In the form of: 5 not dull sports training
Many do not like to go to the gym because aerobic workouts or fitness seem too monotonous and mechanical. We chose five alternative ways to keep yourself in shape - classes, during which you can present yourself as a ballerina, boxer or Lara Croft.
Pilates
Pilates - a type of gymnastics, which allows to work out all the muscles of the body methodically. Here the main thing is correct breathing (Joseph Pilates considered him to be one of the fundamental principles of counter-therapy), concentration and unhurriedness. All of the above applies to Pilates on Reformer simulators - the latter help to work the body better and provide even greater variability of techniques.
In the middle of winter, I felt an urgent need for additional physical exertion: my sudden attacks on the home stepper and the strengthening of the press with the help of prolonged bouts of laughter did not compensate for the number of burgers and steaks that I absorbed, and the body also required a systematic approach. At first I took up body ballet, but quickly cooled down: what is called, "did not go." As a lazy and catastrophically unsporting person, I began to search for even simpler ways. And just as Pilates on the Reformer simulators, which I have been doing since the end of spring, was completely my sport. Firstly, it is anaerobic exercise, that is, jumping and jumping before losing pulse is not required, but for me, man, I repeat, lazy, this is the most important thing: the task of losing weight did not stand in front of me, it was important for me to strengthen the muscular frame. Secondly, I am still amazed how with the help of the easiest at first glance exercises the most hidden muscles of the body are worked out - I didn’t even suspect the existence of some. Thirdly, I like that training requires maximum internal concentration and disconnection from external stimuli. Despite the fact that I have been practicing for only three months (albeit three times a week), I feel great progress: a feeling of strength and fit appeared in the body, a relief and flawless posture appeared. If we talk about the level of physical training that is required for training, then it is minimal, but a good stretch will still be a great help during training. In the studio where I work, I have everything I need - towels, shower, shower gels - so I take with me only a uniform (sports leotard + T-shirt + socks), which takes up the minimum amount of space in the bag. During a particularly intense workout I attach myself to a glass of water, the cooler is standing right in the hall.
Where to do: Studio 2, Eastetica, Ten Pilates
Bikram yoga
Bikram yoga - a type of hatha yoga. The difference is that classes are held indoors, heated to 40 degrees; positions (asanas) - 26, but they are all the same, breathing exercises - two. It sounds deceptively easy, but in fact, for an hour and a half lesson, seven pots will do, but due to the increased temperature of the air, the muscles will warm up and work much better. Because of the seeming simplicity of the concept, Bikram Yoga is often called any “hot”, which in a bad sense gives it to the founder Bikram Choudhary, and he periodically (not unsuccessfully) sues fitness centers, which strive to use his name for their dubious programs.
I went to Bikram yoga when I got a nerve in my back: they said that it would help. I practiced yoga a little before that, mostly at home, so I didn’t expect any surprises, even knowing that there would be 42 degrees and 100% humidity in the hall. After the first lesson, all my muscles ached, as if after a gym. Because of the heat, they warmed up, all the asanas are stronger and stretching is easier and deeper, so the next day, most likely, the back and legs will hurt. It is on the health of the back that most of this practice is directed. This yoga is not traditional, so some initial experience is not required. Sometimes in the classroom, you may feel dizzy or nauseous - this is absolutely normal, since the first time is stress for the body. Moreover, well-being can vary from occupation to occupation for many reasons: sleep, food, general fatigue. If I feel that some day I find it hard, I do not do everything in full force. It is necessary to go to it at least three times a week, otherwise it is meaningless. I have been walking for four months already, I feel great, my legs are not “hammered” from running, plus many kilograms have gone. At the lesson do not forget to take a shower gel and shampoo and - most importantly - the second set of clothes. A rug, water and a towel for the shower and one more that you put on the rug during the session can be rented for a small amount in the studio.
Where to do: Bikram Yoga Moscow
Body ballet
At the ballet (in the absence of the goal to make it a profession) there are no age restrictions: if you lament that your mother did not give you a child to a ballet studio, you can learn choreography as an adult. Of course, a ballerina will no longer become, and even before mastering finger techniques (pointe shoes) you will have to train for a long time, but you can get that same posture, stretching and generally strengthen muscles without pumping them.
For me, body ballet in the first place - an emotional discharge. I am not a very sporty person at all; I did not go to any circles in my childhood. Every time I go to the lesson with pleasure, then I feel light all day long, my walk becomes more feminine, my posture appears even when you don’t follow her. As I understood, even if you go through the basic program, a lot of patience and discipline is required, and physical training is not very important at all: no one will be forced to put on a string at the first lesson. If you practice regularly (preferably three times a week), the results will not keep you waiting. At first I did the work myself, and then I called my mother, she really liked it. Since I started to go to classes at a fairly mature age, I understand that I won’t be a ballerina, but I don’t need it, I just like to make those muscles of my body work that have slept most of my life.
Where to do: Dance Secret Ballet School, Balletomania (opening of the new premises in August), World Class
Contemporary dance
Russian definition "modern dance" is too wide and includes several forms of dance, whereas contemporary dance is just one of them, which has been transferred to the training room from the class of modern ballet. As in modern dance performances, from the outside it seems that the dancers just plastically “flow down” and “roll”, but in fact the whole body works powerfully and you need to monitor the accuracy of movements of the arms, legs, and the body. In this contemporary dance it looks like ballet and Pilates, but it is more flexible and artistic.
Once, when the question once again came up, where to go and what to do, if you don’t like fitness clubs, but you don’t know how to run, I decided to go dancing: it’s good, and fun, who don’t like to dance? Contemporary seemed to be the most logical decision at that time, because, firstly, I just really like the plasticity of modern dance, and secondly, it seemed to me that these would not be very energetic activities and I could easily draw them. The first lesson we really almost completely spent on the floor. Only this was enough to feel pain for the first few days with every movement. I did not expect so much muscle to be involved in the dance! Better than any sport. Plus, every lesson is a new little dance, a short story with the help of the body. At first it is very difficult to memorize combinations of movements, but the farther, the easier. Not only the body adapts, but also the brain.
Where to do: Cultural center ZIL, dance school "Matisse"
Muay Thai
Receptions With the help of which Jacks Briggs threw up opponents in Mortal Kombat. Seriously, if we didn’t stumble upon the “Girls and Boxing” blog, we would continue to think that Thai boxing is not the most suitable choice for a girl. The results in it (as in any sport) are not easy and quick, you have to walk in bruises, but the body becomes more beautiful and at night it’s not so scary to walk the streets: you can beat the offender.
In Muay Thai, great emphasis is placed on endurance and general physical fitness. In principle, you can come with any level of physical training, the main thing is to understand that this is a sport where you are punched in the face and foot on the liver, and be prepared for the fact that you can fly and it is very painful. In the first classes, everyone dies, but if you suffer, then after a few months it becomes much easier, and then training begins to bring real pleasure. A huge plus of Thai boxing - a uniform load on almost all muscle groups and beautiful muscles. Another big plus compared to classic boxing is a good stretch that a Muay Thai fighter should have.
Where to do: Muay Thai Academy, contact martial arts club "Fighter"