THE MODERN WORKOUT GUIDE

It's getting wild in the gym. Here's what to know about the trendiest ways to sweat.

- KATHLEEN HOU, KATIE BEROHN, AND TASHA NICOLE SMITH

THE LOW-EFFORT WORKOUT

There’s a new workout that doesn’t involve sweat (or very much of it) and that is, somehow, one of the biggest trends in fitness right now. Called a low-effort, or low-impact, workout, it only aims for you to reach 50 percent of your maximum heart rate, according to Laura Quinn, head Pilates trainer at Alo Wellness Club in LA. Celebrity fans include Hailey Bieber and Lori Harvey. Think slow mat Pilates, “hot girl walks,” and yin yoga. “I work with women who might have pummeled themselves into the ground with high-intensity workouts, a busy lifestyle, and no recovery,” says Emi Frey, founder of Le Movement Pilates in Chicago. “Then they find low-impact, and they see better results.”

Hardcore exercisers may roll their eyes, but unlike hot Pilates or other high-intensity workouts, which studies suggest can sometimes cause significant temporary spikes in cortisol levels, many low-impact workouts reduce levels of the stress hormone. “We're also less likely to have injuries and muscle tears,” says Erika Bloom, a Pilates instructor in New York City. However, experts say the most well-rounded routines also include breaking a sweat. “Everybody should be getting out and lifting weights, or taking in higher-intensity work,” Frey says. Still, a hot girl walk is certainly healthier than sitting (even if it’s only slightly more effort).

THE RETRO WORKOUT