8 • Health, Fitness & Beauty


New year, new moves F


Refresh your routine with these accessible but impactful workouts, set to define 2026. Words: Anna Paul


itness is going back to basics, with age-old techniques, functional training and simple


strength work taking centre stage. Whether you thrive on group energy or prefer flying solo, here are this year’s trending classes worth trying.


CALLISTHENICS This ancient form of resistance training uses your own body weight to build strength, flexibility and endurance. Think push-ups, burpees and, for the adventurous, handstands. “It’s ideal for anyone looking to improve overall fitness without expensive equipment,” says personal trainer and callisthenics expert Chloe Thomas. “Its accessibility means it suits all levels and budgets.” It can be done indoors, outdoors, alone or in groups, and gyms such as Virgin Active and Gymbox now run dedicated classes.


HOT YOGA Hotpod Yoga’s sessions take place in warm, inflatable pods heated to 37C and filled with calming aromas, ambient music and soft lighting. Despite the cocoon-like feel, the heat elevates your heart rate and mimics


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the intensity of a tougher workout. Expect greater flexibility, improved focus, better cardiovascular fitness and reduced stress. With more than 70 studios nationwide and prices from £15, it’s one of the most widespread heated yoga options.


CHAIR PILATES Reformer Pilates may be the most popular form, but chair Pilates is quietly on the rise. This adapted style uses a chair to support seated, lying and standing moves that build strength, balance and coordination. In studios, instructors typically use a Wunda Chair — described as “a compact piece of equipment with a padded seat, springs and pedals” by Nuno Campos, head of fitness at Repose Space in London. Classes are available across the UK, with prices varying by location.


INFRARED PILATES Infrared Pilates is one of 2026’s hottest — quite literally — trends, pairing traditional mat work with infrared lighting. Unlike conventional heated studios, the lamps warm the body rather than the room, creating a sensation that’s


New Year, New Beginnings - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 7 January 2026


HOTPOD YOGA


soothing rather than overwhelming. Fans say it aids muscle relaxation, boosts circulation and speeds recovery, though research is still emerging. Classes are popping up in independent studios in London, York, Manchester and beyond.


AQUA AEROBICS Long seen as old-fashioned, aqua aerobics is enjoying a resurgence. “Water fitness classes are shedding


their gentle reputation,” says personal trainer Sarah Campus, who’s seen a rise in water-based strength sessions using resistance dumbbells and drag paddles. These classes offer joint-friendly training with real functional benefits — useful for anyone managing osteoarthritis or wanting lower- impact strength work. Find them at gyms and leisure centres nationwide, including Nuffield Health.


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