If you struggle with fitting in all of your fitness needs–be it running, yoga, strength training–your workout worries are over! Introducing hybrid fitness–workouts that combine different exercises so that you get full body benefits without spending all your time in your sports bras (unless you want to, that is. We don’t judge). Where you live will play into what classes are offered, but we’ve gathered a few favorites that will inspire you to twist up how you get your heart pumping.
Class: YAS
Combo: Yoga and spinning
What to Expect: Get your cardio, strength training, body alignment, and stretching all in one class. But banish any thoughts of biking in the zen zone. This class starts on a stationary bike for 30 minutes before moving to the mat for the last 30 minutes.
Class: Bar Hoppin’
Combo: Interval training, strength training, and trampolines
What to Expect: Leave the liquor at home. This bar hopping includes fancy footwork on a personal trampoline, called a rebounder, which gets the heart rate up and the sweat dripping. But it’s not all cardio. Following each five minute rebounder session are five minute strength training sessions with a body bar. As you vary back and forth between the trampoline and the bar, your whole body is sure to get an intense and toning workout.
The Class:Tread
Combo: Running and strength training
What to Expect: If you’re looking to take your fitness to the next level, get yourself to a Tread class. It’s one hour of strength training aimed at getting your muscles toned, interspersed with 10-15 treadmill running intervals to increase your stamina. Stick with hybrid fitness and you’ll look Tread shredded in no time.
The Class: Piloxing
Combo: Pilates, boxing, and dance
What to Expect: Now you can try boxing without worrying about a knock to the noggin. Piloxing encompasses the agility, power, and speed of boxing along with the core tightening qualities of pilates. Weighted gloves are used to tone your arms, and dance moves are added in to pump up your heart pace. When class is over you’ll feel mentally and physically tough–and probably a lot less stressed than when you started.
The Class: Yoga Flirt
Combo: Yoga and pole dancing
What to Expect: To feel a little bit sexy and a whole lot balanced, you’ll need to mix yoga poses and a pole. Yes, it seems odd at first. Break it down though, and think about how yoga helps you develop a sense of calm, peace, and acceptance of yourself while also toning and strengthening your body. When you’re done, you feel great in your own skin. Now bring sexy back with pole dancing, and you’ll see how your appreciation for your mind and body can make a great pair between your spiritual and sensual sides.
Check around to see what new hybrids are being offered near you. If none exist, find ways for a DIY fitness mix. For example, the next time you take an outdoor run, stop every quarter mile and do some situps, pushups, or air squats. Doing laps in the pool? Add in some standing yoga poses at the end for balance, strength, and mental calmness. The options are endless!
Tell us how you plan to mix it up?
Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
