Looking to ramp up your fitness routine? In most cases, that’s much easier said than done. Maybe you’ve fallen off the exercise train and are searching for a fun, low-impact way to get back into it. Or, it might be that you’ve been routinely putting in the work for weeks and just aren’t seeing the results you’re after, so it’s time to kick up the intensity and add something else to the mix.
Either way, we’re hitting you with eight new exercises you should try in 2022, including options for all fitness levels, to help you stay healthy and get in shape this year. Listen to whatever’s calling your name and give it a go—you might just surprise yourself by falling in love with a new workout!
Swimming
We begin our list with swimming because it’s very low impact, making it a great choice for seniors, athletes in post-injury rehab, and people who want to take it easy on their muscles as they get back into the swing of things.
That being said, swimming can still give you a great workout while increasing your anaerobic capacity, plus it’s fun to splash around in the water! No nearby pool or beach? Head to your local YMCA and take advantage of their facility for less than $20/month.
Running
Whether you’re new to the world of running, or you’ve since retired your spike shoes from your former track star days, one thing remains the same:
Running is one of the most important exercises for the human body.
It’s in our ancestors’ history, an innate ability we were born with, no matter how miserable it feels at first.
Running is the most effective way to slim down, and it’s packed with a ton of benefits for your cardiovascular and physiological health. Some people even compare their runs to a therapy session, so it may be able to help you control stress and anxiety, too!
Yoga
If you’ve never tried yoga before, there’s no time like the present. Classes are accessible for all fitness levels and build in intensity as you develop your practice. You’ll work up quite a sweat, aiding your body in the natural removal of toxins, while improving strength and balance. Plus, by pairing your movements to breath throughout class, you learn how to connect with your mind and your body.
Already a yogi pro? Switch it up with aerial yoga, paddleboard yoga, or power plate yoga!
Pilates
Pilates is all about strengthening your core and building long, lean muscles. There are several different varieties you can explore depending on your fitness level, but nearly every class focuses on quality of form over quantity of reps, and moves at a slow, four-count pace to activate fast twitch muscle fibers.
Sports & Hobbies
Exercising is so much easier when you’re having fun! Sneak a workout in by adopting a new sport or revisiting one you once loved. From surfing to beach volleyball, basketball to tennis, there are endless outdoor activities you can do to stay fit. You don’t need to be a pro to play; there are many co-ed recreational leagues that compete just for a good time.
Love to dance? Give Zumba a go! Live by the mountains? Maybe this is the year to finally try your hand at skiing. Rock climbing and paddle boarding are other popular options you can check out.
5 Fun Sports for Losing Your Weight and Keeping You Healthy
Following some fitness routines consistently, you can overcome the overweight issue of your body. Try these 5 fun sports which can help you get rid of overweight and make you happy again.
Cycling
HIIT Workouts are brilliant for bikers
Another awesome way to ramp up your cardio routine is by cycling. It places less stress on your body than running does, plus its physical and psychological benefits are backed by a volume of scientific studies. Just like yoga, this is an exercise that boosts your overall health and wellness.
Barre
Barre is one of the latest fitness trends to hit the scene. Similar to Pilates, it also focuses on core strength and toned muscles, but it incorporates a ballet bar, dumbbells, medicine ball, and resistance bands to perform various calisthenics.
HIIT
You might have caught the buzz about high intensity interval training (HIIT) through programs such as Orange Theory Fitness, but you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars every month to get the same results—simply create a space for HIIT at home and you can still burn hundreds of calories like you would at a class.
Why High-Intensity Interval Training is Best for Weight Loss
High-Intensity Interval Training workouts burn fat better. HIIT increases post-exercise energy expenditure which leads to higher and longer post-exercise caloric burn. It play an especially important role in decreasing belly fat.
These workouts are intense and not for the faint of heart, although they can be modified for your fitness level. That said, if you’re looking to challenge yourself and achieve fast results, this is the program for you.
Try one of these activities or try them all! The first step to getting healthy is taking the initiative, so you’re already off to a great start.
