WATCH: Crossing over for a healthier lifestyle
Practical, high intensity workouts are all the rage in 2018, writes Mallory Munien.
If you spend most of your working day sitting at a desk, sitting on the chest press machine at a gym is going to be counter productive.
In recent years a massive trend has seen CrossFit, or functional training, become a fitness favourite with a move away from traditional bodybuilding. The entire team at the Planet Fitness Just Gym, at the Pearls Mall, uMhlanga, focuses on functional fitness with classes, personal training and individualized workouts.
Functional training attempts to adapt and develop exercises which allow you to perform daily activities more easily and without injury. “We are unique in the sense that we house a CrossFit structure in the middle of our gym.
Cross Over gym at Planet Fitness
The workout is a combination of cardio, strength, and plyometric training,” says Andrew Meyer, the general manager. The Planet fitness group was established in South Africa more than 20 years ago. The brainchild of Manny Rivera, these gyms sought to bring worldclass fitness to the common man and, over the years, the brand has grown explosively.
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But at its core, remains a humble institution. “The whole idea behind Just Gym was to bring world-class facilities to the anyone wanting to experience the gym environment, regardless of their financial status. We are focused on providing the greatest value for money while maintaining the high standards set by our Megaclubs,” says Meyer.
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The gym’s assistant general manager Brandon Veress highlighted South Africa’s health crisis. “We have become an obese nation and raising awareness by making gyms more affordable and accessible will definitely make a difference,” he says.
The gym houses some state-of-the-art exercise equipment with many of the country’s elite athletes choosing to train here on occasion. Giving average gym-goers the opportunity to interact with some of the best in fitness. When asked about fitness trends for 2018, Meyer says that although gender-dependent, this year has seen a resurgence of Zumba dance fitness, especially among women. Zumba is a form of high energy dance fitness geared toward making workouts enjoyable.
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“Both men and women are queueing up for yoga and Just Core classes,” Meyer adds. Yoga is one of the most effective forms of exercise to improve posture, abdominal and back strength as well as general balance. “Overall, we are a gym for the people, by the people – a training haven that fits into any budget and caters to every fitness level.”
Well-maintained equipment, excellent hygiene standards and friendly staff, provide for a great environment in which to reach your fitness goals.
For more information e-mail: cgm.umhlanga@just-gym.co.za or Call 087 135 2921. Visit www. justgym.co.za
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