Working out is something we all need to do, but finding a workout that challenges and stays fun is a tricky task. Here are a few exercise programmes that promise results and challenge your body to the max, for the ultimate workout.
P90X
An extreme 90 day workout, P90X really pushes your body to the max. It can be done at home via a DVD so its great for people who don’t want the hassle of going to the gym every week. It moulds your body into shape by combining yoga, cardio, weight training and abs workouts. The workouts vary from highly intense to easy depending on the type of exercise you want and your fitness level. If you’re really fit, you can opt for the toughest type whereas people who just want a mild workout can choose the latter.
CrossFit
Created by Coach Greg Glassman, this is a communal fitness programme that involves a variety of high intensity movements to achieve overall fitness. This is a global phenomenon, with people all over the world taking part. There is a workout each day for you to take part in, using gymnastics, weight lifting and aerobic exercises to tone your body.
7 minute workout
This became incredibly popular earlier in the year, and as the name suggests you only have to work out for seven minutes with short breaks in between. The idea is that you achieve a total body workout with the use of crunches, pushups, jumping jacks and other such exercises. It can be used as a toning exercise or you can do the circuit again for a really tough workout.
DTP
DTP or Dramatic Transformation Principle is a 12 week programme that consists of three phases, each one designed to keep the body working hard and guessing what’s coming next. Phase one is strength training, phase two works on muscle development and phase three is an incredibly intense workout that really pushes the body to its limits.
3-2-1
This workout uses your body weight to tone the body, and is ideal for new mums or beginners who want to start gently and build up to a more intense workout. The routine is creative as it uses your entire body in a variety of ways to create a really effective calorie-burning workout without you getting bored.
Yogalates
This workout is a fusion of Pilates and yoga, and really focuses on your core muscles which is ideal for toning your body. Beginning in Australia, this workout has become popular around the world and is ideal if you want to increase your flexibility, stamina and concentration. If you suffer with arthritis, osteoporosis and back pain, this is a gentle but effective workout that could be really beneficial. It’s also brilliant as a post natal workout.
Insanity workout
Another extreme workout that suggests you can get amazing results in just 60 days. This is the considered to be the hardest workout programme ever brought to DVD, but the exercises are great for building muscles and stripping the body of fat. If you’re new to exercise, this might not be the best way to begin simply because it is so intense. However, for anyone looking to really improve their fitness in a short space of time.
As with any workout programme, check with your GP before embarking on a new fitness scheme in case it’s not advisable that you do so. If you’re new to working out, take it slow and build up gradually to give your body chance to get used to the exercise.
