Finding What Works For You: Comparing The Hottest Fitness Trends
Do you emphasize nutrition over exercise or exercise over nutrition? Is one-on-one diet and nutrition counseling what you really need to get you motivated?
With seemingly endless possibilities the way to go about losing weight and getting in shape can seem a bit confusing. This is where a diet and fitness counselor can step in.
A trained professional can evaluate your individual goals and needs to steer you in the right direction.
People looking to lose weight and fitness enthusiasts alike are excited about a number of recent workout programs such as Insanity, TurboFire, P90X and Zumba.
Each has been proven to offer results, but as everyone’s workout goals are different, it’s important to determine your personal goals before beginning any fitness regimen.
Insanity
Insanity is a cardio-intense program most suitable for those who’ve worked their way up to the level of intensity the program requires.
If you haven’t done much working out, you don’t want to jump straight into Insanity. However, if you have been doing some cardio work and you’re ready to lose weight or tone muscles, Insanity might be right for you. With the program, you can expect:
A 60-day workout. It’s shorter than some other programs, and it’s even more intense.
If the clock is ticking and you need to lose weight in a short amount of time, this might be the one you need. Still, be careful of slipping back into unhealthy habits after you’ve completed the program.
Daily 40- to 60-minute workouts.
No need for weights or other equipment in the basic program.
Intense, no-nonsense mentoring. Shaun T., the pre-recorded host for your Insanity workout, encourages you to push yourself to your limits.
TurboFire
TurboFire is another cardio-intense program. However, it allows for more gradual build-up of strength and stamina so unlike Insanity, TurboFire will have you working for a longer period of time.
Getting used to the TurboFire routine over a period of weeks can prove a solid foundation for a life-time of healthy workout skills. Still, don’t jump in without first exposing yourself to less intense workouts, such as walking. If you go with TurboFire, you’ll get:
A 12- to 20-week workout schedule, depending on the program you choose.
Daily 10- to 60-minute workouts, depending on the goal for the day.
Some focus on toning and sculpting muscles, which will require weights and other inexpensive equipment.
More focus on “fun.” The pre-recorded host, Chalene, is encouraging without seeming like a drill sergeant. Music is upbeat and energetic.
P90X
P90X is best known for its focus on “muscle confusion.” Largely a muscle- and strength-training-focused exercise program, P90X is ideal for those who are looking to sculpt abs and tone thighs and arms more than those who simply want to lose weight or stay fit.
That said, it could prove an excellent addition to someone’s weight loss program later on when they’ve lost weight and want to shape their bodies. If you go with P90X, expect:
Lots of weight lifting and other equipment-based exercise. The driving force behind P90X is to do different weight training every day so your body never reaches a plateau.
This is not what every trainer suggests, as traditional strength training involves continuously targeting the same muscles, but many professionals do see the benefit.
Six-days-a-week workouts for about 90 days. There are 16 workouts, but you should continue to cycle through them for at least three months to see a noticeable difference.
A focus on your diet as well as completing the workout routines.
Zumba
Zumba is such a hot fitness trend, you may be able to find a class to take in your neighborhood, but you can order DVDs, too. Zumba is a cardio-focused workout suited even for beginners, but still challenging for those who are more advanced.
It’s very rhythm-based, ideal for those who love dancing. Sign up and expect:
16 workouts you can repeat for several months as desired.
No equipment necessary, other than the toning sticks/maracas that come with the set.
Getting fit and losing weight through traditional world dances.
In general, it may be better to try and fail than to never try at all, but when it comes to something as important as staying in shape, you’ll find your confidence plays a key role in your success so it’s best to find the right program right from the start.
