The robustness of this industry has also allowed it to adapt to changing circumstances and develop new trends that reflect the current climate.

Since we’re all confined to our homes, it seems workout regimes and exercise routines have to revolve around the spaces available to us in our homes.

Here are a few fitness trends that are going to stick around for the rest of the year.

Kickboxing As An All-In-One Workout

Cardio with strength-training is the ideal workout for those who want to work on building stamina and muscle mass at the same time. Luckily, kickboxing offers both, plus you get to wear boxing gloves.

Traditional cardio is losing its charm for several reasons. Mostly, it’s boring, and you can lose interest in the workout more quickly.

But kickboxing lets you learn new forms and keeps things interesting with jabs and uppercuts while burning several calories.

Read more: Tips For Mass-Gaining Workout

Meditation Is A Crucial Part Of Working Out

Not only does meditation have several physical and mental health benefits when paired with yoga, but it can also have a positive holistic impact on your body.

This also makes things easier for those who want to combine their meditation and workout sessions. One of the best ways to do this is to take up more yoga. With the right type of yoga, you can make more space for gratitude, vulnerability, openness, and joy.

Read more: Can Stretching Correct your Hunch?

Wellness Related Workouts

People are starting to realize the importance of working out for more than just getting a coveted “look” and various other benefits.

You’re no longer required to shame your body for its shape or hold a specific body type as the ideal. With greater acceptance for all kinds of body types, workouts that help you celebrate and feel comfortable in your body are on the rise.

Read more: The Physical & Mental Benefits of Pilates For Women

Fit Engine is a platform built to give you all the latest in fitness and health. Our platform posts reviews for fitness classes across New York City. Our latest reviews focus on stretching classes in NYC and workout yoga classes so that you can work on your flexibility. Stay up to date with our blog where our experts post weight loss tips and information on the latest fitness trends.

The post Fitness Trends That Have Been Popular This Year appeared first on Fitengine.

It’s easy to find an excuse to skip exercise.  If you prefer group fitness classes, you may have found yourself lost now that COVID-19 has closed gyms and fitness studios. Virtual fitness classes are the safest way to attend instructor-lead exercise classes.

Here are 10 fewer excuses to miss class. And you can count them on your piggy toes!

1. Stay-at-home Hair. Don’t care!
2. Mani/Pedi is out of view. Nails have the right to breathe too.
3. Unshaved legs & under arms. Also out of view.
4. Zero commute time & unlimited parking spaces
5. You can arrive late
6. Free sticky socks
7. Yoga mat is already left at home
8. Stylish workout ensemble. (No pressure)
9. Clean, stylish workout ensemble. Optional
10. YOU CAN’T EMBARRASS YOURSELF!

You now have 10 fewer excuses to miss your fitness class, and you can count them on your toes. Don’t just sit there.  Get moving.  Or you may not be able to see your toes, let alone count them.

The post Ten Unexpected Perks of Virtual Fitness Classes appeared first on Fitengine.

Dance cardio is taking the fitness world by storm and with good reason too! From Zumba to Bollywood style and even Hip Hop, here are the 8 benefits of this fun workout and reasons why people are jumping up the dance cardio wagon.

1. Mood Boosting

Turning up our favorite songs and dancing to the beats can greatly improve our mood and help brighten up any day. This fact is backed up by science! Dance when mixed with cardio isn’t only fun but also invigorating and can help beat stress.

2.    Improved Cardiovascular Health

Another popular reason why people prefer this workout to others is due to its ability to get the heart pumping quickly! There’s evidence in support of dancing (especially hip-hop) that shows people can easily burn fat as it’s a very good cardio workout. FitEngine can help people find the right dance class that can help increase their stamina and metabolism as well.

3.    Boost Bone Strength

Dance is essentially a weight bearing exercise which means it effectively helps boost bone density. Sufferers of osteoporosis are sometimes even recommended trying out dance classes to help combat this condition.

4.    Better Coordination

Dance is the best way people can improve their coordination and bad balance. While it can become quite challenging when it comes to keeping up with the instructor and the rest of the class, especially for beginners, sticking with dance cardio will quickly help you find your groove and keep up with the music playing.

5.    Boost Brainpower

One other benefits of dance workouts are directly related to our brain, i.e. dancing can help improve it! In fact, taking part in dance classes regularly is known to help improve memory and reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia.

6.    Toned Body

Dancing seems like a fun exercise to do, isn’t it? In truth, dance instructors cleverly include moves kike squats and extensions into a typical dance routine which is why people can tone down every part of their bodies using their own body weight.

7.    Better Balance

With any form of dancing, you’ll be either pivoting or standing up on one leg. This helps activate stability muscles in our legs which in turn help to improve balance, a better posture and improved flexibility.

8.    It’s Social

Last but not least, dancing is an incredible social activity. You can make new friends at your dance class or even spend quality time with existing ones! Either way, finding the right dance workout class is the best way to meet new people.

So, what are you waiting for? Put your dance shoes on and dance. FitEngine is a proud founding sponsor of New York City Dance week. NYC Dance Week is celebrated every 3rd week of June for 10 days of free dance classes, workshops, labs, dance parties and more.

Book a Pilates, Yoga or Stretch class with FitEngine in NYC today!

The post 8 Reasons Why Everyone Is Jumping Up The Dance Cardio Wagon appeared first on Fitengine.

If you’ve ever worked the frustration of a bad day at the office on the treadmill, you must know working up a real sweat is enough to turn your bad day around.

People nowadays don’t just head to the nearest park to jog a mile because they wish to lose weight, but because of the post-workout bliss that comes after it.

Endorphins or the ‘happy chemical’ are considered to be the magic bullet behind that post-workout bliss that many endorphin junkies crave; but turns out, the chemical is getting all the credit when a lot more goes on behind the scenes.

When it all comes down to it; exercise makes people happy – not only because of endorphins but much more.

Chasing the Runner’s High

People experience an endorphin rush after exercise. This belief and idea was discovered 40 years ago by a group of scientists at the University of Aberdeen.

At around the same time (roughly mid-1970s), long-distance running was growing in popularity as well. Reports of the so-called “runner’s high” was unearthed, where researchers found out the reason for the intense and euphoric feeling after exercise is pain suppression. But was that the case, in reality?

The Blood-Brain Disconnect

Research shows an increase in blood plasma endorphin levels in direct response to pain and stressors. As an example, consider this 2003 study that found a higher likelihood of blood plasma endorphin levels in the body; the more severe pain is experienced in post-surgery.

Research indicates exercise has more or less a similar effect but again, endorphin levels might actually not increase until an hour or so after you’ve started working out. This doesn’t explain why we feel awesome after doing 30 minutes of HIIT sessions!

Another German study suggests high endorphin levels that we experience after a run can’t pass through the blood-brain barrier meaning an exercise high or rush has nothing do with this phenomena.

So, what affects the brain, leading to that sense of exhilaration that comes from exercise? Anandamide, a neurotransmitter is responsible for this as elevated levels can travel to the brain from our blood.

So, You Aren’t Really an Endorphin Junkie

“You might be a serotonin junkie or even a norepinephrine junkie”, says Tasha Norman, CEO, and founder of FitEngine. This is also why people who exercise regularly or stay active have a much better chance of reducing depression and stress. In fact, it actually helps to ward off anxiety and improves a person’s ability to think during stressful situations.

This is all the reason more to take up a Pilates or Vinyasa Yoga class today!

The post Why Does Exercise Make People Happy? appeared first on Fitengine.

Have you heard of the phrase, ‘You are what you eat’? Meant as a motivational message to inspire people trying to lose or gain weight in a healthy way, this phrase actually resonates much more deeply and addresses hidden truths about us in relation to the choices we make.

This phrase can also be taken in a different context, with yoga as the primary. Getting right to the point, we are what we yoga! Let’s explore how this advice applies when we step onto our yoga mats;

You Are What You Yoga

This means: slow down and take life as it comes. Yoga is all about self exploration and peacefulness in this chaotic world.

Don’t Be Fast

You have all day to ride in the fast lane. Take time out and spend it on yoga. Try to decelerate when on the mat. Remember; the yoga mat can be your safety bubble and a place where you can appreciate the wonders of life.

Take your mat outside on a lovely day and practice slow breathing techniques. Stop after every sun salutation; take a breather and savor them.

Don’t Be Easy

Don’t be like all the other yogis, who stop practicing this art and life form once everything is know by them. Think what the founding father of yoga will say! Don’t think it’s alright to stop trying, either in life or yoga once you have been given the heart’s true desires.

Find another cause, another purpose, and fight for it. Just as on the yoga mat, find new ways to perfect your pose, to quiet your mind.

Don’t Be Fake

Your life, just like your yoga should belong to you, and only you. Stop trying to impress that person next to you. Don’t focus on the bigger, more challenging, aspects of yoga; instead, on the little things. Be strong in your own mind and body, just like when practicing yoga. Do remember to let it go easy after accomplishing a particularly pose or task. Assume a resting pose when you need a break and believe that yes, you deserved it.

You are what you yoga but learning from the best also helps. Get in contact with FitEngine and see what they can do for you. Achieve your fitness goal and Zen with them.

The post Want To See How A Person Is? See Their Yoga appeared first on Fitengine.

We won’t judge if you plop down on the couch after a long and tough day of work and catch up on all your favorite shows.

We do advise, however, that it’s a good idea to stretch the taut and stress-laden back and shoulder muscles after a day of being hunched over a computer at your desk, which isn’t exactly healthy for your spine. There are so many stretch exercises that can be done while sitting in front of the TV. The following Torso Rotation is just one.

Rejuvenate Your Muscles with This Routine

When you’re knee-deep in House of Cards, opt for easy slow moving and minimal range dynamic stretches that ease the body into movement gently. These poses lengthen muscles and increase flexibility in tissue very easily.

So, are you ready to Netflix and stretch? Here is a basic spine/back stretch to get you going and increase range of motion in the body;

Torso Rotations

This will target the core and lower back.

Not as popular as crunches, torso rotation exercises nonetheless make an integral part of a complete abdominal fitness routine.

This stretching exercise involves rotating the torso along the spine axis and can be performed in a sitting, standing or in a lying position.

Start by engaging your abdominal muscles, exhale and rotate your waist to one side. Hips should remain facing forward (they can move slightly though). Rotate the head, torso and chest as one unit and take a pause. After the count, inhale and return slowly to your forward facing position. Repeat the exercise 5-8 more times then change sides.  Go slow and easy and don’t swing the torso into rotation.

Why not take your exercise and fitness routine a little further and book a Pilates or Stretch class at FitEngine Fitness Classes?

The post Not Stretching Enough? Give This ‘Netflix and Stretch’ Routine A Try appeared first on Fitengine.

Herbal supplements usually come in the form of teas, vials, gel-cap pills, or in pour-by-dose bottles. When using natural treatments, they may be considered instead of solid pill forms, or instead of topical or aromatic essential oils. In this article, we review effectiveness of oral liquid supplements and any potential side effects that may occur when mixing them with other supplements.

Liquid Herbal Supplements vs. Solid Herbal Supplements

Solid herbal supplements are more commonly found than liquid supplements. They may also have lower prices because of the competition and the longer shelf-life. Their solid nature is due to a range of binders, some of which may contain allergens. At the same time, some solid components may assist absorption – make sure to read all labels to determine whether an additive completes a function, or whether it is just a filler.

Liquid herbal supplements are generally easier to absorb in the digestive tract, and they often come in more pleasant flavors than solid versions. For this reason, liquid supplements are often branded for kids. However, because the natural herbal supplements often don´t have great tastes, they may contain significant amount

of flavoring and coloring to make them look at taste more desirable. If you are going for a natural approach, these additives could be counter-productive.

It would be ideal to find a liquid herbal supplement without artificial flavors or colors to take advantage of its ease of absorption and of its health properties.

Liquid Herbal Supplements vs. Essential Oils

People who seek natural treatments might be comparing and contrasting the liquid herbal supplements with essential oils. It is important to know that the way in which both of these act on the body is extremely different. Liquid herbal supplements are absorbed into the body via the digestive tract, and active components normally enter the blood stream to reach target cells and organs, just like oral medicine would.

Essential oils have a different mechanism of action all together. The exact mechanism of action depends on the chemical composition of essential oils, but in general, they can act directly on cells and cell components on the topical area, or they can be absorbed into the skin and travel into the bloodstream. As for the aromatic effects, they have a direct effect on the brain, as pain and olfactory systems are closely connected. For pain and stress reduction, at the very least, (for athletes, for example) aromatherapy can be very useful.

In this case, it is difficult to compare the two, since their mechanisms of action are very different from one another, and there are great variations between one another. These two general types of treatments may even be complementary.

For example, if you would like to reduce stress, you can drink chaga tea, while using a peppermint tea essential oil diffusion.

Some other benefits of liquid supplements include:

• Ready absorption (1-4 minutes)
• Easy digestion
• Greater potency
• Flexible dosing
• Can mix liquids with a specialist for a customized drink
• Convenient
• Better taste

Can I Take Two Supplements at a Time?

This is not, for better or for worse, a yes or no question. Remember that even though herbal supplements are not pharmacological, per se, they are still made up of natural chemicals that do have an important effect on our tissues and cells. As with any treatment, it is important to inform yourself about any potential side effects and interactions. Because they are so varied in their composition, it is impossible to make generalizations. Below are links to some of the websites where you can look up herbal supplement and drug interactions, but never forget to ask your natural health specialist or physician about interactions.

• org
• Medscape
• Natural Database

What To Look Out For When Shopping for Herbal Supplements

Whether liquid or solid, it is always important to check and double-check the quality of what you are putting in your body. Here are some tips for making sure you are getting the best possible nutritional and health support from whatever form of supplement or essential oil you can find.

• Make sure you can read the labels. Purchasing imported supplements with fancy packaging may be tempting. However, often these supplements do not have readable labels. Supplements are required to have labels written in the official language of the region they are being sold, precisely to be able to inform yourself about what you are putting in your body.
• Read the ingredients. This is especially true if you are allergic to something. Check for allergens even in the most unexpected places.
• Avoid cure-all claims. Claims should always be approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any and all supplements that claim to be magical, without any references or explanation, are probably lying to you.

—-

Remember that, in general, your nutrition should come from food. Supplements can be a good support if you are ill, on the verge of becoming ill, or if you have a diagnosed deficiency; it is then that you will see the most profound effects on your health. So, while herbal supplements can support your health, do not depend on them for your wellbeing.

The post The Low Down on Liquid Herbal Supplements: Do They Work? appeared first on Fitengine.

If you workout then you probably know what DOMS feels like, but you might not know what DOMS is or what it’s doing to your body.

What is DOMS?

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a result of microscopic tears within the muscle tissues. The pain is your body’s way of signaling to you that repair is going on in your body and that you should take it easy for a few days.

Real life example of DOMS: If you feel great after your workout. But 24 hours later you are sore, stiff and your muscles hurt. You are suffering from DOMS.

Michele Olson, Ph.D. professor at Auburn University Montgomery says “[DOMS] is a sign that your body is on the move to improvements in strength. You overload the muscles which is important for your body to adapt upwards and get fitter and stronger.”

What do you do if you are suffering from DOMS?

• If you still want to work out: Take a break and do lighter weights and fewer reps/sets.
• To reduce scar tissue, knots and to keep muscles supple and limber: Take a yoga or stretch class. Do light massage or easy foam rolling (if you can stand it.)
• Nutritional intervention to aid recovery: Stay hydrated with Antioxidant-rich juice or caffeinated coffee or tea before or after a workout.
• If you prefer herbal solutions: Apply peppermint oil, or Arnica Gel,
• Promote circulation and muscle recuperation:  Apply ice for 15 then heat for 15 minutes then back to the ice.
• Reducing the ‘Oww’ levels: Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories but don’t overdue the doses. Pain is a signal to your body to use caution.
• If you are at the ‘Ohh S–t’ level: Call your doctor if the pain is not getting better and lasts more than a week or localized to one side of the body.

Conclusions

Currently, there is no treatment for DOMS but the techniques above can take the pain down a notch. Recovery from DOMS takes about a week to heal and recover.

The post Sore after your workout? It’s probably DOMS appeared first on Fitengine.

With marjoram essential oil, there is no need to turn to pills to alleviate your sore muscles.

What is Marjoram?

Marjoram is an aromatic herb with notes of pine and citrus. It originated in Cyprus and Turkey, and was a symbol of happiness in Greek and Roman cultures. Its botanical name, Origanum marjorana, means joy of the mountain, and it was believed that Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, wore wreaths of marjoram. It is closely related to oregano.

Marjoram has been used for centuries for healing wounds, as a disinfectant and for preserving foods.

Marjoram for Muscle Cramps and Spasms

Marjoram essential oil has been traditionally used alleviating muscle cramps. That knowledge has been carried to modern times with this same application. When marjoram is applied topically, mixed with a base cream, for several days, muscle spasms relax.

Even for people with chronic spasms, such as in the neck area, have experienced an alleviation of pain when used consistently over several weeks.

How to Prepare Marjoram for Muscle Cramps and Spasms

Choose a base oil with which to mix your essential oil. This is important as pure essential oil can damage the skin as it may cause redness, irritation, and discomfort.

You can dilute marjoram essential oil with olive oil or coconut oil at about 3-5 percent. Mix it well before use, as there may be some separation.

Note that Marjorum has wonderful therapeutical properties, but is a very strong herb. If you choose to use Marjorum essential oil over a long period of time, it is important that you consult with your doctor to prevent any negative side effects.

How to Use Marjorum for Muscle Cramps

Apply about a dime-sized dollop of the mixture to the area that has been experiencing spasms. Rub it in for a few minutes, gently massaging the affected area. Note that rubbing too hard could negatively affect the area, even causing more pain.

The ideal time to use the Marjorum balm is right after taking a shower.

Other Benefits of Marjoram

Marjoram taken in tea form is known to help alleviate digestive issues including flatulence, infections, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation.

Additionally, it is often used to treat different bacterial, fungal, and viral infections due to their antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Some initial studies also show that using marjoram oil in a massage could increase white blood cell counts, thus strengthening the immune system as a result of its aromatherapy effects.

Topical marjoram may also help to treat eczema and skin redness.

Conclusions

Marjoram, prepared as a balm with other oils, can be used topically to help relieve muscle cramps caused by intense exercising. While it is beneficial to recuperate from spasms from dancing, it can be used for muscle cramps and spasms caused by any type of exercise.

The post Muscle Cramps from Dancing? Use Marjoram Essential Oil appeared first on Fitengine.

At Jonathan Lee’s Beginner Hip Hop Class, Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind. For my first dance class experience, I couldn’t have picked a better starting point than this class. I was a bit nervous walking in, but I quickly saw there was nothing to worry about. At the first sound of, “It’s just too fast! I can’t get it!” Jonathan made his way directly to the student and offered, “let’s break it down.” While the classes usually reach a crowd of 60 energetic dancers, the class has a strong personalized feel.

Each Tuesday at 7 P.M. starts a new adventure in learning a choreographed dance to an upbeat, fun, popular hip-hop track. Each 8 count is explained carefully, and repeated— a bit faster each time— until it becomes muscle memory. When adding counts, we always circled back to earlier steps to ensure we had the continuous flow down pat. The choreography progresses from Tuesday to the Thursday and Saturday classes, but I hopped in on a Thursday and had no idea I had even missed a day!

This class is for all ages and backgrounds. There were some dancers who were part of the larger Alvin Ailey Company, some who came to class when their work schedules allowed, and some first timers. It was fun to look to the front row to watch and learn from the talented dancers, but I never once felt intimidated. During my review class, I learned a fast-paced choreography to Check by Meek Mill. When I heard the song, I had doubts of if I could keep up with the tempo and never imagined doing what I did by the end. The structure of the class and Jonathan’s commitment to inclusivity makes it possible to hop in a class at any point.

At the end, we completed the full dance together as if it were second nature. I sure worked up a sweat, but the best exercise is when you don’t realize you’re exercising at all. During NYC Dance Week, this hip-hop class is a must-do. Of course you’ll see me there… because now I’m hooked!

Class Review by Jenna Calandro (NYC Dance Week)

Video: Jonathan Lee’s Beginner Hip Hop Class 

Class offered: Saturdays. 10-12am at Ailey Extension classes (The Joan Weill Center for Dance) 405 W55th St. NYC NY 10019

The post Beginner Hip Hop Class with Jonathan Lee, Ailey Extension classes, NYC appeared first on Fitengine.