Cross Training

Hula hooping. Hula Hooping classes combine agility, cardiovascular exercise (strengthening the heart and lungs), music, movement, and fun. It is very low impact, so it is especially good for new exercises. It works the hips, quads (front of thigh) and abdominals.

Ice or inline skating. This type of ‘fitness skating’ is performed faster and for longer than a recreational skating. The main skating action works the knees, calves, and inner thighs, while the glutes (buttocks) help maintain balance. To increase its cardiovascular benefit and strengthen heart and lungs, try swinging your arms in time with your legs and keep moving.

Ice climbing. This program uses indoor ice walls to replicate the extreme-sports thrill of hacking up a frozen Alpine waterfall. Although safety harnesses stop you falling, ice climbing is unbelievably tough on both upper and lower body. Because of the intense demands on all major muscle groups, it is a powerful calorie-burner/fat-reducer.

Interval training. Instead of ‘steady state’ exercise like slow jogging, to which the body quickly adapts, interval training involves working as hard as possible for a short period, followed by a rest, then another intense burst. This is anaerobic, builds both slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers, and accelerates metabolism is accelerated. It may be performed on any piece of cardio equipment, or with free weights or shuttle runs.