Pilates to Yoga, here are some fitness trends of 2021
From simple running and alternate nostril breathing exercises to more complex Pilates workout or Yoga, here are some popular fitness
From simple running and alternate nostril breathing exercises to more complex Pilates workout or Yoga, here are some popular fitness trends of 2021 that made us look forward to grind sessions
Updated on Dec 19, 2021 07:03 PM IST 13 Photos
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If there was any good that came out of Covid-19 pandemic, it was to leave us with a greater appreciation for fitness and making us prioritise health like never before. The months of lockdowns saw our living rooms turn into workout studios as going to the gym was out of question to avoid the spread of coronavirus. Hence, to boost the mind-body connection, we had nowhere to turn to within the four walls of our house except to exercise. Here are some fitness trends of 2021 that made us look forward to grind sessions.(Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash)
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Running (outdoors or on treadmill): Contrary to popular belief, running in the cold or in the rain won't actually give you a cold instead, it will help you in achieving herculean strength and building mental toughness. From cooling you off to enabling you to go farther, longer and maybe even faster, running in the rain burns more calories as our bodies aren't at risk of overheating and it makes you tough. Apart from strengthening muscles and improving cardiovascular fitness, running helps to build strong bones, as it is a weight bearing exercise and burns plenty of kilo joules which in turn helps to maintain a healthy weight. As per a study on Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, running each day for just 5 to 10 minutes at a moderate pace, say 6.0 miles per hour, not only has a significant impact on longevity but may also reduced the risk of death from heart attack or stroke and other cardiovascular disease, lower the risk of developing cancer, lower the risk of developing neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The study highlighted that runners in general have a 25%–40% reduced risk of premature mortality and live approximately 3 years longer than non-runners. Improved sleep and moods are other benefits of running. As per a group of Dutch researchers, running 2.5 hours per week or 30 minutes for five days a week can also result in enjoying maximum longevity benefits. Running in place can be an excellent alternative to burn calories when one cannot head out for actual running or doesn't own a treadmill. It helps in weight loss, elevates heart rate, improves blood sugar levels, boosts cardiovascular function, enhances lung capacity and improves circulation. According to a 2015 study on ‘Effects of running in place accompanied by abdominal drawing-in on the posture of healthy adults’, it was found that the exercise also helps to improve posture by engaging the abdominal muscles. It reduces knee pain and makes them stronger and healthier. (Photo by Alex McCarthy on Unsplash)
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Anulom Vilom Pranayama: A hallmark symptom of Covid-19 is the shortness of breath which can persist and quickly escalate in people who have contracted coronavirus and that is when Anulom Vilom Pranayama or or Alternate Nostril Breathing came in handy. This breathing technique has a number of benefits like improving immune system, boosting your memory, improving respiratory and cardiovascular health and regulating blood pressure. This Yoga asana also improves sleep and helps to de-stress. As the ancient practice of controlling breath, Pranayama connects body and mind, supplies body with oxygen while removing toxins and is meant to provide healing physiological benefits. The stress-relieving effects of pranayama improves one’s sleep quality, increases mindfulness and reduces high blood pressure.(Instagram/malaikaaroraofficial)
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Yoga: Meditation, good sleeping routine and stretching helps one to focus and relax but when anxiety started to creep in, triggered by the fear of the unknown, job insecurities amid varied lockdowns and gloomy death news everywhere during the Covid-19 pandemic, many people turn to Yoga. It might seem contradictory but by exercising and putting physical stress on one’s body, mental tensions and stress can be relieved. Yoga is a form of exercise that combines stretching, breathing, relaxation and meditation and has various asana or body postures that include sitting meditation pose, reclining, standing, inverted, twisting and balancing poses to overcome all kinds of sufferings and lead to 'the state of liberation' (Moksha) or 'freedom' (Kaivalya) and self-realisation. Studies have often suggested that Yoga can enhance mood and according to some researches, it may even be as effective as antidepressant drugs at treating depression and anxiety. Yoga practice helps lower stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, improving sleep pattern and self-image. Hence, people who do Yoga regularly are less likely to experience anxiety as compared to those who don’t since benefits of the asana are strongest when one performs them regularly.(Photo by Amauri Mejía on Unsplash)
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