If you’ve been eyeing the end of 2020 with anticipation and a big list of new year’s resolutions for 2021, you aren’t alone. It would be the understatement of the century to say that 2020 was a difficult year, for a multitude of reasons.
Now that you’re in 2021, the urge to spontaneously start exercising can be rather tempting. However, it’s crucial to change things up a bit to ensure that you’re investing in new workouts that might benefit you in both the physical and mental aspects.
If you’ve been looking for fresh new fitness ideas, we’ve got you covered. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the most creative and relevant fitness ideas that you can tailor to your workout routines. Martial arts class, like Brazillian Jiu Jitsu.
New Workouts 101: Are You Interested in Martial Arts?
Nothing can get your blood pumping and your neurons firing than a martial arts class, like Brazillian Jiu Jitsu.
After a year of isolation, you’ll probably crave some human interaction in one way or another. If you’re looking for something that will boost your cardio, as well as a rather effective self-defense training, then you need to sign up for Jiu Jitsu classes as soon as possible.
Of course, there are other types of martial arts styles and practices, like Taekwondo, that you can choose from. However, Jiu Jitsu is rather unique in its ability to use leverage rather than brute strength to control the outcome of a fight.
If you’re petite or feel like you’re not bulky or strong in nature, you’ll find your place in Jiu Jitsu. If you happen to watch professional fighting like the UFC, then you’ve probably been already exposed to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It has exploded in popularity in the U.S. as of late.
Everesting for the Cyclist Enthusiasts
We know that sounds a bit counter-intuitive. What does climbing Mt. Everest has to do with cycling?
Well, due to travel restrictions in 2020, and 2021, an increasing amount of people have been trying to finish a simulation of the feat, virtually, on a bike.
If you’re into cycling, you might have started hearing the term ‘everesting,’ which involves climbing the 8,848m elevation height of Mt. Everest. It’s a virtual activity that people have been engaging in on platforms like Strava.
When it comes to cycling, you get to enjoy the different dimensions and faces of the sport. For instance, cycling helps you exercise, explore, travel, and grant your weary mind a sense of freedom.
Even during the worst days of the pandemic in 2020, people were able to safely cycle on quieter and more remote roads and paths without worrying about the spread. That’s one of the key reasons why cycling has experienced a boost in popularity during the lockdowns, and it’s still going strong.
Moreover, we can’t really talk about cycling without mentioning the whole Peloton movement. Now, people are taking advantage of the different types of exercises, as well as the differing intensities that high-tech bikes now offer.
Can’t Wait to Return to the Gym? Enjoy the Open-Air Gyms
If exercising doesn’t appeal to you outside of a gym, there are now gyms that have been taken outside. With a multitude of gyms and practice studios deciding to take their workouts to the open air, it’s now a possibility for you to resume your regular gym scheduled workouts.
Simply, make sure to check out which gyms have taken that step, as well as whether they’ll include your preferred workouts and gym equipment.
Nourish the Connection of Your Body and Mind
Belonging to the category of increasing your mental awareness, as well as building connections between the mind and the body, you’ll find a host of different paths like yoga, pilates, and even barre.
Of course, these practices have been available and trendy before COVID-19. However, with lockdown orders, and the mental exhaustion of working from home, as well as homeschooling for parents (and their kids), there’s an ever-increasing need to boost our mental health and perseverance.
If you’d rather pair your workouts with your psychological health and training, then there’s no time better than now. For example, yoga helps you tap into your breath rhythms, as well as give your mind a break from the stresses of life.
The Digital/In-Person Hybrid Classes
Whether you’re all-in on your home gym, or you’re dying to get yourself back in a fitness class with people and social interaction, you should explore the sweet spot of digital and in-person hybrid classes.
Last year has really opened our eyes to the benefits of home workouts. Yet, it has exposed some of its drawbacks as well. That’s why there’s an increasing number of people who are looking forward to planning a mix of in-studio and at-home workouts for 2021.
If you’re interested in some equipment-heavy classes, then going to the gym for those would be ideal. However, for classes or fitness workouts that are equipment-light, you might prefer to do those at home.
The Return of the Work Gyms
With the slow return of some employees to their traditional workspaces, your employer might start enticing you to return to the office by offering a plethora of fitness classes and workouts.
This is a sweet deal, as it cuts down on your financial costs, and boosts your time efficiency. You won’t have to do a separate commute to your gym after (or before) work.
However, you’ll want to nail down which types of activities you’d rather do at your work gym, and which ones you’d prefer to do at home. It’s the same formula to use for the digital/in-person hybrid workouts.
Couch Potato? Don’t Know Her
We’ve always looked at the new year with anticipation, with dreams of personal transformation, and becoming our best selves. Most of us will have some fitness or health-related resolution.
However, after a year as tough as 2020, you’ll want to change things up a bit and invest in some new workouts. We hope our guide was able to provide you with some fresh ideas that you can add to your schedule.
Yet, it’s crucial to remember that regardless of which types of workouts you choose, it’s all about showing up and doing your best.
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