If heavy gym equipment intimidates you and you’re afraid yoga will put you into positions you’ll never get out of, an old-school approach may be in order. Recent retro fitness trends have brought childhood toys into the workout mix, offering fun ways to reminisce while you tone up.
A whole lotta hoop-lah
The hula hoop may not seem like an obvious fitness tool, but if you want to shed a few winter pounds, this beloved childhood activity might be just what you’re looking for. According to certified hoop instructor Sadie Yancey, hula hooping targets your abs, arms, butt and thighs while also “opening the chest and promoting healthy body alignment.” Hoops come in various diameters (the bigger the hoop, the easier it becomes) and the rhythmic motion will motivate you to keep moving, resulting in a workout guaranteed to make you sweat. Bootylicious Beyoncé Knowles is a fan of the hoop and if this isn’t inspiration enough, Yancey says participants will leave with “a stronger heart, mind and libido.”
Wanna hoop? Starting April 7, hula hooping classes will be offered at 585 Productions, 585 Yonge (416-879-9060, www.hooptoronto.com), Monday 5:30-6:30pm. First class $10, second class $20 or $15 each when you pay for five classes at a time. Workout hoops are available for purchase at www.spiralhoopdance.com.
Bounce, baby, bounce
Working out on an Olympic-sized trampoline requires a little supervision, and it’s probably best to find a certified coach, but safety precautions aside, it’s a fun and effective way to get toned. Kyle Iannuzzi, a coach for Just Bounce Trampoline, says NASA once called rebounding “the most efficient and effective form of exercise yet devised by man.” On average, trampolining burns between 200 and 300 calories per hour.
Gotta bounce? For class information and more about the benefits of trampolining, visit www.justbounce.ca or call 416-635-0206.
Don’t skip this exercise
Want to emulate the bodies of famous boxers without leaving your house? Grab a jump rope. Skipping is a classic exercise used by boxers and other athletes for agility and coordination training. As a cardiovascular exercise, it burns an immense number of calories, while also being relatively easy on the knees — a perfect alternative to those of us who can’t bear a lengthy run. Skipping will also help strengthen your arms and shoulders. If you aren’t sold on the aforesaid physical results, just think: it’s easy enough for a child to master and the only equipment required costs as little as a few dollars.
Need a rope or more info? Visit www.jumprope.com.