available at select studios across London. ‘We are seeing top-level professional male sports teams incorporate yoga workouts into weekly regimes, and coaches are using yoga to reduce injury and increase performance,’ explains Matt Miller, founder of Broga (broga.uk.com). But if yoga’s not your bag (or your man’s). Bro-Lates is also available at Exhale Pilates in London (exhalepilateslondon.com). Watch out for more man-friendly workouts launching in studios across the UK.
TRY IT NOW: Get your man to try these two Broga moves, below, that target troublesome areas for men.
Move I: Pigeon
Works: Releases light hips Start on allfours and bring your left knee forward, placing it behind your left hand. Place your ankle in frontofyour right hip. Slide your right leg back, straightenyour knee and point your toes. Try to keep your hipssquare to thefront. Lift your upper body and pullyourshoulders hack. Holdforfive breaths. Swap sides.
Move 2: Tabletop
W orks; Shoulders, chest and core and stretches hamstringsSit with your knees raised and yourfeel shoulder widthapart. Place your hands behind your hips with your fingers pointing outwards. Lift your hips up as high as possible, engage your glutes and lift your chest.Hold forfive breaths, then lower yourself to thefloor.
