From VR workouts to HYROX; Here are the fitness trends that ruled social media this year

Fitness lovers have always explored novel ways that they can meet their goals whether it is learning new types of exercises or integrating better techniques or equipment into their workout routine While incorporating protein into diet and using AI to make a hyperpersonalised workout plan definitely worked out for some therersquos a reason these routines and techniques were the most popular ones this yearVR Workouts got really trendy this year PicsiStockVR WorkoutsYour daily muscle hustle just got immersive mdash virtual reality equipment like headsets and motion controllers now give their users a gamified fitness experience Through this style people engage in playing games such as boxing dancing rhythm games and work out while doing so Apps like Supernatural and FitXR are some apps that give their users the VR workout experienceSandbag lunges are a part of the Hyrox routine PiciStockThe amazing fitness raceHyrox is a fitness challenge that includes running 8 km combined with eight functional workouts like ski erg sled pushpull burpee broad jumps row farmerrsquos carry sandbag lunges and wall balls All of these fitness activities are done in a set sequence and the goal is to finish as fast as possible It builds strength endurance and staminaFocusing on the functionalityEvery routine that you do should translate to making some reallife action easier mdash this is the mantra of functional fitness Functional fitness workouts focus on movements and activities of everyday life that people might need strength to perform For instance practising a few sets of the farmerrsquos walk with weights in each hand can help prepare you to carry buckets of water or other heavy itemsThe best part It can also be added to any workout including extremely short routinesMindful movementNot all workouts need to be about the hustle A lot of people have switched to having mindfulness techniques in their routines These include techniques like Tai Chi and walking meditation This ensures that one is more conscious of their body while developing physical strength without risks of external injuryRaising the barreBarre workouts employ a mix of ballet pilates yoga and strength training It is a fullbody muscle endurance workout routine that is broken into various sections These sections focus on the core arms legs and the glutes So it not only builds strength but also adds flexibility and agility Moreover it also strengthens the pelvic floor and builds up enduranceSuperHIIT routineHigh intensity interval training HIIT workouts are getting increasingly popular As the name suggests you have to push hard but they can be done anywhere You have to push yourself to the point of exhaustion but take some time out to rest later supporting your heart rate better HIIT intervals should be at about 85 to 95 per cent of your max heart rate according to a 2019 review in the World Journal of Cardiology You can burn calories during your workout and after itSome pain much gainIf you have been following a lot of fitness influencers online you must have heard of Zone 2 cardio in which one focuses on maintaining a heart rate of 60 to 70 per cent of your maximum heart rate Throughout the workout this ensures a light to moderate intensity For this you are first supposed to determine your heart rate and then begin working out and maintain a proper intensity while monitoring it Workouts like brisk walking steady cycling and swimming can lead one to maintaining the required heart rate without too much strain The benefits of this workout include maintaining better cardiovascular fitness levels as well as burning fat