Some people find a physical activity they like — Pilates, spinning, walking
— and happily stick with it for years. But for others, the familiar soon becomes boring. At that point, they either let workouts fall by the wayside (bad idea!)… or seek out some new activity that captures their interest (great idea!).
Ready for your next new exercise adventure? Check out these trendsetting activities recommended by Jonathan L. Chang, MD, clinical assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of Southern California and member of the Olympic Sports Medicine Society of the US Olympic Committee. (Remember to get your doctor’s OK before beginning any new exercise regimen.) From the easiest to the most challenging, consider…
Conductorcise. Ever notice how an orchestra conductor works up a good sweat while waving that baton? That’s the idea behind Conductorcise, a program created by a professional conductor.
It’s simple: You listen to classical music (or other music of your choice) and “conduct” — moving your arms up and down, swaying to the beat, turning this way and that as you lead various sections of your imaginary orchestra. Without really trying, you tone your upper body and core muscles, improve your posture and balance, stimulate your brain and relieve stress — and if you really put your whole body into vigorous conducting, you get cardiovascular benefits, too.
Conductorcise is a no-impact workout appropriate for anyone who enjoys music, no matter what her fitness level or physical limitations. Try it on your own at home… or for further inspiration, take a class. To find an instructor in your area, go to www.Conductorcise.com.
Zumba. This dance fitness program fuses Latin-style music and moves borrowed from salsa, samba, merengue, mambo and more. Zumba routines feature calorie-burning interval training that alternates fast rhythms with slow ones… tones and sculpts lower-body muscles… and improves coordination — all in a uniquely fun and energized way. Plus: You can work out at the intensity level that’s right for you. Classes are offered in health clubs, community centers and gyms nearly everywhere… or you can Zumba at home to a DVD.
Now available: Zumba Gold classes, specifically designed for seniors and novice exercisers. Information: www.Zumba.com.
Ropes Gone Wild. This cardio and strength-training workout uses a heavy, thick rope (one-and-a-half or two inches in diameter) 30 to 100 feet long. The center of the rope is wrapped around a pole or other sturdy object to anchor it… you hold the ends of the rope in either hand. Moving your arms up and down, side to side or in circles, you create a variety of wave patterns or “undulations” with the rope. It takes not only coordination and upper-body strength but also stamina — because your heart gets pumping surprisingly quickly. As a no-impact activity, this is a good option for people with knee or ankle problems. Many gyms offer ropes classes and/or have ropes available for members’ use. Learn more: www.RopesGoneWild.com.
Parkour. If you have an agile body, think creatively and love to play outdoors, you will have a blast with Parkour. You can do it almost anywhere outside — in your yard, in a park or just moving around your neighborhood. The idea is to use only your own body and whatever objects or obstacles are at hand (a wall, a railing, a low-hanging branch) to navigate around your environment. In the course of doing so, you might climb up a fence, jump off a boulder, vault over a fire hydrant, crawl under a hedge and tiptoe tightrope-style across a curb — moving quickly and thinking innovatively as you set your own course.
Parkour can be done alone or with a friend or two. You do need to be fairly fit and strong… able to handle an occasional fall (so this is not a good choice for a woman with osteoporosis or balance problems, for instance)… have access to a large, safe outdoor area… and use your imagination as you interact with your environment. If the concept intrigues you, don’t be put off by online videos of limber-limbed teenagers doing backflips off rooftops. Instead, adapt the sport to your own abilities, comfort zone and style.
Information: www.AmericanParkour.com. Inspiration: Go to www.YouTube.com and type in “The Women of Parkour.”
