The Weirdest Fitness Trends You Will Either Love Or Hate

#1 Dog Yoga

Dog Yoga, also known as Doga, is proof that dog lovers will find a way to include their dogs in literally everything. So how, exactly, do you practice Doga? While you’re practicing yoga at home, you can just wait for your dog to become curious and let them approach you. When your dog wanders up to your mat, let them investigate your movement and then start to incorporate them in to your poses.

If you can pick up your dog, hold them above you, Lion King style, while you’re doing Warrior I or Warrior II. If you have a larger dog, put your head on them while you’re in child’s pose. Or you can just allow your dog to move naturally around you while you practice, being aware of their presence. More likely than not, your dog will join you in a Downward Dog or two.

If you want more insight in how to include your dog in your yoga practice, check out Doga classes in your area. Yes, there are certified yoga teachers who teach Doga classes.

#2 CrossFit

Ah CrossFit, seemingly the most loved and hated of all fitness programs. There’s no doubt that this recent trend in workout regimes has the fitness world divided. Whether you side with it or not, there’s no doubt about it, for the near future it’s here to stay.

In a nutshell, CrossFit is a program developed to offer a full-body workout that combines elements of cardio, weight lifting, gymnastics, core training and more to prepare the body for the unexpected. That all sounds pretty good, right?

So why so much contention? It may be the legion of CrossFitters who tend to constantly talk about their sessions and their PB’s, as outlined perfectly in this hilarious skit, Shit Crossfitters Say. Or maybe it’s the group-based workout sessions that, amongst users, seem to evoke a strong sense of community and camaraderie, yet are often stigmatized as ‘cult-like’ behavior by the haters.

Skeptics argue that form and technique are often sacrificed in order to complete the WOD (Workout of the Day), often resulting in serious and long-term injuries. However CrossFit Trainers would argue that good form is crucial to the success of the workout. So again, it’s a case of agreeing to disagree.

Love it or hate it, CrossFit is here to stay, so we might as well all try to get along.

#3 Crawling

According to The Washington Post, "crawling is the new plank." Yes, crawling like a baby.

The concept comes from the 2011 book Becoming Bulletproof, written by Tim Anderson, the co-founder of a "human movement education" company, Original Strength. Anderson's argument for crawling is that simply put, babies crawl before they walk. They crawl to develop unilateral strength in all four limbs to contribute to a healthy gait pattern. By encouraging adults to introduce crawling into a training program, he's helping them "press reset" on their own poor movement patterns to help reinstate enhanced mobility.

Which brings us to the actual trend -- movement -- although "crawling" is certainly more buzz-worthy.

Katy Bowman, a biomechanist and the author of Movement Matters, puts it this way, "It's not about exercise at all, but about movement. That moving more throughout the day might be better than trying to find the best way to spend that single hour you've allotted to [exercise]." And where movement is concerned, the range of motion and fluidity come into play. The idea that it's not just about performing a squat or going for a run, but that you should constantly move, work your joints through their full range of motion in different patterns to support a healthy, pain-free, fully mobile life.

As such, more personal trainers, fitness instructors, and health coaches will add movement theory to their clients' programs, and movement-based workouts, like yoga and Pilates, will continue to grow as cross-training for other activities. But feel free to crawl to your heart's content.

#4 Pop Pilates

If you like Pilates but feel your workout has become less interesting, Pop Pilates group fitness classes might be the right step to recharge your 2017 exercise routine. Developed by YouTube fitness guru Cassey Ho, Pop Pilates blends Pilates, dance, and music for a powerful and effective full-body workout. Using only your body weight, Pop Pilates sculpts and strengthens your muscles in exciting new ways. With well over 3 million subscribers to her YouTube channel, Blogilates, Ho provides hours of free exercise content and nutrition advice. With her positive messaging to love your body and find joy in exercise, you'll see why Pop Pilates is an emerging fitness trend.

#5 Hot Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and it’s finally starting to catch on in the mainstream – in the form of hot yoga! Budding ‘yogis’ are flocking to these heated studios around the globe, trying to connect with their body, mind and soul. A simple yoga class just didn’t cut it like before. Now you’re offered a full, sweaty workout, with a relaxing meditation to end class with. So, it’s a one-stop shop really!

Before I go on, a quick clarification. Hot Yoga is different to Bikram Yoga – a common misconception. To put it simply, all Bikram yoga is hot, but not all hot yoga is Bikram. And what we’re talking about today is hot yoga.

Hot yoga can refer to any yoga class done in a heated room. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit (or 35-38 degrees Celsius). Hot yoga is taught by a teacher at the front of the room and usually follows a vinyasa flow (which means linking postures to breath) through a series of linked poses. In such a heated room, this usually results in a vigorous, sweaty workout and a well-warmed body.

While yoga certainly isn’t a fad, hot yoga may well be. Regardless, the benefits yoga provides, whether that be physical, mental and/or spiritual (all of which I’ve seen and experienced first-hand) are endless. The more people jumping on board of this train, the better!

#6 Twerking

Twerking has become such a popular dance craze that you can now go to a twerking class! You get to learn how to do it, along with a mixture of other dance moves. This energetic booty popping does wonders by fat burning and toning, so why not give it a go?

#7 Circus workouts

Using modified circus equipment is great for an upper-body and core-muscle workout. Whether you’re swinging from a trapeze or tightrope walking, it’s all pretty tough. But your new skills will soon have you wanting to run off to join the circus!

#8 FitWet

The FitWet bike is a unique piece of kit that combines an exercise bike with a personal jetted hot tub. It’s no secret that underwater workouts have fitness advantages when compared with regular exercise, and the FitWet is no exception. We reckon the idea of this unusual bike makes exercise sound really appealing!

Read more at http://www.lifedeathprizes.com/lists/11-weirdest-workout-trends-21218#frFMeMrbLhStiO11.99

#9 Running backwards

You might get a few strange looks if you try this one! Running backward uses 30 per cent more energy than moving forward at the same speed. However, it does have its challenges – er, like not being able to see where you’re going…

#10 Aqua Zumba

By this time, most people are familiar with the dance based exercise class, Zumba. Zumba incorporates Latin beats and dance techniques to create a fast paced, cardio workout. Zumba doesn’t feel like an exercise class; it feels more like a dance party. It’s one of the most fun ways to get your sweat on.

A new twist on Zumba is currently blowing up the fitness scene: Aqua Zumba. The dances from Zumba class are transported in to the pool and participants dance it up in the water. The twist on the traditional Zumba class has a lot of different benefits. The water adds extra resistance, which adds an extra strength element to the class. At the same time, the water makes the dances more low impact on the participant’s body which makes these classes more accessible to older people or people who have chronic injuries.

#11 Mermaid Classes

Yes, you can, in fact, become a mermaid and learn to swim like one, if you have a mermaid class in your area. When you sign up for mermaid class, you’ll literally get transformed. Participants wear an actual mermaid tail. The tail covers both of your legs in a kind of sleeve and gets secured around your waist.

Once your tail is on, you hop into a pool and learn to swim like a mermaid. Fair warning, swimming like a mermaid is really different than traditional swimming. Natural swimming usually involves kicking both your legs separately to propel you through the water. The mermaid tail forces participants to use their legs totally differently. They have to move their legs up and down in the same movement to propel them forward.

This different method of swimming provides a totally different workout than normal swimming. Your legs will get a completely different kind of workout, and you’ll need to rely heavily on core stability to move your legs in the right way.

If you’re cool with having a literal mermaid tail, this class can provide a truly unique workout.

#12 Commuting Workout

It should come as no surprise that walking follows crawling, but despite its perpetual popularity as a form of exercise, walking isn't usually considered "trendy." A funny thing happens, though, when broke millennials can't afford gyms or cars -- they turn the basic human movement into the coolest thing since sliced bread.

At least, that's according to the American Council on Exercise's (ACE) latest rundown of 2017 fitness trends, which reports that millennials flocking to big, expensive cities are looking for alternative (i.e., cheaper) ways to get around. As a result, walking and cycling commuters are picking up steam, along with a corresponding rise in sales of commuter bikes, cycling gear, and athleisure attire.

Just, you know, keep an eye on your athleisure budget. Walking and cycling may be comparatively cheap (and a whole lot better for you than sitting in a car), but all the "must-have" accessories can really add up.

#13 Awareables

Wearables are everywhere. From Fitbit to Garmin to Apple Watch, it's hard to imagine a time when you couldn't track your step count and calorie burn with the press of a button. But wearables are getting smarter, with an element of artificial intelligence turning them from wearables to "Awearables."

As WGSN forecasting explains, "'Awareables' technology goes beyond the fitness wearable by providing real-time coaching based on a user's own physiology, making us more aware of our bodies." For instance, Vi uses an earbud to track its wearer's workout, offering real-time advice based on the gathered data. Likewise, Cheil Spain's Blind Cap is a swimming cap that uses Bluetooth technology to alert the wearer when to execute a turn, making swimming a more accessible activity for the visually impaired.

#14 Clubbercise

What if you could dance in public like no one was watching? Well, it makes it easier to do all of your famed mirror moves when the lights are off. When you participate in this fun, dance-inspired fitness class, Clubbercise, it’s like you’re going to a club without all the pressure to look like supermodel Gisele Bundchen or dance like Beyoncé. The darkened room, disco lights, and glow sticks create a judgment-free zone that allows you to move freely to 90s inspired music. Take your friends and have a nighttime calorie-burning blast! You’ll burn 500 calories and have the time of your life – without someone questioning your sobriety.

#15 Kangoo Jumps

Ever found yourself yawning from boredom trying to entertain yourself on the stationary workout machines? Same. But fitness doesn’t have to be so dull. Here is one exercise that will have you hopping all over the gym – literally. Kangoo jumps are inspired by the cardio intensive movement of kangaroos, allowing you to expedite the fat-burning process and improve your balance all at once.

Just strap on your kangaroo-approved dance shoes and start bouncing around. Sure, you might feel a bit foolish but your body will feel great after burning 25 to 50 percent more calories during your workout, mostly thanks to the resistance bands attached to the bottom of the shoe. Plus, you’ll get the killer calves that you’ve been looking for.

#16 Krav Maga

If you're wanting to boost your confidence, learn self-defense, and have a great workout all at the same time, Krav Maga is the type of class you're looking for. In 1948, Krav Maga was originally adopted by the Israeli Defense Forces as the official method of self-defense. Since then, everyone from law enforcement, military personnel, celebrities, and everyday people have sung its praises. Using a blend of cardio, strength training, and drills, Krav Maga offers students a full-body, fat-torching workout, all while teaching you the skills to fight off an attacker in a realistic scenario (which, hopefully, you'll never need). Expect to hear more about Krav Maga in 2017, since students of all ages and fitness levels can learn to utilize the various self-defense techniques in a thrilling environment where camaraderie is encouraged. (Learn these kung fu moves for self defense that almost anyone can do.)

#17 Pole Workout

While many people tend to automatically associate pole dancing with a sexy, often-sleazy striptease, it’s a fitness trend that’s proving to be so much more. Experts agree that pole classes are sweat-inducing, effective workouts that simply come with the added benefit of finding your inner sexiness and flaunting your curves; celebrate yourself!

The pole provides a structure for you to work on to improve flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, strength and muscle tone, balance, posture and core stability, and as mentioned, improved self-confidence and body image from learning a new skill.

In short, pole dancing combines a bunch of great exercises and combines it into a fun, invigorating workout. A pole class typically involves spins, climbs, some dance moves and sometimes even some floor work for good measure. Combining these intensity levels means pole dancing can be considered an ‘interval’ workout. Interval training is acknowledged to be one of the best ways to burn fat and drastically improve your cardiovascular fitness.

Now, this isn’t something that you need to pick up at an early age, or where you’re too old to practice after your late 20’s. Pole dancing really can be for anyone willing to get it a go – Men and women of all shapes, sizes, background, and ages.

Many international pole dance champions only started out in their adult years!

Of course, there are varying degrees of difficulties, from the easier swings and climbs to the more complex, upside down maneuvers. Some people want the circus-type moves, while others are keen just to just sweat it out, and maybe hang upside down for a few seconds. Pole dancing also allows you a vehicle to express yourself creatively and artistically.

So, what are you waiting for? Embrace your inner sexiness and this could be you! Pole-dance your way to a better body!

#18 Mud run

If you like to take part in charity runs, how about mixing it up and taking on a new challenge with a mud run… You get a great workout, with obstacles to conquer along the way – all while getting very very muddy!