We’re feeling pumped and ready to get moving! It’s summer, it’s the new year – it’s the perfect time to try something new. Check out the list below for some of our fave ways to get sweaty.
Let’s start with lower intensity workouts.
Yoga
Yoga not only improves flexibility and range of motion, but the practice also focuses on mental and spiritual wellbeing. It’s been around for thousands of years (apparently) and devoted yoga-goers swear by the overall benefits, from improved posture through to better focus and improved levels of wellbeing and happiness. There are some great outdoor yoga classes that pop up, so keep an eye on our events calendar.
Here’s a list of places you can try yoga in The Southern Highlands.
Pilates
Not sure what the difference is between yoga and pilates?
Like yoga, pilates focuses on strength and flexibility with core strength and muscle toning being key components, but with less of the yoga poses and “ooommm-ing”.
Here’s a list of places you can try pilates around The Southern Highlands.
Barre Attack
Why don’t you try something completely different and give Barre Attack a go? Simply Fitness in Moss Vale is currently the only local studio offering Barre Attack Fitness Training. A high energy mix of ballet, pilates and yoga, Barre Attack strengthens and sculpts your body while improving your posture and flexibility – that a whole lot of bang for your body! We gave it a whirl too – find out what we had to say about it here.
Simply Fitness Southern Highlands
Aqua Aerobics
For the young and the young-at-heart, it’s aerobics but with less impact on joints, while still getting in a challenging workout. Throw in a fun instructor and some upbeat tunes and it’s a great workout.
Moss Vale Aquatic Centre and Vitarose both offer aqua aerobic.
Walking
Now, the intensity of your walk will depend on where and what kind of walk you are doing so it doesn’t have to remain low intensity. There’s something about being outdoors that’s just so revitalizing; so many smells and sights you just won’t see inside the four walls of a gym. We’ve got some great pathed options around The Highlands and are so lucky to have so many bushwalks on our doorsteps as well. Check out some of our fav bushwalks here (but be sure to double check fire conditions if you’re walking in the summer months).
Fitzroy Falls – a nice (mostly) flat track and plenty to see makes this walk a lower intensity bushwalk. Nowra Rd, Fitroy Falls
Mount Gibraltar – a constant incline of natural and man-made stairs makes this a higher intensity bushwalk. Oxley Drive, Mittagong
Bong Bong Bike Track – a mainly flat concrete 3km path from Moss Vale Rd through to Railway Ave Burraddo with a few slight inclines mainly toward the Burradoo end of the path. Trust us, you’ll spend the walk saying “oh my goodness I can’t believe I live here” as you breathe in the country air. Bong Bong Common
The Berrima River Walk – a 1.8km walk through the bush along the Wingecarribee River starting at the Berrima Picnic grounds. A great walk to get your sweating plus loads of interesting boards along the way explain the rich history of the area.
Cherry Tree Walk – starts off just near Bowral Pool on Mittagong Rd Bowral. A flat 5km shared path (bikes and walking) is a fantastic and pretty option to get those legs moving.
Now on to the really sweaty stuff. Higher intensity.
Strength Training
There’s something about working up a sweat lifting weights that makes you feel good! We’re told that any concerns over getting bulky from lifting weights is a total myth – most people work for years – day in and day out to see any muscle gain. Gaining muscle is hard. If you want it, you have to work for it. If you don’t, it won’t happen accidentally.
TRX is a super effective form of strength and resistance training. Never heard of it? This is suspension training using a series of adjustable straps and carabiners. It’s an effective resistance based workout harnessing body weight to perform a countless number of exercises. It strengthens many parts of your body, improves joint stability, and reduces lower back pain.
The Shed Fitness Studio | Jaime Bow PT | Plus Fitness | Simply Fitness Southern Highlands (TRX Classes)
Circuit Training
In circuit training you get your heart rate right up and then recover (well, kind of) before starting the next exercise. There is a variety of different exercises, so there’s no risk of getting bored.
Group Training
By this we mean boot camps and group classes. There’s such a sense of support amongst the group; you’re in it together through the blood, sweat and tears. Even if you don’t have a competitive spirit, there’s something about training in a group that encourages you to push to new levels. Besides, it’s loads more fun getting sweaty with mates.
Simply Fitness | B Style Fitness | Get Fit PT | Gym and Tonic | Sharp Fitness | Nat Carter
Pole Dancing
Oooh yeah! How much fun!? If strength and toning are your priorities, pole dancing could be for you. A great cardio work out as well and super-challenging, and best of all it’s loads of fun.
Cross Fit
You’ll work hard, you’ll sweat and you’ll see results! A great balance of strength and conditioning, where you get to push your body to it’s limits! Think Olympic lifting, gymnastics and cardio.
Cross Fit Southern Highlands | BENTON CrossFit
This article was originally written by Eloise and edited January 2020.
