Many imagine gym trainings to be boring, but the wellness industry is growing rapidly in Kyiv and aims to make workouts lively and interesting. Here are some of the trends:
Jumping fitness
Jumping fitness is a system of exercises performed on special small trampolines with handles that help keep balance. All movements are performed to energetic music. This kind of fitness was invented in Czech Republic 10 years ago. It came to Ukraine in 2012 and interest in it is growing very fast. The most reasonable advantage of jumping fitness is that using a trampoline keeps all joints of the body amortized, and spine avoids additional pressure. Cardio-effect and fat burning are still present.
The Kyiv Post test: We checked jumping fitness ourselves. It turned out to be difficult. The aerobic movements require considerable effort. The training lasts about an hour, so the fatigue is unavoidable. But it’s also a lot of fun, the music adds energy and trampoline evokes memories of childhood. Sometimes you can lose balance, then you just need to take up a handle that looks like a bicycle handgrip.
Where to try it:
BodyArt Fitness
3 Mechnikova St.
063-233-3747
Hr 250 for one day of training
Also, the trampoline can be purchased online for 300 euros.
Zumba
This dance fitness program was invented by Colombian fitness instructor Alberto Perez after he forgot to take his music tape for training and had to improvise to a tape with Latin music for home listening. What was born as improvisation has later gained millions of fans.
The Kyiv Post test: Zumba rhythm is an energetic combination of salsa, merengue, reggaeton and mambo, which work together to make you want move more. The sweat is dripping, but surprisingly the body doesn’t feel tired. At the same time, during the dance one can literally feel those several unwanted kilos shaking uncomfortably and preparing an escape. Also, for the fans of Latino music, zumba can become the favorite item on their fitness plate.
Where to try it:
5 Element
29A Electrykiv St.
044 -351-7733
BIG Dance studio
12B Igorivska St.
093-206-9097
Hr 400 for eight trainings
Fly yoga or yoga in hammocks
Yoga in hammocks, also called anti-gravity yoga, was invented in the U.S. by a famous gymnast Christopher Harrison. During the training an elastic hammock is used to support the body. Fly yoga fans say it’s almost impossible to get injured during the training. Fly yoga particularly appeals to those who are under constant stress and feel nervous.
The Kyiv Post test: The hammock hangs about three feet over the floor, and exercising at such height feels really weird. The weirdness is compensated by the comfort brought by the way hammock embraces you like a cocoon. The spine and muscles fully relax, and at times it actually feels like flying.
Where to practice it:
Ganesh yoga studio
66 Velyka Vasylkivska St.
289-5898
Hr 100 for one training
Functional TRX-system training
TRX is a system of suspensions which allow developing the muscles which are hard to reach during any other exercises. TRX was originally developed for the U.S. Marines. Among other things one has to learn quickly how to work with the weight of his own body and control it.
The Kyiv Post test: TRX exercises may seem simple on videos, but they turned out rather hard to perform. Just 30 minutes of TRX were more exhausting than two hours of regular aerobics. For those who prefer short and intense trainings suspension exercises would be the best choice.
Where to practice it:
5 Element
29A Elecrtykiv St.
351-7733
Svit Zdorovya
37D Oleny Teligy St.
229-3689
Hr 120 for one training
Suspensions can be bought online (100 euros) and installed at home.
Vacuum Evolution therapy
Vacuum Evolution is an integrated simulator that combines vacuum therapy and cardio. Training takes place in a capsule, with a treadmill inside it. A training session is only 30 minutes of slow running. A SPA and sport at the same time, these workouts are said to be good for blood circulation and to fight cellulite.
The Kyiv Post test: The Vacuum Evolution simulator looks like a big game box. To exercise in it, you put on kind of thermo-skirt, step into the cockpit capsule with waist-high glass walls which lock around one’s waist like a skirt. Then all the air gets pumped out of the capsule and you start jogging, while the capsule produces infrared radiation. Getting out of the capsule feels similar to coming out of a hot sauna.
Where to practice it:
Magic Body
2 Yelyzavety Chavdar St.
097-270-2700
Hr 120 for one training
