FIT FIVE
FUN WAYS TO WORKOUT By Hunter Harrell
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workout is similar to a winter snowflake – even in ideal conditions, no two are the same. A one-size-fits-all solution for staying in shape doesn’t usually stick. When it comes to fitness, falling into a familiar routine can diminish the desire to stay devoted AERIAL ARTS & ACROBATICS In Southwest Colorado, residents don’t need to quit their day job to join the circus. There’s a school that specializes in training performers with circus-inspired workouts that include acrobatics, aerial arts, handbalancing, juggling, stilt-walking and more. Students build both confidence and strength through challenging full-body workouts in a safe and supportive environment, while improving body awareness and perseverance.
MARTIAL ARTS Learn self-defense techniques while increasing confidence, flexibility and strength with martial arts. Though martial arts require incredible dedication and practice, there are many diverse disciplines to engage every level of athlete and fitness enthusiast, including Karate, Taekwondo, Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, Fencing and more. In addition to promoting physical fitness by burning fat and building muscle, martial arts instills confidence through successful skill-building.
DANCE From ballroom and ballet to hip-hop and tap, dancing is a full-body cardio workout in disguise. A single 30-minute dance class can
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FOUR CORNERS HEALTHY LIVING
to training. On the other hand, engaging activities and group classes can be truly great motivators. Trying a fun, specialty fitness class is one way to move the body, and find a more sustainable workout regimen.
help participants burn as many calories as they would jogging. Dancing engages muscles in the core, arms, legs and back. Learning choreography not only raises the heart rate, but it strengthens muscles and memory.
GYMNASTICS Consistent training is the key to boosting cognitive and complex motor skills. Practicing gymnastics in a safe environment can increase balance, coordination, flexibility, speed and strength. As gymnasts flip and twist through training, they build their body awareness and boost their confidence. Research suggests that participating in gymnastics routines reduces the risk of injury in other sports.
ZUMBA Aerobic exercises keep the cardio-vascular and circulatory systems healthy. Zumba is a fitness program that incorporates aerobic exercises and different styles of dance with interval training. Follow the beat of the music to find the benefits, which include building endurance, decreasing blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight.
