Conditioning, the New Trend in Fitness

Over the years, I’ve watched fitness change. When I was a little girl, in the seventies, I used to watch my dad workout at home. I remember being so proud of my daddy’s muscles.

Of course back then, Arnold Schwarzenegger was just breaking out in Hollywood in movies like Hercules and Conan the Barbarian. Lou Ferrigno began busting down walls, and busting out of clothes, as the Incredible Hulk and Hulk Hogan was about to explode as a pro wrestler star.

With bodybuilders becoming celebrities, no wonder bodybuilding was so big then. The only problem was bodybuilding was not really that healthy. People were spending so much time on sculpting their muscles they were neglecting the muscles that count – the heart and lunges. Ironically, people who appeared fit were often the most out of shape.

With increased technology, we now have a better grasp on what being fit really means. As bodybuilding slowly loses popularity, a new trend rises to the top called conditioning. Training philosophies are changing and people are realizing they need to improve their health – not just their looks. Interestingly enough, people found if they were truly physically fit they would look fit too. What a concept?!

The best example for this concept is our military. You don’t see them doing steroids and trying to pump iron all day long. Oh no! Instead, Drill Instructors put recruits through intense training exercises that make them strong inside and out.

I see this in our boot camp program as well. As I’ve watched hundreds of women go through our program I’ve seen women lose body fat, gain lean mass, and improve their health too. Whether it’s lower blood pressure or improved cholesterol, conditioning exercises prove to be the most beneficial hands down.

For some of you “old school” gym rats, I encourage you to branch out and try something new. I know change is hard for many people, but change can be a good thing. Besides, when’s the last time your doctor said you really need to increase your bench press?

If you don’t know where to start, you can always begin by taking a group exercise class. Another suggestion is to hire a personal trainer who specializes in conditioning exercises. Lastly, for those of you who are simply not ready to change your weight routine, start incorporating in more cardio. You’ll live longer, look better and feel healthier than you could ever imagine.