It is amazing and I love being part of a revolution that recognises healthy bodies as a priority.
Here are my list of top 5 latest fitness trends taking place in my hometown:
1. We run Cape Town
Running clubs have popped up all over Cape Town and it is so exciting to see the amount of members who show up in their club T-shirts to run the streets of Cape Town so proudly.
With running events taking place almost every weekend, Cape Town's social calendar has transformed into ensuring that it is always set up for an event to promote running. Cape Town also proudly hosts many of the famous and world wide recognised running events that has really grown in numbers over the years. I too proudly belong to a community based running club and participate in most races whenever I have the opportunity.
The trend started unfolding when people saw the value in the clubs that it belonged to. Most people in Cape Town did a bit of walking or jogging every now and then, but the motivation or drive would not always be maintained as they would be doing it on their own. The club provides the support, encouragement and much needed motivation as well as social element that people crave and enjoy and makes them believe and feel that their efforts and goals are being recognised on a bigger platform. We have running clubs based in very gang- related and poor communities who produce solid runners who are able to make incredible achievements through the sport.
I have seen people all shapes and sizes, people who said that they couldn't even run to save their lives and people who are recovering from injury, all achieve personal best times in a race event. I have also heard people say that if it was not for a race event they would never have seen certain parts of Cape Town. if you are not into race events but just wanna do some light fun runs then join in the park runs which happens every Sat in a park close to you.
I would certainly recommend that you grab onto this ongoing phenomenon that has hit Cape Town in a big way. Even if you are a visitor or a supporter, join in I promise the passion and excitement and vibe on a race day is very contagious. My husband who loves fishing and belongs to a fishing club has decided to run with me and is thoroughly enjoying it.
Check out the following clubs for more information:
KENFAC
ITHEKO
OMMIEDRAAI
Park Runs
2. Let that body do that Yoga
And so after running you need to stretch...right..!
I discovered yoga at gym a while back but let me tell you that it does not compare until you attend a proper yoga session at a venue that specialises in yoga.
I was introduced to yoga by a good friend and attend Yogalife in Cape Town.It offers all the types of yoga and best of all it is done in their hot studio which is brilliant . Check them out here.
Now if you have not attempted yoga before don't stress, your body can do those moves. Yogalife offers one week free to trial the various options they have and it is the best way to check out the moves. after that week you will be hooked and you will see results.
Pictures found on Yogalife gallery
3. The outdoor gyms
You see it all over Cape town and its for FREE.
Its a great way to get the best of both worlds. A complete workout with great equipment set outdoors in a fresh air environment with no gym contract!! Many Capetonians have been seen making use of these facilities while taking a break from their jog or walk and still enjoying total body workouts. Note that these do not have personal trainers or instructors to guide you along so please use cautiously.
4. Lets swop heels for sneakers
Lets talk fitness fashion. Let me tell you...so along with the fitness craze comes the need to look the part while being so active. Introducing sports luxe apparel and the comfy sneaker that just looks chic with every outfit.
Woman especially are investing more and more in quality sneakers not only for running and walking but also for comfort which actually looks very modern and takes a normal jeans and t shirt look to another level of chicness. So ladies don't be afraid to swop those heels for sneakers they are all the rage these days.
5. Cross fit and boxing
I am in awe when I see how many ladies these days can bench press, swing a 8kg kettlebell and lift a 5kg dumbell on each arm and don't get me started on the ladies punching the day lights out of a guy in the boxing ring!!
Yes yes woman these days can certainly do it all and I applaud and salute these woman who are drawing on their inner strength and using it to become even more confident and powerful in their mission to be their ultimate superheroes.
Cross fit is a functional training exercise that targets the entire body especially the core and it combines the components of gymnastics, weightlifting, running and rowing etc.. to ensure a total body workout.
Boxing focusses on upper strength by isolating the core muscles to make you 'sting like a bee" and belt the tunes of "the eye of the tiger" LOL.
Other hip and happening trends are gyms that are only dedicated to ladies to provide a safe and judge free environment for them to workout in, as well as weight loss programmes and studios that encourage fitness regime in order to achieve those weight loss goals.
Until next time, dust off your running shoes and get active....
Love
Yoems
