FITNESS GETS A FUN FIX

Most people are opting for unconventional workout regimes to stay in shape, going beyond treadmills and weight training, and mixing enjoyment with exercise

- VAISHALI DAR

RATNA KAUL, 25, is a self-confessed “gym freak”. Despite following a 9 am-8 pm work schedule in a startup in Gurugram, she manages to squeeze in plenty of time for her workouts, starting her day at 6 am with a session of cardio and stretching. However, she admits that she’s missing out on the “punch’ in her regime, something that she would probably get from a sporting activity like swimming, a fitness programme like Zumba or other forms of intense training.

Kaul is not alone. Globally, 73% of the 16-25-year-olds say they prefer exercising outdoors amidst nature over working out in a gym, according to a new survey by Endure24, one of the UK’s most popular 24-hour trail running events.

Another study by Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia, confirms that when it comes to developing a successful exercise routine, doing something that feels good makes all the difference. A review of cognitive and contextual factors was published in the International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology that shed light on how to get the most pleasure out of being physically active. “We’re more likely to stay motivated and get results when we participate in any kind of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity if it makes us feel good,” the review says. The research highlights that we're likely to achieve better results if we focus on “external stimuli rather than bodily sensations”.

Staying fit is the new normal, and most people are opting for unconventional workout regimes, going beyond treadmills and weight training. Fitness today isn’t just about pounding on treadmills or lifting weights—it’s about going deeper.

A holistic approach