Try this innovative method of exercising, that burns calories, tones the body, and frees the mind

Fitness experts are always coming up with new ways of working out and exercising our bodies which entertain us at the same time. These activities help us to keep our weight under control, and promote health and wellbeing. One of the latest trends on the scene is Piloxing, a combination of Pilates, boxing and dancing that strengthens the muscles and improves flexibility, balance, and posture.

This triple fusion has spread to 92 countries and is enjoyed by 1.5 million people every day. It takes the best from each discipline to give participants a comprehensive workout. The strength of boxing, the cardiovascular benefits of dance, and the precision of Pilates come together in these dynamic, rhythmic, fast-paced classes, with flowing movements that develop mental concentration.

Piloxing was invented by Viveca Jensen, a Swedish professional dancer who was forced to retire from the ballet when she sustained an injury. She trained in Pilates and boxing, which inspired her to devise this new training method to strengthen the entire body.

Six benefits of Piloxing

1. Keep your weight down

A one-hour class burns up to 1,200 calories, and this mainly aerobic activity helps to eliminate toxins and shape the body. It’s the perfect technique to for slimming and keeping your weight under control.

2. Improve your cardiovascular health.

You’ll spend 40-45 minutes of a session doing aerobic exercise and boxing, which increases heart rate, oxygenates the body, and contributes to the proper functioning of the heart.

3. Exercise the stress away

Controlling your body also requires effort, and controlling your breathing relaxes and calms. What’s more, aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which lifts the mood.

4. Build your strength

This activity tones different muscle groups, particularly the buttocks and abdomen. It also exercises the joints and prevents muscular and skeletal pain. Piloxing strengthens the body and reduces the risk of injury as we go about our daily lives.

5. Increases resistance

Gradually, you will be able to exercise harder and for longer, and cope better with daily activities. The Pilates component of these routines makes the spine longer and more flexible, while boxing helps to shape the limbs and sculpt the back.

6. Anyone can do it

This type of exercise is suitable for anyone wanting to get in shape, get fit, and feel better in general. It doesn’t matter what condition you are in when you start, since you can control the intensity and duration of sessions.

How do to it at home

Once you have learnt the exercises and mastered the technique, you can do Piloxing at home.

1. Box bouncing and punching: bounce about gently, back, and forth. At the same time, throw punches as though you were trying to hit someone, using alternate arms, like a boxer. If you can’t coordinate your movements at first, start with your arms, and once you’ve mastered that, add the legs.

2. Keep your balance: In a standing position, lower the trunk over one leg (try to keep your balance) and stretch your arms and the free leg back at the same time.

3. Tone your abdominal muscles: sit on the floor, bend your legs, and lean back far enough to feel your abdominal muscles working. In this position, punch your arms forwards, alternating right and left.

Do these exercises in sets of 12 to 15 reps, alternating arms, and legs. Do three sets.

“Join the movement for a powerful body and mind”, Viveca Jensen.

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)