As society changes so does the fitness trends. In the eighties it was all about the TV cassette tapes showcasing Richard Simmons, in the nineties it was the hip-hop abs phase, the new millennium brought with it a trend of heavy lifting thick muscles and a spray on tan. Now heading into the next decade gym trends are moving back into the idea of callisthenic workouts to build a more lean athletic body. Gyms such as Town Sport International have started converting their gym space from machines to open space and jungle gym bars. The conversion of space is not only cost effective for the gym, but the new age workout also burns more calories and is more efficient training the body than traditional machines.
A traditional workout consists of a 5-6 day workout routine alternating different days with different muscle groups. Day 1 upper body, day 2 lower body, day three core, day four cardio…etc. This routine works, it’s the tried and true method however the rut it digs commits the movements to muscle memory making the workout ineffective and causing the person doing the workout to plateau in strength and size.
The new workout routine is a 4-day a week workout plan with a more explosive regiment. Rather than practicing the same motion for individual muscle groups with weights it’s a combination of different motions targeting a wide array of muscle groups combined with no rest time in between sets that provide such striking results. It’s the same concept as a swimming exercise, long connecting strokes with no break or rest, a continuous workout. The added benefits of this type of workout include the low injury rate as opposed to weighted workouts. With only body weight used the muscles remain limber and are less likely to injure or tear.
The two workout routines are vastly different, but they both produce results just for different body types. For those going for the stocky heavily muscled look, then stick to hitting the bench and throwing the bar. If you’re looking for a leaner swimmer type physique try the cross fitesque callisthenic new age workout. Either way stay fit, and stay educated when you go to the gym.
