The last decade has seen fitness trends come and go - with the likes of spinning, boxing, home workouts with fitness DVDs, Crossfit and so on coming in and out of fashion. In 2018, it was HIIT (high intensity interval training) that was promised to help us get fit and shift those stubborn pounds. But now the benefits of LIT (low impact training) are becoming more universally recognised and the trend is taking off.
This year, LIT has got people talking – exercise that doesn’t involve much force or pressure put on the joints. There’s no pavement pounding, fast movement or squat jumping – in fact usually both feet, or at least one, stay in contact with the ground for most of the session. This way of training is becoming ever more popular as a way of getting fit, toning up and losing weight – without trauma to your knees, shoulders or hips, to name but a few.
While swimming and cycling are age-old forms of the exercise, yoga, pilates and barre have all gained popularity in the last few years, and now ‘Low Impact Training’ classes – specialising in LIT exercises – are also popping up at gyms and fitness centres over the UK.
Now Closer heads to FS8 Training - a new circuit-based, group training studio that's just opened in London, that combines the benefits of pilates, tone and yoga - to try out the trend. And here are five reasons why we should ditch the burpees and the box jumps, and why LIT could be the way to go.
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1. It's perfect for beginners
For many of us, the last visit to the gym can be a distant memory or some may even be complete beginners. And this is why low impact is perfect – because the exercises are simple and kind to your joints. FS8 is a great way to get started if you have never stepped foot in a gym, or if it’s been a while. This is because the classes leave out anything too high impact and allow you to focus on more grounded positions.
2. It’s kinder on your joints
Our bodies – especially when getting older - can develop niggles as our joints weaken. This is why low impact and exercises like reformer pilates are brilliant for those who find HIIT too strenuous and want to be gentler on their joints while still working on their strength or cardio. The FS8 classes - on the reformer pilates and on the mats - lifts your heart rate, like HIIT, but without the pounding on your joints and risking injury.
3. It enhances bone density
We start to lose bone density and cartilage as we get a bit older, especially women after menopause. And as LIT often incorporates heavy weights, it can be a great preventative. Katie says, “LIT using weights can help to preserve bone density, so that you don’t encounter problems in later life. Most low impact style classes, with the exception of Barre, tend to use heavier weights and focus on strength training. Loading heavier weights onto the body can increase bone density and also reduce the risk of osteoporosis.”
4. It can aid recovery
For regular gym bunnies harbouring an injury, low impact training like FS8 or reformer pilates can be helpful to anyone who wants to keep fit while recovering. LIT can be a great way to gently keep fit or ease back into exercise after injury. And the classes are totally amenable, meaning you always choose your own weights.
5. It can help you understand exercise
Reformer pilates and LIT training like FS8 is slow, and often breaks down some of the faster, more intense exercises you may be used to, so you can really learn and feel what you're doing for your body. Research has found that this type of exercising is likely to make the movements long-lasting habits and help you with your overall fitness.
FS8, the latest low-impact exercise innovation brought to you by industry leaders, F45 Training. Scientifically backed, this circuit-based, group training concept combines the benefits of Pilates, Tone and Yoga all remixed into one 50-minute invigorating session. Merging low impact with high energy, FS8 shows you how to take care of your body by improving both your physical and mental wellbeing.
The classes are suitable for all regardless of age and fitness levels, enabling you to workout at your own pace as you challenge yourself both mentally and physically, and progress to reach you own goals. See more on FS8's website.