What’s going to rock your routine?

After a heavy spell of partying, you are sure to feel sluggish and totally beat up. Here's something to beat the post-party blues and get in to the groove once more.

These latest trends that are guaranteed keep gym fatigue away and have you on the bounce.

BRAZILIAN WORKOUT GEAR
Brazilian gear is all the inspiration you’ll ever need to make that trip to the gym. So, before you step onto the treadmill, get your gear right. “Brazilians are naturally very sexy,” says fitness expert Deanne Pandey, “and their workout gear has the best fit.” Already a favourite among stars like Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif, the gear comes in bright, funky colours and is very flattering. It evens out flabby butts and sagging thighs-it’s all about looking and feeling good.

BIOMECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Imagine a workout where your body twists and turns to the principles of a machine. With biomechanical machines, you’re applying the laws of mechanics to your workout. “You’ll never get injured using them,” says Deanne. “These machines have a wide range of movements that work the muscles well. The best part is that they can be used by people of all age groups and fitness levels.” The machines’ seats are set on a rocking motion that adds a new dimension to the workout, making it more fun.

ORGANIC FOOD
“Organic food is high in fibre andis very beneficial, especially to those on a weight loss diet,” says dietician Kajal Khaturia.Nutritionist Niti Desai advises people to go organic and avoid animal products like milk, eggs and meat. “These animals are fed chemicals/hormones and they are often reared in bad conditions,” she adds, saying organic options should be considered for vegetables and fruits that are not peeled, such as cabbage, strawberries, apples, grapes and bell peppers. Pesticides and chemical residues in food have been linked to diseases such as cancer and obesity, as well as birth defects. And since the production uses natural methods, eating organic food means you are taking care of your health and doing your bit for the environment. Organic food is available in stores and under brand names like Conscious Food, Fabindia, Food Bazaar and Navdanya in your city.

WII FITNESS
If your idea of working out involves playing a video game, it’s time to take notice of the Nintendo Wii, with the new Wii Fit add-on, slated for an India launch. This is how it works: the console comes with a platform or Balance Board that reads your body mass index based on your height. Using the platform, you can choose from a variety of virtual workouts shown on your TV screen, which is connected to the console. The benefits? You can try a new workout every day-from jogging, hula-hooping, boxing to even skiing.

AIKIDO
Aikido, the ancient, Japanese martial art, is definitely making its presence felt. “Aikido training is a complete martial arts workout,” says Shalini Bhargava, director, JG’s Fitness Centre, Mumbai. “It’s not just about the physical moves and techniques; it also involves learning how to gain control over the mind and keeping it together in stressful situations.” Deanne explains that it is a very high-intensive cardiovascular routine that burns calories effectively. However, she warns that it is only for those who are serious about it as a disciplined art.

BOOT CAMP
Talking about discipline, boot camp, an outdoor army-style training, is great for those who love the outdoors. You can expect a variety of exercises, such as tug-of-war and sand bag training, combined with yoga and Pilates. “After doing consistent commando boot camp training, you can expect to see a rise in endurance and speed levels, an increase in muscle and reduction in fat,” says Prameet Kotak, a Mumbai-based boot camp trainer. “It’s very demanding, but also fun, as the group setting brings out the competitive spirit in participants.”

FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING
This training involves activities targeted at those muscle groups that are not used in everyday tasks-the abdominals and the back. “Over a period of time, functional training helps improve balance, endurance and coordination,” says Althea Shah, general manager-operations, Gold’s Gym India. “It involves using medicine balls, stability balls, elastic bands, etc.” It teaches the body to integrate the use of both strong and weak muscles, which leads to both becoming stronger, adds Shalini. It’s the perfect kind of training if you play a lot of sports and want to build flexibility, coordination and endurance too.

TAEBO
A much faster and varied version of kickboxing, Taebo is all the rage in the West. A combination of fast, high-energy kicks and punches along with karate moves, Taebo is known to be a great cardiovascular workout. “Not only is Taebo very effective in weight loss, but also builds a lot of endurance and stamina,” says Althea Shah, general manager-operations, Gold’s Gym India. The difference between kickboxing and Taebo is that kickboxing needs a punching bag, while Taebo can be practiced freehand. Because Taebo is a high-impact workout, Althea warns that if not done correctly, it can cause long-term injuries.

Personal trainers
Shah Rukh Khan had help from personal fitness trainer Prashant Sawant to get those washboard abs for OSO, while fitness trainer Rujuta Diwekar was responsible for Kareena Kapoor’s toned figure in Tashan. Getting help from a professional seems to be the most popular and best way to get fit. A personal trainer can customise your workout keeping your fitness goals, lifestyle and objectives in mind. “Fitness trainers counsel their clients on the kind of workouts they need and monitor them regularly,” says Shalini. “It is a good idea to have one, as doing exercises incorrectly or in the wrong form can lead to serious long-term injuries.” The larger fitness chains offer certified fitness trainers. Check your trainer’s qualifications and references before signing up.