Is your workout programme so-last-year?

Fitness has never been so fashionable, and working out has definitely been the new going out in 2017. But does your exercise programme need a New Year overhaul? Elaine Denton, fitness manager from David Lloyd Clubs, reveals the UK’s leading health groups’ predictions for 2018.

Better together
Group exercise is on the up. Forget Jane Fonda-style dance aerobics to cheesy 80s popmusic – group exercise has undergone a complete transformation in recent years.  HIIT training, strength and conditioning, circuits, cycling, yoga and Pilates have revolutionised the way we exercise.

Research shows that group exercise helps people stick to their long term goals, whether in a competitive environment or not, and that social interaction, motivation and fun are all elements that keep people hooked.

And the choice of new groups is endless – new classes at David Lloyd Clubs include wellness circuits (a low impact circuits class which focuses of stretching and tone, followed by a relaxation session), Reformer Pilates (Pilates on a moveable bed giving a more intense and dynamic workout)  and Cardio Tennis – an on-court session which combines fitness and tennis skills.

The future’s tech
Many gym goers admit to being hooked on their FitBit data and wearable fitness technology undoubtedly motivates by giving recorded, measurable results.

But now cutting-edge technology is being used to motivate in a group exercise environment where participants can instantly track their progress against others in the same class, allowing them to support each other, compete and push themselves harder to achieve their goals. Results can then be downloaded and reviewed via mobile technology away from the class.

After hugely successful launch in Harbour Club Kensington earlier this year, David Lloyd Clubs is rolling out its new hi-tech class BLAZE across the UK in 2018 with eight clubs launching the classes in the spring (Manchester Trafford City, Edinburgh, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Woking, Kings Hill,  Bristol Long Ashton and Acton Park).

BLAZE offers a revolutionary HIIT training concept (combat, conditioning and cardio) in a dedicated futuristic studio. It tracks heart rate via MYZone belts and the classes’ data appears in screens so everyone can make sure they are training the right intensity zone at the right time. The info can be downloaded to your own app to track progress, and challenging you to constantly break your own personal record.

Ready, steady, sweat! 
Hot Yoga has been around for centuries, but is now the go-to workout for likes of David Beckham, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney who rave about the many health benefits of this sweaty workout.

New technology means it's now much easier for health clubs to install heating equipment, making hot yoga more accessible to everyone, not just Hollywood royalty.  Hot yoga warms the muscles, improving flexible as well as aiding detoxification, boosting weight loss, clearing respiratory system, and creating a more intense environment for more ‘cardiovascular’ types of Yoga. It also boosts endorphins so is great for your mental wellbeing as well.

And don’t be surprised if it’s not just yoga you see in a hot environment- classes like Hot Cycling and HIIT are starting to appear on timetable in the UK...prepare to sweat in 2018! Already available in two clubs David Lloyd Clubs is planning to roll out hot yoga to a further six clubs in 2018.

The workout of your dreams
Busy lifestyles, stressful jobs and long work hours have all contributed to a nationwide sleep epidemic. In a recent survey by David Lloyd Clubs, 86% of parents admitted to suffer from fatigue, with 26% regularly getting less than five hours sleep a night.

The short-term effects of sleep deprivation include tiredness or lacking concentration, can lead to anxiety or depression. When we’re tired we lack the energy to exercise regularly, and also the mental clarity to make good decisions about eating,. Holistic exercise such as yoga and mindfulness are booming as stressed out Brits look to relaxation classes to help them get more shut-eye.

But in response to this surge in demand for relaxation, David Lloyd Clubs launched its ground-breaking Napercise class, in which participants do nothing but sleep. The restful 45 mins sessions teaches participants how to unwind and get the best quality rest possible in a controlled environment. Initially trialled at its Sidcup club, the class has been rolled out to a number of its clubs across the UK and Europe.

Let’s go outside
Fitness fanatics have always loved the endorphin boost that the great outdoor brings. Moving on from marathons, boot camps and cycling challenges, outdoor events like Spartan and Colourun have been incredibly popular in 2017. Next year will see everyone looking for the next must-do event – from muddy obstacle races for you and your pet dog to midnight runs by torchlight, outdoor events are set to become more fun and unusual.

David Lloyd Clubs has introduced Battlebox – outdoor boot camp style classes with different themed classes for everyone. Battlebox Warrior is great for those who love obstacle courses, or Battlebox Strong is perfect for those who love an intense, HIIT-style workout. Plus, it's not just for adults   - Battlebox Play is all about having fun as a family, and great for getting the whole family fitter.

High intensity dance inspired sculpting workouts
Inspired by the popularity of TV programmes like Strictly Come Dancing and ultra-toned celebrities like Davina McCall, the new kid on the block is BARRE training. BARRE is a ballet inspired workout using the studio barre (or not with some programmes) and is a fantastic workout for toning, sculpting and increase flexibility.

It’s not just for girls though....Barre is also utilised by sports people as part of their conditioning programmes.  Barre classes are available at selected David Lloyd Clubs nationwide.

Family time
Parents are always looking for ways to get their children away from screens and spend time healthy together. Families are learning that finding ways to exercise together encourages children to form healthy habits that stay with them forever. From fun runs to outdoor obstacle courses like Spartan, more and more families will spend time exercising together in 2018. David Lloyd Clubs' trial of hi-tech, interactive PRAMA class has proved to be a huge hit with families. Already available in Bushey and Port Solent,  it’s set to be roll out to three more clubs in early 2018 (Bolton, Beckenham and Farnham).  Click here for more on PRAMA.

Family Circuits and Family Synrgy 360 classes are available in clubs nationwide. Whether training apart or together, a shift in how we spend social time as a family is changing.

For further information see www.davidlloyd.co.uk

Ends

About David Lloyd Leisure Group
David Lloyd Leisure Group has 111 clubs - 98 clubs in the UK and a further 13 clubs across Europe, comprising its two brands David Lloyd Clubs and Harbour Clubs (Chelsea, Notting Hill, Kensington). 

On 1 June 2017 it acquired 14 UK health and racquets clubs from Virgin Active as well as opened its third Harbour Club at Kensington following a £5.5m investment and redevelopment programme. On the same day it also announced it had exchanged contracts to buy The Park Club in Chiswick, London and later that month exchanged contract to acquire its first club in Italy, the Malaspina in Milan.

It has approximately 570,000 members and employs around 8600 people.  This includes an expert health and fitness team of over 2000 while it contracts the services of more than 680 tennis professionals.  In 2016 David Lloyd Leisure was named as one of the UK’s Best 30 Large Companies to work for by the Sunday Times.

Across all clubs, David Lloyd Leisure has over 180 swimming pools (of which half are indoor) and offers over 13,000 exercise classes per week. Every week over 25,000 children learn to swim at David Lloyd Leisure, 16000 children learn to play in the Tennis Stars Coaching Programme. David Lloyd Club’s racquets facilities are unparalleled with over 1000 tennis courts as well as over 400 badminton and squash courts.