Ready to take things up a notch with your fitness regimen this year? Add just one of the hottest workouts for women in 2012 to your weekly schedule for more energy, a higher calorie burn, and better results in the mirror. Some of the year's hottest fitness trends include core strengthening exercises and boot camp-style regimens. You'll also get a killer workout with a pole dancing routine (or two). As with all fitness routines, a sound nutrition plan will help give you the energy you need to push through the exercises and get the results you want - you really can't do one without the other.
Here are just five of the hottest workouts for women in 2012:
#1: Pole Dancing
Set your inhibitions aside and work your core, upper body, and legs with pole dancing lessons this year. Jan Lazarus, owner of Vixen Fitness in Orlando, Florida, explains why this is such a great workout for women of all sizes: "Physically, pole dancing helps strengthen your core which is good for your posture and a strong back. It works wonders for your upper body and will give you those gorgeous arms and shoulders - it's more of a strengthening and toning-style workout. Pole dancing also allows you to get in touch with your femininity and bring out your inner "sexy." It's an amazing confidence builder!"
You don't have to take these classes in a one-on-one setting either. Pole dancing is offered as a group session so it can be less intimidating. Lazarus points out, "Group fitness creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and support…and not to mention accountability. It makes exercise more fun, and when it's fun, you're more likely to do it. Stick to it and you see results."
#2: ZUMBA Fitness
The ZUMBA fitness craze is still going strong in 2012 and can be a great total body workout for women of all shapes and sizes. The dance sequences include periods of interval training and fast-paced Latin dance moves - think salsa and merengue at super speed - to burn up to 500+ calories per hour. This is a fun, cardio group fitness class that's now available hundreds of fitness centers around the country.
#3: BOSU Training
Training your core and working on balance are great ways to improve performance in any exercises you do. According to the 2010 IDEA Personal Training Programs & Equipment Survey, 95 percent of personal trainers offer some type of balance training. The BOSU trainer is designed to improve stability and core strength, and can also be a great calorie-burning workout. If you're eager to try something new and work that midsection, sign up for a BOSU class in your area.
#4: Boot Camp Drills
Motivated to blast off those excess pounds before spring break? Sign up for a series of high-intensity, high-impact boot camp classes that will have you moving, sweating, and pushing yourself to the max. These military-style classes aren't for everyone but can be just what you need to get out of a fitness rut. If you still need to lose a few inches - and want to do it fast - head to boot camp.
#5: TRX Training
TRX is another workout that made the top fitness trends list for 2012. If you're more of the sporty type and less interested in dance classes, give TRX suspension training a try. This is a circuit training workout that also works your core but uses gravity to trigger neuromuscular responses in key muscle groups. Add these exercises to your fitness regimen when you want to build up core strength and improve overall strength and fitness.
Sources:
Huffington Post - 20 Fitness Trends for 2012
Bosu.com - Move Better, Live Better. Why Balance is an Essential Part of Your Exercise Program
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