by Gavin Flemming
Everyone wants to be healthy today and typically that entails eating right, however a regular exercise routine is also imperative to one’s health. Fortunately, there are many different fitness activities to participate in today that will allow you to supplement your diet, however, many people stick to the traditional aerobic exercises and weight lifting. Although, there are other types of workouts that people participate in and enjoy besides the traditional ones including barre workouts, Yamuna body rolling, yoga, pilates, and tai chi. And, the people today who participate in these type of exercises all seem to agree that not only are they effective, but they are also much gentler on the body.
The traditional workouts are often hard on a person’s body, especially as we get older. For example, aerobic exercise can be difficult on our bones and joints because it can cause stress to your body. Also, strength training is often easier for those who are younger and it gets more difficult as you age. Lastly, many of the traditional workouts are not as healing for our bodies, and although they may be healthy, they can induce injury.
There are many people today who have switched from the traditional exercise roles to the alternative methods, hoping to find something that will be lower impact on there body but at the same time generate results. One of the plus sides of these workouts is that they do not usually cause the same amount of stress to the body, yet they are still a great output for exercise. Today, the most popular types of nontraditional fitness methods include barre workouts, Yamuna body rolling, yoga, and pilates.
A relatively newer alternative form of exercise is known as the barre workout, and it is a wonderful option for those who are looking to condition their muscles without having to lift weights. When you participate in a barre workout, you will stand in front on a mirror and use a bar, much like a traditional ballerina. There are actually several different poses and even classes that you can participate in all of which will help you improve your strength. Consider trying it today, and you may join the many that have begun to favor this type of workout.
Yamuna body rolling, otherwise known as YBR, is a new exercise technique that centers on the use of 6 and 10 inch balls. The YBR workout is nothing like a traditional ball workout, because it focuses on your specific body type and the muscles you are targeting in hopes of achieving optimal results. When you participate in YBR, you essentially have your very own hands on practitioner that is working with you to stretch out your muscles. And, hopefully, the end result is a leaner figure, more flexibility, and elongated muscles.
Many people today participate in the popular exercise known as yoga, which had its beginnings in India. Although it is a common form of exercise today, many people forget the mental aspect and meditation that goes into yoga, which can be extremely beneficial for a person’s mental health. Regardless, yogis around the world attend classes daily and focus on increased flexibility, better breathing, and asanas (specific postures). There are actually a variety of different forms of yoga you can practice today, however hatha yoga remains the most common.
Pilates is another form of exercise out there that has become extremely popular and even trendy in these last few years. Many people compare pilates to yoga, and the two are similar; however, pilates combines yoga postures and aerobic exercises. In addition, when you attend a pilates class or work with a pilates trainer, the focus on the workout is on the core and your breathing. Every exercise you engage in relates to strengthening the core muscles.
Lastly, tai chi is another form of alternative exercise that is gaining more popularity today, especially as we learn of its health benefits. Tai chi is a friendly environment for people of all ages and it is non competitive – people can complete the lass and poses at their own speed and pace. However, during a tai chi class every pose does flow together, so you do not get a break. Many people who consistently participate in tai chi say they have decreased stress, increased flexibility, improved strength, more energy, and a better mood.
Consider trying some of the alternative forms of exercise out there today. Not only will they be less stressful on your body, but they will also provide you with some added health benefits.