Fitness - what is it? Types, effects and benefits of training.

You can do it at the gym, in dedicated training studios, outdoors, or simply stay active in your own home (also with your loved ones). Depending on your needs and expectations, it can take the form of slow and static exercises, an intense workout, or classes held on bikes, ropes, or even in the water.

As you can see, fitness has many forms, and in this article we will try to present and then describe each of them.

Find out what it is, explore its different forms, see how to prepare, and above all - discover why fitness is worth doing. Let’s get started! 

What is fitness? Definition and history.

To begin with, let’s look at the classic definition of the term. Fitness is described as a form of artistic gymnastics and aerobics that originated in the USA. It was originally developed by a NASA doctor who wanted to take care of astronauts’ fitness levels in this way.

Today, the concept of fitness is much broader. On the one hand, it can be defined as a set of exercises (and a kind of sports discipline). On the other hand, it can also be seen as a lifestyle that includes both sport and healthy eating. Given the nature of our blog, in the rest of the article we will focus on the first meaning, that is, the more sports-related aspect.

What disciplines and activities are included in fitness?

Because fitness itself is such a broad term, the same can be said about the sports fields that can be included within it. This type of training draws heavily from disciplines such as the aerobics already mentioned, gymnastics, running, pilates, stretching, and even cycling.

That is why fitness classes can successfully help you work on such important aspects as endurance (cardio), muscular endurance and strength, and balance. 

Who is fitness for?

You have to admit that fitness has gained the label of being a women’s sport, where men usually have little to look for. But is that really true? Contrary to appearances, men can also successfully attend fitness classes. In their case, the training simply takes on a slightly different form - with heavier weights and much greater intensity.

The male part of sports fans much more often chooses Crossfit training, which, all things considered, is very similar to fitness classes.

Types of fitness - see if you know them all!

And while we are already talking about the different forms of this discipline, you should know that there are many more of them. The most popular include:

• Classic fitness, which probably needs no further introduction.
• Trampoline fitness, which is characterised by high intensity and a positive effect on, among other things, heart function, immunity and overall condition.
• Rope fitness, which includes many artistic elements. It develops not only strength and endurance, but also coordination.
• Indoor cycling fitness, which is also highly intense and, in addition, can be great fun (especially during classes led with music).
• Pool fitness, which above all has a relaxing, calming and loosening effect. However, that certainly does not mean you will not get tired doing it ;)!
• Fitness with resistance bands, which requires the use of special training bands during exercise.
• Fitness with dumbbells or another type of weight, which also lets you work on muscular strength … 

Many clubs are opening up to parents, which is why their offers also include innovative fitness classes that you can attend with your child (including a baby).

Fitness at home? Why not?!

Do you want to do this kind of sport, but there are no such classes in your area, or you simply do not have time to attend them? No problem! You can create a fitness space right in your house or flat and, in this way, work out whenever you want.

As you may already have noticed, it is not a particularly expensive activity. So for training purposes, all you really need is a few square metres of free space (for example in the living room or bedroom) and a few accessories (although even these are not absolutely necessary). The rest depends only on you - your commitment, willingness, motivation and consistency.

Fitness equipment - what will come in handy during training?

If you plan to go to classes at one of the clubs operating nearby, then for the very “start” all you need is comfortable sportswear (which you will read about in a moment).

If you prefer home training - apart from your outfit, for your comfort you can also equip yourself with a mat to place on the floor. As your skills improve, your home fitness space can be fitted out with additional accessories (e.g. bands, weights, dumbbells, a skipping rope, a bike, a mini trampoline, or even a wall bars unit). There are really plenty of options.

Why is it worth it? The benefits and effects of fitness training.

The benefits of fitness training could practically be listed endlessly. First of all, it naturally has an invaluable effect on improving fitness levels and the body’s overall endurance. It strengthens power and performance, and also helps shape the body (highlighting its strengths).

One of the main effects for which many women choose this type of activity is, of course, the reduction of body fat and, as a result, getting rid of excess kilos.

Beyond the aspects you can see with the naked eye, fitness is also a great way to improve your mood. It helps oxygenate the body, provide a dose of dopamine and endorphins, and therefore has a very positive effect on how we feel.

In the case of group fitness classes, the opportunity to train and motivate yourself among other people is also extremely important. 

How many calories can you burn during fitness?

As with any sport, the exact number of kcal you manage to burn depends above all on the intensity and duration of your workout, as well as your preferences and abilities. An hour of intense classes may allow you to burn from 200 up to as many as 600 calories. 

The rule here is simple: slow and more static exercises (e.g. those focused on muscular strength or static positions) burn significantly fewer calories than workouts aimed at performing fast and intense exercises (running, cycling, etc.).

What should you wear for fitness training?

The clothes you wear for fitness should meet 3 basic requirements.

• First - they must be comfortable and should not restrict your movement.
• Second - they must be solid and durable, so they are resistant to damage and abrasion and, as a result, serve you through many training sessions.
• Third - they must be safe, meaning made from materials that provide proper body regulation, wick away sweat and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

As it happens, all these conditions are met by stylish and functional SMMASH sportswear. You will find a full range of clothing for women, including classic T-shirts, women’s tops, shorts, and even women’s sports leggings. Naturally, we have not forgotten about men who do fitness either. With them in mind, we also offer a full range of men’s sportswear, including rashguards, shorts, tank tops, and even leggings.

Needless to say, all of them are available in a full range of cuts, patterns and colours that you can choose from freely ;)?

Want to create your own fitness clothing? We have a way for that!

But if even that is not enough for you - we have something “extra”. Especially for you, we created a configurator where you can personally design and then order fully personalised sportswear for fitness and more.

X-CREATOR, as it is called, is an intuitive tool thanks to which you can create your own clothing in just a few simple steps. All you need to do is choose the cut, select the pattern and colour and… done. We give you plenty of options, plus the ability to upload your own original designs and templates.