Mickey Mehta is a leading HolisticHealth guru. He interweaves the philosophies of Zen, Tao, Tantra and Ved with exercises like agility drills, tai chi, Pilates and Yoga.

An increasing number of people are taking to exercising as they’ve become more health-conscious and aware of the ill-effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Today, diabetes, hypertension and heart ailments are on the rise due to inactivity and poor eating habits.

It’s hard to predict how many newer exercises will be introduced in the coming year. Whatever the trend, exercises need to be done regularly and must begin with warm-ups, stretches and slow, conscious breathing. The principle behind exercises is that they are more for the consciousness and not just for our body.

Most people try different forms of exercises to avoid boredom.

Exercises must be devoid of pain, aggression or boredom and must always be performed under a competent supervisor or trainer who can guide you on posture and form and above all, motivate you.

Here are trends that will stand out in 2013:

Anti-gravity Yoga

This is a new and modified version of Yoga, dance and Pilates (and some acrobatics). It gives a total body workout and is done by being suspended from a silky hammock/ sling that acts as your support system about 2ft off the ground. At times it serves as a swing or trapeze and allows for fluid movements and better flexibility. It’s the brainchild of Christopher Harrison, co-founder of the acrobatic arts troupe Cirque de Soleil.

So, anti-gravity or aerial Yoga is all about hanging upside down and moving acrobatically, usually two to three feet off the ground, sometimes with legs wrapped around the hammocks. A cool new trend for the New Year.

TRX suspension equipment

It has gained ground steadily and will probably become a craze among fitness buffs and trainers in the year ahead. This is a portable training tool that provides an effective workout by using your own body weight. It’s a system of straps that are attached overhead to a door frame or a beam with handles to hold at the end of the straps (which can also be used to hook the feet). This really means that you can perform many variations of exercises — leaning, pulling, pushing and even lifting yourself up with these straps. As it offers a total body-resistance, this form of exercise is very helpful for body-toning, strengthening and increasing stamina. The added advantage is that it can be used anywhere — at home or the gym.

Piloxing

It’s a cardio workout which is a creative mix of boxing and Pilates — and the latest craze on the fitness circuits, especially with celebrities. So, it combines the aerobic, cardio and strength effects of boxing with the strength, flexibility and toning effects of Pilates. Piloxing promotes agility and flexibility, tones the thighs, the upper body and arms; it helps improve the posture, core strength and has body sculpting effects. No equipment is required.

Zumba workout

This is an exciting Latin-inspired dance exercise which is all about blending foot-tapping, zippy music with steps to match. Zumba has now caught the fancy of many fitness enthusiasts and has become a worldwide phenomenon and very popular in gyms. It is an exhilarating, high-energy cardio workout that targets calorie burn and body-toning. This coming year will see a spurt in the number of people taking to Zumba.

Aqua Zumba

This integrates the traditional aqua aerobic principles and involves stretching, twisting, dance and more. As the name suggests, it’s a water-based exercise that helps improve strength, stamina and also burns calories. It has become a very popular form of exercise for most people who are looking for an alternative recreational activity, mainly to beat the monotony of working out in gyms. Water gives natural resistance with no dangerous or harmful impact on the joints. It is a safe and therapeutic workout that promotes heart-lung conditioning, body-toning, and provides recreation as well. Therefore, due to these rehabilitative benefits, these exercises are also recommended for people with arthritis, osteoporosis etc.

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