Johannesburg - Joburgers love keeping fit. It may be because we need to compensate for the fact that we love to eat, or perhaps it’s stress relief, but either way, gyms do well in the city, with the largest chains, Virgin Active and Planet Fitness, between them making sure virtually every suburb has a fitness centre close by.
Admittedly, running on a treadmill overlooking a parking lot can become dull.
It is also recommended that you vary your exercise routine now and again, so here are a number of alternative ways to exercise in Jozi.
S.W.E.A.T 1000
I wouldn’t call myself an exercise fanatic, but I do enjoy trying different ways of working out. Let’s just say I managed only one session at S.W.E.A.T 1000, and could barely walk the next day. S.W.E.A.T stands for Specialised Weight Endurance Athletic Training, with the “1000” representing calories burned in a single one- hour session.
Everything about this gruelling workout pushes you to the limit – for example, treadmills are inclined to 30 degrees, instead of the conventional 15 degrees. The exercise room feels a bit like a club – with music remixed especially for the workout, and disco lighting.
The idea is to have a full body interval workout – so you’ll move continuously between the treadmill area and the floor, where you’ll mostly be using your body weight in doing push-ups, lifts and other high-intensity exercises.
You are able to go at your own pace – if you don’t feel comfortable running on the treadmill, you can walk or decrease the incline to lower the intensity.
Judging from the toned bodies of everyone around me, this workout definitely works.
* Visit www.sweat1000.com
BODYTEC
Not having enough time is the number one excuse we make when finding reasons not to work out. With BODYTEC, you’ll have to find another excuse, because this workout promises exceptional results from only one 20-minute session a week.
BODYTEC uses electro muscle stimulation (EMS), through electrodes connected to a training jacket, to stimulate muscles and combines this with personal training. Physical strength and endurance are increased with each session, toning and defining muscles.
I was sceptical when I heard about this concept. I’ve heard of too many quick-fix solutions, and they all seem too good to be true. Even during my session, I didn’t feel like much was happening. All I had to do was listen to the instructor, who told me to lift my arms, squat or lift my legs.
The movements were slow, and I did feel some resistance, but it wasn’t anything as intense as the cardio-heavy training sessions I’m used to.
I left without even needing to shower, but the next day, I woke up feeling as though I’d run a marathon. My muscles were tight, a clear sign that I had a good workout. I didn’t try any subsequent sessions, but BODYTEC claims you will feel and see a difference after six sessions.
* Visit www.bodytec.co.za
The Equilibrium Centre
Everyone has their preference when it comes to exercise – some love escaping in the swimming pool, while others prefer road running. For some, more “low-key” exercise hits the spot, where it’s as much about achieving mental stillness as it is about exercising the body. This is where yoga and Pilates at the Equilibrium Centre come into play.
Established by Salochanee Reddy, who was trained at the Chopra Centre University in California, founded by Dr Deepak Chopra, the Equilibrium Centre aims to connect people and allow them to find holistic balance.
It offers daily yoga and Pilates classes, suitable for all levels, as well as group meditation sessions and weekend workshops.
Classes are designed to build a healthy balance of flexibility, strength, agility and poise. Rather than focusing on just one style of yoga, the centre offers many styles, including Jivamukti, which is physical, ethical and spiritual, Astanga Vinyasa, a vigorous, flowing style, and Yin Yoga, which focuses on gently stretching and healing the deeper, denser muscles.
For an extended experience, the weekend workshops offered by the centre are a great way to nourish the mind and body. The signature programme is called Perfect Health, and is based on a global best seller by Dr Chopra.
The two-day workshops are run regularly, and the next one is in January.
The idea is to create balance and cultivate physical health and emotional well-being through a powerful range of Ayurvedic practices, enhanced nutrition, reduced emotional turbulence and a reawakening of the senses.
Participants should feel lighter, more energetic and less stressed, with better sleep patterns.
* Address: 4 Ashwold Road, Saxonwold. Call 011 568 0329. Visit www.eqcentre.co.za.
@Hasmita
Saturday Star