MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis is one of the unhealthiest cities in the nation, according to the 2014 American Fitness Index report.
Three out of ten adults are obese, but many of you are trying to change that by heading to the gym and trying unique workouts.
One of those workouts is aerial yoga, during which you basically do yoga poses while dangling in a sling attached to the ceiling.
“The great thing about the body is that once you do it a couple of times, you understand how to use a sling to your advantage,” Grace Harwood, owner of Midtown Yoga, said.
Aerial yoga reverses your blood flow while building muscles. It’s said to even relieve back and joint pain.
More and more of you are giving new workouts a try, and doctors say it’s a good thing.
A recent Gallup Poll reported less than half of Memphians regularly exercise, and Cambridge University researchers report that’s as deadly as being obese.
Health experts recommend you workout 30 minutes five times a week.
Some of you are following that advice at a pole dancing studio.
“We had anywhere from 18- to 65-year-olds here,” Kyra Bailey, who owns Vertical Butterfly on Sycamore View, said.
Women are raving about pole fitness, saying it builds arm strength, confidence, and flexibility. It’s sweat inducing and a very effective workout.
It’s become so popular, there’s a wait list at Vertical Butterfly.
“Pole dancing being referred to as only a class you want to take to work in the club…that stigma is dying out,” Bailey said.
Doctors said it’s important to get your heart rate pumping, not only to keep you fit, but also to prevent diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
There’s no doubt you’re getting your heart rate up at Cardio Barre in Overton Square. You can burn up to 700 calories in a class.
Trainers said Cardio Barre sculpts your muscles and waistline by using high-intensity moves and a ballet bar.
“I wanted something that women of all ages could come in and support each other,” owner Allison Hudson said.
Hudson brought the fitness routine with her when she moved from Los Angeles, and recruited some Grizz Girls to help.
“We have so many people who drive from an hour away to come to our class,” Hudson said. “Every age, weight, size, color. You name it, we’ve got it.”
The class became so popular, she’s opening up another studio in Germantown.
No matter what fitness routine you’re trying, experts say exercise is the single best thing you can do for your body, mood, and, most importantly, your health.