How have ya been? Well we have been fit. We have been trying quite a few newest fitness trends of 2011. These are the things that most health articles are talking about, most fitness blogs are discussing and most fitness trainers are recommending.

Though these trends started out from the West, in no time did they become a big thing in India. And anything happening at the fitness scene has to be happening at ALW too. So here are a few fitness trends of 2011 you don’t wanna miss.

Kettlebells: A lot of fitness websites (shine.yahoo.com, becomegorgeous.com) are full with recommendations with the newest trend on fitness equipments scene. They are called kettlebells and are especially gaining popularity among women. These weights, better known as “cannonballs with handles”, can be used in place of dumbbells. Kettlebell exercises help in working your core and challenge your muscles. They are great for stamina and suppleness.

Pilates and boxing: If you love pilates, combine it with boxing now. Sounds crazy? Well yes but effective nonetheless. However, women should gear themselves up for this one. It tones all-body muscles toning program while the soft and relaxed moves of Pilates are combined with strength training that aims to tone our central part and provide us with more elasticity and a pristine and elegant stance.

The reason why this works so well is that air punches and tummy-strengthening and toning exercises serve as the best means to polish your figure. You can also add weighted gloves to further increase the intensity of the workout. Kicks and leg swings are an integral part too. Piloxing is a great trend this year that bestows women with feminine curves and muscles toned to perfection.

Zumba dance moves: India today is full of private dance training classes that offer not only the basic Western dance but also latin ones like Zumba. More nad more women in India now are trying out Zumba moves probably inspired by reality dance shows like Dance India Dance or Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. Whatever is the reason, Zumba burns tons of calories.

Bootcamp: Believe it or not but this is also a trend in India already. Bootcamps provide the much-needed kicks in the booty to lose weight, build strength, and tone up real quickly. The reason why they are so loved is that they actually utilize circuit and interval training, which are most important for weight loss. It’s like one minute you will be doing as many pushups as you can, and the next you’ll be sprinting. As a result, you don’t get bored plus it literally keeps you on your toes.

Aerojumps: Call it weird or the last thing on your mind but they have come on the fitness scene in a big way. What started with celebrities in Hollywood by a famous fitness trainer became a worldwide phenomenon. This includes rope jumping, workout songs to boost your mood and energy on the spot. Boxers are familiarized with the important of jump ropes in their training sessions.

So what do you think of all these trends? Aren’t they fresh and new? Some of us at ALW are going to try them out. You do too.

It’s half a year already. And a lot of us are probably doing the same old mistakes of the past year in fitness. AnyLinuxWork girls were just caught discussing the faux pas of fitness trends this year. We sneak-peaked and stole a few ideas that they were discussing. Well ofcourse these ideas are not original and picked up from several fitness blogs that they all keep reading. Yet, we definitely stumbled over, if not diamond , a gold mine.

So here’s a lowdown on what is out of the fitness scene and should be avoided.

1) I am fat, I am ugly: This is a thought you better get rid of now. Recent trends have shown that it is important to be fit, healthy and feel beautiful, however your figure is. A great self-image contributes a great deal in fitness and you are able to view yourself as someone who is a flower plant that needs a little bit of pruning. A lot of fit and good-looking men have often fallen for women much heavier in weight. Yet they make a great couple and complete each other.
2) Gym is a necessity: This idea is totally out of the block now. Joining a gym today is a trend not a necessity. Many celebrity fitness coaches would tell you that the basics are the best like swimming, running and walking. Gym is a great option but not an essential for sure.
3) Yoga is a must: Any physiotherapist today would tell you that not every Yoga move is made for you. A lot of Yoga is good for you but you don’t need all of it. Always consult a physiotherapist before you take up Asanas. Understand your body needs and then go for it.
4) Overdoing it: Women suffer from the temptation and its effects much more than men. A beauty expert was desperate to lose extra fat and over-did a few gym workouts. She ended up developing complications in her muscles and had to stop the gym regime for one whole month, that finally led to more fat. So relax, and take it easy.

It’s good to know about fitness trends but it is always better to take them with a pinch of salt. Having said that we also promise to keep you updated soon with some real good fitness trends too. And yes these are all picked up by the girls at ALW. Watch this space!