What pole dancing, naked yoga, BFT, hula hooping and dating app Strava have in common

Naked yoga, pole dancing, hula hooping and cycling for dates - they’re modern ways to get fit, and a lot more fun than heaving weights at the gym.

Hula hooping classes are a new and novel way of getting in shape, while having fun. Picture: Mark Stewart

Working up a sweat is quickly becoming a creative pursuit, rather than a boring one.

Instead of trudging to the gym to spend mindless hours on the treadmill and heaving weights, people are increasingly seeking fun and quirky ways to stay in shape.

Many endorphin-seekers swear by weighted hula hooping to keep the trim waist, some are drawn to the breeziness of naked yoga, while yet others enjoy the catharsis of a self-defence session or the joy of pole dancing.

Research from the Australian institute of Health and Welfare has shown that more than half of Australian adults are not meeting exercise guidelines, leading Aussies to head left of centre in pursuit of a good sweat.

Whatever your taste in exercise – there is far more awaiting you than the stairmaster at your local gym. Check out the some of the latest trends in fitness.

Hula Hooping

It may initially seem like a grab from Jane Fonda’s empire of the 1980s, but hula hooping is back with a groovy vengeance.

Whether today’s hula hoopers weren’t alive for Fonda’s reign, or they just missed the memo, classes are filling up all over Melbourne with people keen to put their hips to good use.

Jane Fondle of Hoops Thighs Buttocks said the sport was underrated in both its intensity and effectiveness.

“It improves your core strength, cardio, flexibility – you’re working your entire body, but it’s also safe and accessible no matter your current fitness and co-ordination levels,” Ms Fondle said.

“We have a really warm, non-judgemental, friendly community here and we welcome anyone and everyone to give it a crack.”

Ms Fondle said unlike the gym, which is notoriously boring, hula classes were dynamic, fun and always backed by good music.

Ainaa Rahman, Liv Stahlavsky, Cindy Geraldo and Riki Morgan stay fit by hula hooping. Picture: Mark Stewart

“It’s also a great mental escape – many students say it’s the thing they look forward to most in their week.

“You can just turn up and forget about the stress in your life – just focus on yourself and have fun.”

Hoops Thighs Buttocks offer weekly classes in St Kilda and Northcote, with options available for beginners, professionals or the hula hoop curious.

Cycling

The reasons to take up riding are endless, but fresh air and a sense of adventure are strong starting points.

Australian racing cyclist David McKenzie encourages young people to have a crack at the sport.

“The beauty of cycling is it accommodates all levels, from beginners to professionals,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Cycling is a great sport – it gives you a strong sense of freedom, it’s like choosing your own adventure,” he said.

Before hitting Beach Road with the more seasoned Lycra-wearers, Mr McKenzie recommends practising taking off, stopping and getting the feel for balancing.

“For beginners, safety is the main thing,” he said.

“There are a number of public velodromes that you can ride around to get comfortable on the bike.”

Further, if fitness is your passion, the only dating app you’ll ever need is Strava.

To keep track of rides, Strava is a preferred app by athletes and novices.

The app can connect riders to their cycling groups and provides a platform to share results from rides.

The app also picks up anyone else who is also using it when cycling with you, so you can later track down the cute cyclist in the hot pink Lycra jersey.

Naked Yoga

It is certainly not for everyone – and it definitely makes the downward d og pose more awkward – but naked yoga is gaining popularity at lightning speed.

A trend that initially caught on in the hipper parts of Los Angeles has migrated ‘down under’, with yoga studios scattered around Melbourne now offering classes in your birthday suit.

The unconventional workout claims to help participants focus on their bodies, experiencing movement in a new and liberating way.

Most participating studios offer classes that are single sex or mixed, but all enforce the absolute non-sexualisation of nudity.

However, if stripping off with a group of strangers and contorting yourself into shapes is a bit confronting, you can easily try the trend in the comfort of your own home.

Self Defence

Learning how to pack a mean punch is not just good for personal safety, it is also guaranteed to get you whipped into shape (not literally).

As well as teaching students to throw roundhouse kicks that could (maybe) rival Chuck Norris, many self-defence gyms emphasise the importance of good cardio health to keep yourself safe.

A typical class might include learning and practising self-defence techniques, throwing some hits on a punching bag and having a run around to get the blood pumping.

If your fitness goals include increased strength, cardio, situational awareness and confidence – picking up a self-defence discipline is the perfect option for you.

BFT (Body Fit Training)

A gym class suited to all fitness levels, a welcoming atmosphere with highly accredited coaches that push their clients during a 50-minute intense HIIT workout.

BFT St Kilda owner Matt Thomas said people come for the workout and stay for the community.

“It’s based on scientifically backed, progressively overloaded group training,” Mr Thomas said.

BFT is designed for busy people with active lifestyles. Picture: Supplied

Each program has been designed by BFT founder and joint CEO, Cameron Falloon, a former strength, and conditioning coach at Port Adelaide football club.

A training program that works in a mixture of total body cardio and strength exercises to target each muscle group.

BFT is designed for people with busy schedules who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Pole Dancing

Pole dancing is more than just the salacious performance some may consider it.

Beguiling as it may be, pole dancing is highly physically challenging and very empowering for participants.

In a non-judgemental and body positive environment, many individuals find they can get in touch with both their inner athlete and temptress in pole dancing classes.

Pole dancing is about building self-confidence, as well as flexibility and core strength at PhysiPole in Yarraville. Picture Supplied

Studios like The Pole Room aim to leave students feeling fit, sexy and strong while also unlocking flexibility and self-confidence.

Yarraville’s PhysiPole Studios manager Kate Godden said pole dancing was a full body workout, incorporating strength, flexibility and grace and bringing together both the athletic side as well as the more sensual style of dance, from which it originated.

“There are no fitness or skill requirements needed to start pole dancing,” Ms Godden said.

“Classes are designed to build up strength and co-ordination in a fun way. What makes it so appealing is that you’re gaining huge amounts of strength, flexibility and stamina without feeling like you’re working out at all.

A fun, inclusive and friendly environment makes pole dancing suitable for just about everyone. Picture: PhysiPole Yarraville

“It is such a fun, safe and inclusive environment where everyone is free to be themselves without feeling judged. Everyone cheers each other on and is genuinely happy to watch their classmates improve and reach their goals each week. People from all genders, ages and cultures are welcome.”

Anyone, at any fitness level, can give it a whirl. Picture: PhysiPole Yarraville

The PhysiPole Yarraville ‘family’. Picture: Supplied

Ms Godden said pole dancing was about “embracing and appreciating everything your body can do”.

“Your self-confidence skyrockets and you gain new and impressive skills that once seemed impossible. I have met life friends from pole,” she said.

Strong pilates

The mantra at strong pilates is ‘Strong Minds, Bodies, Friendships, and Beats’.

This class is guaranteed to burn calories and keep the heart rate up over 45 minutes of rowing and resistance.

There are multiple daily classes that focus either on the upper body, lower body, core, obliques, or a combination of all.

Rise Nation

Rise Nation, this 30 minute zero impact and self-regulating climbing class, uses tempo-based training which makes it accessible to a diverse demographic.

The quick hit classes make it ideal for people on the go.

The upright workout promotes spinal alignment, a balanced physique and neuromuscular co-ordination.