Fun Fitness Trends For The Summer

Move over Zumba and British Military Fitness: staying in shape in 2014 is all about getting harnessed up and animalistic (though not at the same time, and in a much less creepy-sounding way).

Looking across the pond and further afield for inspiration, the latest fitness trends offer something for everyone, whether you’re a cardio junkie or laid-back yogi. Here’s our pick of the best imports to keep you trimmed and toned this summer:

Bokwa
According to the website, “If you can spell, you can do Bokwa”. (Though even if your spelling's a bit dodgy, you can still get the movement.) The South African dance fitness programme involves drawing imaginary letters and numbers with your feet while freestyling to an energising soundtrack, and burns up to 1,200 calories a workout. Should be a cinch for Scrabble enthusiasts. Classes available across England.
bokwafitness.com

Crossfit
Attracting an almost cult-like following, practitioners of Crossfit are practically evangelical about this core strength and conditioning program, which “begins with a belief in fitness”. A mix of high-intensity interval training, weightlifting, gymnastics and everything in between, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Crossfit gyms can be found throughout the UK.
crossfit.com

Anti-gravity yoga
Bikram is, like, so 2013. These days, it’s all about harnesses, not heat, as yogis are guided through postures while suspended from giant hammocks resembling oversized nappies. The harness apparently works against gravity to help realign your body, resulting in greater agility, flexibility, strength and co-ordination. Classes nationwide.
antigravityyoga.co.uk

Animal Flow
Promising mobility, strength, endurance and power, this combination of gymnastics, capoeira and free running promises to help you “unleash your inner beast”. The website’s promo video follows a ripped, tattooed young man as he half runs/half creative dances his way through a forest, stopping only to swing off the odd branch and crawl suggestively towards the camera. Probably best to exercise your animal in a secluded corner of the park, away from small children. Classes available at the sleek Equinox gym in London’s Kensington.
equinox.com

Piloxing
Yogalates – now there’s a hybrid fitness regime that seems logical. Less obviously compatible is pilates and boxing, though devotees swear by it. This high-intensity workout involves wearing weighted gloves while doing rounds of uppercuts and side jabs before taking things down a notch to engage the core. It can burn up to 900 calories an hour and tones problems areas, such as arms, like nobody’s business. Classes at Push Studios in East Dulwich, South London.
pushstudios.co.uk

Sandbells
Kettle bells, sand bells, what next, tubular bells? When it comes to modern fitness, bells are right smack in the middle of the action with, erm, bells on. As the name suggests, sand bells are squishy neoprene bags filled with sand. They come in  different weights, from 3kg to12kg, and are ideal or strength and core work, as well as offering a good all-round workout. Available at Fitness First clubs nationwide.
fitnessfirst.co.uk

Hydrofit
Offering part-spa treatment, part-workout, Hydrofit is the UK’s first aqua-spinning centre. Bikes are submerged in special hydro-massage bathtubs that remove dead skin cells and promote natural exfoliation as you workout. They also stimulate the body’s lymphatic system, improving the metabolism. It’s hard not to feel a bit daft in one of these contraceptions but, with a minimum burn of 30 calories in 30 minutes, we aren’t complaining. On London’s Fulham Road.
hydrofit.co.uk

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