Tag Archive for 'Pilates classes'

Which Yoga Class Is Right For You?

Published on February 20, 2013 in Future Fitness Programs & Classes. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Interested in yoga but not quite sure where to start? Whether you’re looking to increase strength and flexibility, boost your overall athletic performance, or simply reduce stress and enhance your mental fitness, yoga can be extremely effective for all types of bodies and abilities. But not every style of yoga is the same. Before you hit the mat, consider what yoga style is right for you. After reading this blog post, if you are still unsure? Click here to sign up for a free class to help you decide which one is best for you.

There are actually hundreds of styles of yoga, ranging in difficulty from very easy to very advanced, however, most Westernized styles center upon the broad classification of Hatha yoga. Generally speaking Hatha yoga involves performing a series of poses (or asanas) and breathing techniques.

Each of the following yoga practices shares roots in Hatha yoga and a common focus on awareness, relaxation and conscious breathing — yet each follows its own unique yoga path:

Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda yoga integrates many forms of yoga, including elements of traditional Hatha yoga. More than just a series of poses, Sivananda weaves a five-point philosophy into every class: asanas (proper exercise), pranayama (proper breathing), savasana (relaxation), a vegetarian diet, and positive thinking.

Recommended for:
Yogis of ages and abilities who are interested in mastering a familiar series of poses and wish to emphasize vitality and overall well-being.

Related Future Fitness Group Exercise Class:
Traditional Yoga or Yoga Stretch

Ashtanga Yoga
A dynamic and vigorous form of yoga, Ashtanga emphasizes flexibility, strength and endurance. Also known as vinyasa or power yoga, it is an intense workout that uses heat to cleanse the body toxins, align bone structure, and purify the nervous system. Students perform a variety of asanas interspersed with “sun salutations” (set sequence of poses executed rapidly). The emphasis in Ashtanga yoga is flexibility, strength and endurance.

Recommended for:
Fit and flexible yogis seeking physical and spiritual gains from yoga and enjoy fluid routines that link poses in rapid succession. It’s also great for athletes who participate in other more rigorous forms of fitness who may benefit from balancing their regular routines with increased flexibility.

Related Future Fitness Group Exercise Class:
Yoga Endurance or Budokon

Kundalini Yoga
Also called the “yoga of awareness,” Kundalini is derived from the Indian word kundal, which means, “lock of hair from the beloved.” Kundalini yoga practice aims to develop awareness, consciousness and spiritual strength through a vigorous series of poses, chanting and meditation. It employs several forms of breathing techniques to clear the system and allow energy to flow into the “chakras,” or energy centers located in the body.

Recommended for:
Yogis who are interested in more than simply a form of exercise, but also an awareness that touches all aspects of one’s life.

Related Future Fitness Group Exercise Class:
Traditional Yoga or Yoga Strength

Still unsure? Click here to sign up for a free class to help you decide which one is best for you.

Reform Your Workout With Pilates Reformer

Published on June 26, 2012 in Future Fitness Programs & Classes and Healthy Steps for Fitness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

As the popularity of Pilates continues to increase, the Pilates reformer is taking this exercise program to a new level of effectiveness. The Pilates reformer is an exercise machine that incorporates the Pilates technique for a challenging and intense workout. Springs, leverage and body weight are used as resistance while performing movements that target specific muscle groups.

Workouts consist of controlled, smooth movements working the muscles through a full range of motion. The reformer adds increased resistance to the movement. By working to overcome this resistance, training results in increased fitness levels. With regular training, using the Pilates reformer improves muscle fiber endurance, size and strength, as well as connective tissue strength. Muscles become highly toned without appearing bulky.

The main reason the Pilates reformer has become a sensation is because it can be used by anyone, at any age or fitness level, and make possible significant gains in strength and muscle tone. Those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, or recovering from orthopedic injuries can successfully use this program – as well as athletes. Pilates reformer truly offers something for every body!

Overall benefits of Pilates reformer training include:

  • Building strength without excess bulk
  • Development of core strength
  • Prevention of injuries
  • Alleviates chronic pain
  • Improves posture, balance, flexibility and coordination

Sports and activities-related benefits include:

Martial Arts – Will greatly increase flexibility, alleviate hip pain and improve kicks while elongating muscles.

Dance – Will allow you to better isolate your muscles, improve coordination and elongate your body.

Golf – Will strengthen your back muscles to improve your swing.

Swimming – Will help improve core control to improve your strokes and speed while increasing flexibility in your legs, arms and back.

As advanced as the Pilates reformer equipment itself is, optimum benefits can only be accomplished through instruction by an experienced trainer. To get the most out of this exciting workout program, sign up at the front desk of the Future Fitness Center in your location for a free Pilates reformer demo session!

Star Power Gains New Meaning with Piloxing

Published on April 30, 2012 in Fit News and Future Fitness Programs & Classes. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Working out typically isn’t associated with glamour. But a new regime is gaining enthusiasts on a daily basis thanks in part to its Hollywood star power. Piloxing is a combination of Pilates and boxing moves created by celebrity trainer Viveca Jensen, whose clients include Hilary Duff, Vanessa Hudgens and Alexis Bledel. It is the first program that combines the muscle sculpting of Pilates, the strengthening and cardio of boxing and the sensuality of dance into a high-energy interval workout. Because each discipline is rooted in core-centered technique, their fusion perfectly complements each other.

Jensen developed the workout for women to improve overall strength and flexibility without building bulk, and gain the following benefits:

• Firmer, flatter abdominals

• Toned thighs and buttocks

• Increases in strength and flexibility

• A leaner profile with improved posture

• Improved energy levels

Piloxing training is in a class format, led by an instructor. This ensures that proper technique is taught and used, as well as creates a fun, social environment that makes participants look forward to their next session. Classes are structured into an interval format because studies show that interval training burns the most calories and is the most effective method of improving cardiovascular health.

Piloxing incorporates the use of ½-pound weighted gloves developed specifically for the program, which adds additional muscular and cardio benefits to the workout. The program also encourages barefoot training, which can improve posture, balance and stamina while preventing injuries. Increases in arch flexibility and range of motion in the ankle – and a stronger foot overall – are among the other benefits attributed to barefoot training.

So if you’ve always wondered how your favorite celebrities get their lean, toned red carpet-ready figure (without surgical intervention), check out a Piloxing class at your nearest Future Fitness Center and gain some star power for yourself!

Strength in Numbers – Get Moving With Group Fitness

Published on September 29, 2011 in Fit News and Future Fitness Programs & Classes. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

When it comes to losing weight or getting in better shape, joining a health club is a natural step. It provides access to the fitness workout equipment, programs and trainers you need to help you achieve your fitness goals. But a signing up is only part of the process.

The next step? You’ve got to workout. Regularly. That gym membership card isn’t going to bring you buns of steel if all it does is sit in your wallet.  You’ve got to make it work.

If you need help getting motivated, consider participating in a group fitness class. Research has shown that group support plays a huge part in helping people achieve their fitness goals. More than just a great workout, group fitness classes offer encouragement, community and inspiration. And they aren’t just for the ladies! A recent study found that increasingly more men are participating in group fitness classes, too. Why?

Let’s look at some of the benefits of group fitness:

  • Save time.
    Group fitness classes are carefully planned by fitness instructors.
    These instructors know a great deal about the proper ways to do the workouts and are there to ensure that you maximize your time spent at the gym.
  • Find Motivation.
    Group fitness classes are highly social.
    It’s a great way to meet like-minded individuals who can be great motivators for pushing through a challenging class and coming back week after week.
  • Provide an opportunity to learn something new.
    Group fitness classes are fun.
    Whether it’s cutting edge programs such as Piloxing® and TRX® or fitness favorites such as Spinning and Step, the world of workouts is constantly evolving and introducing new training techniques to try.

With over 85 group fitness classes per week in 6 locations, Future Fitness offers a wide variety of workout options designed to complement every level of fitness. With so many gym classes available, it might be tough to figure out where to start – especially if you are new to establishing an exercise fitness routine.

While a number of our group workout classes are designed to achieve multiple fitness goals, our personal trainers offer these suggestions:

If you want …

 Why not try …
A Full Body Work Out

Improved Cardiovascular Health
Increased Flexibility 
To Build Strength 

So what are you waiting for? Visit Future Fitness’s group fitness class schedule and choose a class that’s right for you!

Redesigned With Fitness in Mind: FutureFitnessCenters.com

Published on September 14, 2011 in New from Future Fitness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

If you haven’t already noticed, the Future Fitness website has a brand new look! In our quest to deliver superior service to all of our health club members, we’ve updated and expanded the Future Fitness Centers website to provide even more information about the fitness center – as well as our “fitness philosophy” on topics such as smart strategies for better health, getting the most out of your gym workout routine, increasing personal motivation, and enhancing your overall well being.

Now, it’s easier than ever to learn about our:

  • Unique Services– free personal training, medical monitoring and nutritional counseling  — plus a supervised nursery so that you can workout while the kids play
  • Variety of Equipment – each fitness center offers 11 different lines of fitness equipment to ensure you — and your body — are continually challenged and never grow bored with working out
  • Programs – Future Fitness centers offer fitness programs for all age groups and fitness levels including reformer Pilates, TRX, swim lessons, and more.
  • Classes – Whether you’re into step aerobics, spinning, pilates, yoga or Zumba, our new, improved group fitness schedules make it easy to locate one of our 85 workout classes and fitness programs at our six gym locations.

And for those who are considering a gym membership with Future Fitness, the new website makes it even easier to learn about each of our New Jersey locations (Cherry Hill, Mt. Laurel, Turnersville, Berlin, and Mullica Hill), see what others are saying about the fitness center, schedule a tour of the facility, and decide if the Future Fitness is the right “fit” for you.

We encourage you to take a look around, see what the new website (and Future Fitness) has to offer, and let us know what you think! And don’t forget, for a limited time, we’re running an unbeatable offer of $1 down and $10 per month. To take advantage of this special rate, sign up today!