The Next Fab Five

TRYING TO FIND THE FUN IN EXERCISE? BURN CALORIES AND BUST OUT OF YOUR WORKOUT RUT WITH WHATS HOT IN THE FITNESS WORLD

Experts recommend adults exercisfor at least half an hour on most days of the week but what if you just can’t make it stick? If you are tired with the same old, same old, or haven’t found anything you love then take a loo at these intriguing new ways to squeez in some physical activity.

YOGA WHEELING

If you’re a regular at yoga class, you’ll be familiar with props such as straps and blocks. But there’s a new kid on the block – the yoga wheel. Around 30cm in diameter and made of wood or strong plastic, it’s used to help you stretch deeper or to offer support when you tackle a trickier pose.

Try child’s pose with the wheel and kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, separate your knees to hip distance apart and place the yoga wheel in front of you. Place your hands on the wheel and lean your body forward, rolling the wheel away from you. The wheel will stretch that little bit further without putting strain on your body. Or try the easy pose and sit cross-legged, position the wheel at your back and extend your spine slowly over the top of the wheel until the back of your head rests on the wheel.

From beginners to more advanced yogis, the wheel is designed to achieve longer, deeper stretches and greater flexibility.

MERMAIDING

If you like to stay fit in the water, learn to swim like a mermaid. It’s popular in the US, Canada and Australia – and with a mermaid-style fin* you can exercise like the mythical sea creature too.