Every new year brings with it new exercise trends for us to throw our money at in the hope they turn us into super-fit superhumans. 2017 is no different, so to try and save you some pennies, we've separated the boss new fitness methods from the bullshit.
The Lagree Fitness Method
The Megaformer, invented by Sebastien Lagree, is a Pilates machine loved by Kim Kardashian and Victoria’s Secret Angels including Alessandra Ambrosio and Martha Hunt. According to the website “a system of resistance and counter resistance is used to place muscles under constant tension and work them to failure point”, which sounds pretty hellish, but we’re willing to give it a go.
And, now that there’s a London location of Studio Lagree complete with 16 M3S Megaformers, we can! A single introductory group class is £15, but thereafter it’s £30 a class, with discounts for block bookings. Want a private class for the real Kim K treatment? That’ll be £90.
Bullshit or boss? It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be expensive, but if you stick at it you’re going to get results. Hashtag train like an angel.
Netflix Workouts
Well, Netflix haven’t actually caught on to the trend yet, but streaming your workout classes is sooooo 2017. Who can actually be bothered working their schedule around a standard gym timetable?
Everyone from Ballet Beautiful to Sweaty Betty are in on the act, with the latter offering free videos in collaboration with the likes of 1Rebel and Simone De La Rue (Body By Simone).
Manhattan-based spin studio Peloton even have a $1,995 bike for at-home spin classes, which they livestream anything from 7-14 times a day, should you not be based in New York. It’s big business, people.
Bullshit or boss? It’s basically the 2017 upgrade on a fitness DVD, so if you’re a busy, self-motivated kinda gal then streaming workouts could change your life. However, if you struggle to do anything other than eat, sleep and shower at home, then it’s probably not the one – especially if you don’t already own the equipment required to do your class at home.
Surfboardt
Struggle to balance in your normal yoga class? Stop reading now, because SUP Yoga involves doing your usual moves on a surfboard, on the water.
It's obviously great for your core and if you're not 100% comfortable on water you can wear a buoyancy aid, though we assume if you're not a water baby you'd probably go for a different kind of yoga instead.
Classes are currently available in London Paddington, though more instructors are popping up around the UK.
**Bullshit or boss? **If you've already mastered the art of yoga and can swim, go for it. If not, maybe keep going with yoga on land instead.
The BoxxMethod
Another online workout, but this one gets its own section because it encompasses one of last year’s biggest fitness trends that’s set to keep on running: boxing. Rather than haul ass to the gym, The BoxxMethod lets you work out wherever you want, with a whole boxing workout library at your fingertips.
Unlike some other streaming workouts, the only equipment The BoxxMethod requires is a pair of 1kg dumbbells, and whatever you’re going to watch the trainers on. Workouts are split into three target areas (full body, lower body and upper body) and range from 15-30 minutes.
Oh, and did we mention it’s run by Barry’s Bootcamp trainer Louis Rennocks and Anna Samuels. So you know you’re in good hands.
Bullshit or boss? You get a free 10-day trial, the workouts are legit doable, and if you keep them up you will see results. Plus, after your trial plans cost from £7.99-£9.99 a month, so it’s not going to break the bank. As long as you can motivate yourself to do it, we say BOSS.
Goat Yoga
It has a waiting list of over 1,200 people, despite the fact that it was never intended to be a ‘thing’: Lainey Morse just happens to host yoga classes on her farm, where there happens to be eight goats roaming free amongst the downward dogs. That’s literally how
was born.
Rather than a hardcore workout, the aim of the game here is to help de-stress people, and Lainey even offers Goat Yoga with wine tastings. Sounds like our idea of bliss.
Sadly Lainey is based in Oregon in the US, but if you’re ever in the area or happen to own a farm in the UK, you could be on to something.
Bullshit or boss? As a workout? Total BS, as baby goats are pretty distracting when you’re trying to stay in position. But, as a fun Friday night if you tagged on the wine tasting? So, so, so boss.
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Follow Jennifer on Twitter @barbiewrites
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.