Training

5 Trending Sports to Try Out

Are you looking for some change in your fitness routine, or do you just want to try something new? In our article, we introduce five trending sports that are not only effective for your fitness but also a lot of fun! For each sport, we’ll give you a brief overview of how it works, the health benefits and what to keep in mind regarding clothing and equipment.

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1. Piloxing®

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Photo credits: Andrea Piacquadio on pexels.com

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What is Piloxing®?

Piloxing® is a trending sport invented by Viveca Jensen from Sweden, and it has become particularly popular in the U.S. It combines endurance, strength training, and interval workouts. The name is a mix of "Pilates" and "Boxing." The workouts consist of fast boxing movements and dance steps while standing, together with Pilates exercises on the mat. A typical session lasts about 1 hour, starting with a warm-up, followed by intense intervals, and ending with a cool-down phase. This training is especially dedicated to women, with the idea to promote both physical and mental strength. Piloxing® is a licensed training program, meaning that only certified Piloxing® instructors are allowed to teach. You can find more information and a list of classes for different countries on the official website.

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Health Benefits

Piloxing® works out the entire body, strengthens muscles, and improves posture and endurance. The training burns plenty of calories, boosts the cardiovascular system, and can enhance self-confidence [1].

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Equipment

We recommend wearing tight and breathable sports clothing. Depending on your personal preference, the training can be done barefoot or in non-slip socks. A non-slip mat and special weighted gloves (between 250 and 600 grams) can also be added to your equipment list.

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2. Aerial Yoga

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Photo credits: cottonbro studio on pexels.com

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What is Aerial Yoga?

Aerial Yoga, also known as "Yoga in the Air," involves performing traditional yoga poses while using a ceiling-mounted Aerial Yoga fabric. Yes, you read that right—it's like practising yoga flying! This training relieves pressure on the body and allows for deep stretching and relaxation. It's perfect for yoga enthusiasts looking to expand their practice, as well as for beginners wanting to try something completely new.

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Health Benefits

Aerial Yoga engages all muscle groups and improves flexibility and stretchability. The back especially benefits from the exercises, as the spine is relieved of tension. It promotes a sense of relaxation and can reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on mental health [2].

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Equipment

Tight, stretchy clothing is ideal for Aerial Yoga. To prevent anything from getting caught in the fabric, make sure to remove jewellery and tie back long hair before starting. The training is done barefoot, but you can also wear socks if you prefer.
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3. Mindful Running

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Photo credits: RF._.studio on pexels.com

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What is Mindful Running?

Running - but with a twist, or rather: with more awareness! Mindful Running combines the practice of mindfulness with running. This means trying to stay present before, during, and after your workout. Mindfulness exercises, such as breathing techniques and body scans, are used in the running routine. Instead of getting distracted by music or podcasts, you focus on your body. You can specifically direct your attention to certain body parts, like your feet or arms, as well as your breathing. During the run, it’s important to regularly return to these chosen anchors to run more mindfully and relaxed. It’s suitable for all types of runners - from beginners to marathon runners who want to improve their mental strength alongside their fitness.

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Health Benefits

In addition to the well-known health benefits of running, Mindful running particularly supports your mental health. Mindfulness helps regulate stress and anxiety, improves inner calm and body awareness. It helps you switch off better while running and reduces overthinking, as you learn to focus more on the present moment [3].

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Equipment

You don’t need any special equipment; you can wear your usual running clothes that you feel most comfortable in. With a good pair of running shoes and breathable clothing, you’ll be well-equipped to run without distractions and stay focused.

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4. Padel

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Photo credits: Oliver Sjöström on pexels.com

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What is Padel?

Padel Tennis was invented in Mexico in the 1960s and is a mix of tennis and squash. Today, it's one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, especially popular in Spain and Argentina, where major tournaments are often held. The playing field is surrounded by side walls made of Plexiglas and is about half the size of a tennis court. In Padel, the focus is mainly on fun and strategy, rather than endurance and strength. The game is played in doubles, and the rules are similar to tennis but with some differences. It’s very easy to learn, making it suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.

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Health Benefits

Padel Tennis requires quick reactions, improving agility and coordination. Since it's a team sport, it also promotes social interactions and a sense of belonging. Regular play can help reduce stress and enhance overall quality of life [4].

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Equipment

For Padel Tennis, you need a Padel racket and comfortable sportswear. Sports shoes with good grip are particularly important for you to move safely and agilely on the court. Make sure the shoes are specifically designed for indoor or sand courts to provide optimal support. You can find a selection of Padel shoes on SportsShoes.com to help you get started in the sport.

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5. Bungee Fitness

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What is Bungee Fitness?

Bungee Fitness is a trending sport that comes from the USA and is now being offered in more and more gyms. An elastic bungee cord is suspended from the ceiling, allowing you to place your arms, legs, or upper body into it. During the workout, various exercises are performed, using the springy cord for resistance while supporting part of your body weight. Although it’s an intense workout, the movements are particularly gentle on the joints due to the bungee's elasticity. Extreme muscle soreness is often avoided since the muscles are worked intensely but only for short periods.

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Health Benefits

Bungee Fitness provides an effective full-body workout that strengthens muscles and improves posture and balance. The jumping and bouncing movements also offer excellent cardiovascular training, which strengthens the heart. Overall, the workout is very joint-friendly, making it ideal for people with physical limitations or those who are overweight [5].

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Equipment

For Bungee Fitness, breathable and tight sportswear is ideal, as it prevents getting caught in the bungee cord. Depending on the gym and your instructor, the workout may be done in socks or sport shoes. Additionally, you should avoid wearing jewellery, as it could get caught in the cord and cause injuries.

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Did our article inspire you? Give these sports a try and find out which one you like most. But please remember to consult your GP if you have any existing physical issues. This way, you can ensure that the training is truly suitable for you and good for your health. Have fun trying them out!

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References:

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[1] https://www.sportlermagazin.at/piloxing/

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/aerial-yoga#benefits

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9180804/

[5] https://www.health.com/fitness/bungee-workouts-explainer

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