Is hybrid fitness the new way to workout?
As the home-office combo has become the ‘new norm’ in our work lives, it seems a blended gym-home approach is also a popular way to workout.
During those lonely lockdown months, we longed for just five minutes back at the gym.
But now they are open again, latest research reveals the idea of locking in a long-term membership has 30 per cent of us breaking out in a cold sweat.
The study, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Peloton, shows our post-pandemic thirst for flexibility knows no bounds, with one in four fitness fans dividing their time between at-home sessions and the gym.
So, can the new hybrid workout help you reach your health goals?
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What’s driving the new trend?
Mental health became a major concern during the pandemic and as medical professionals around the world stressed the benefits of physical activity, sales of home fitness gear surged.
CreatFit Southbank co-owner Simon Savage says now we have all this expensive gym equipment, we don’t want it to go to waste.
The increase in people working from home – which is as high as 40 per cent according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data – is another factor.
“Our work environments have become more flexible, so it’s natural our fitness routines will mirror this,” Simon says.
What are the benefits of hybrid fitness?
Australian Fitness Academy training manager Jess Robb says a hybrid fitness routine gives people the best of both worlds.
“Working out in the gym will help keep you motivated, while working out at home means you can exercise more frequently, efficiently and cost-effectively,” Jess says.
Simon believes the more your routine fits your lifestyle, the more you’ll stick to it.
“Having the flexibility to work out at home or in the gym is critical to success,” he says.
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How to make hybrid fitness work for you
Jess says it’s important not to neglect the gym component of your hybrid routine.
“Use the expertise of your personal trainer to learn techniques for complex things like strength training, then focus on cardio at home,” she says.
Recent research has revealed novelty could be the key to long-term fitness success, which Simon wholeheartedly backs.
“Keep it stimulating – you never have to do the same routine twice,” he says.
Varying intensity is also important he says, with studies showing high-intensity interval training can be more effective than prolonged sessions.
But above all, the key to success is to create good habits.
“Remember, good habits are just as hard to break as bad ones,” Simon says.
What equipment do you need?
The good news is you don’t need fancy, bulky exercise equipment for a quality at home workout.
Good equipment can be affordable and portable, according to Jess.
“Dumbbells, resistance bands, skipping ropes – these are inexpensive and you can use them in different ways and locations,” she says.
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Written by Dimity Barber.
