New methods of physical and mental energy at the top

The mid-1980s marked the beginning of the golden age of fitness. The tandem of trainers Véronique and Davina is all the rage on the small screen in France, the weight rooms are packed like never before on the other side of the Atlantic and fitness clubs give a great place to work out, a powerful combination of cardio training and muscle strengthening practiced by many followers In tights and a neon jumpsuit. All over the world, a sense of renewal instills all strata of society and makes people want to take care of themselves and let go.

Then there are the top models, superstars of the time, who studied fitness and taught classes in VHS, such as Cindy Crawford orElle Macpherson. As a result, followers are multiplying and sports are becoming fashionable. the problem? At the time, we weren’t yet aware of some of the risks (related to the way abs do, for example) and preferred silhouette effects over good placements. Today, specialists have studied the consequences and iniquities of these bad choices, and we are fully developing in the opposite direction. This counter-training trend of the ’80s and ’90s was deciphered by Aurélie Louis-Alexandre and Hind Mahmoudi, founders and coaches of the new Parisian studio Kah.

Move more consciously The number one desire of practitioners and coaches is to train smarter and stop caring only about physical results. “It is not about spirituality, it is about movement while focusing on breathing, which is still the basis of every physical activity. Being more attentive to your body too, wanting to progress but always by listening to yourself and taking into account your appearance and general condition, without setting unattainable goals In other words, training in being fully aware of your body and mind,” explains Aurélie Louis-Alexandre, a yoga teacher.

There is a less Cartesian approach than that taken so far in the West to the success of Yin Yoga

ABS, yes, but hypersensitive In the 1980s through roughly 2000, in group lessons, the goal was to repeat the bust readings, but without specific instructions from the instructors. The result, even if the bars of chocolate were pointing to their nose, one soon realized that the incidence of organ drooping in women had doubled. because of? Bad exercises that push the viscera down and forward, that is, the opposite of the desired effect. This explains the huge success of Pilates, a lean, push-up gym that was born in the mid-20th century. “Working on the perineum and the transverse muscle, the deepest muscle in the abdomen, helps to tighten the abdominal girdle deeply and completely safely, to stop back pain, but also to stimulate transit. Thanks to Pilates breathing, you learn to relax completely, in class and on a daily basis, “promises Domitil Bergot, Pilates teacher at Kah Studio.

More comprehensive discipline Coming from India and Asia, this new vision is the cradle of disciplines based as much on the physical as on the mental, such as yoga or stretching. Until then, we’ve been stretching to prevent aches. Now, we do this to reduce stress, reduce chronic pain, and improve our posture on a daily basis. The same observation for bodybuilders, which is increasingly practiced by young people and the elderly to strengthen the skeleton and prevent osteoporosis or osteoporosis. This less Cartesian approach than that taken so far in the West can be found in the success of yin yoga, for example. Principle? “This practice puts the muscle groups in duplication. She suggests staying two minutes in each pose for one hour. As a result, a softer and stronger body of course, but also enhanced lymphatic circulation, fascias (a type of spider web that encases the muscles) that relax, and increases muscle tone. Flexibility, suppleness, and well-being – in relation to his practice and his life in general”, analyzes O’Reilly. In short, whether in yoga or running, the end goal is no longer performance at all costs, but a healthy metabolism and better self-understanding in sports activity as in one’s daily life.

Virtual courses are more and more numerous, diverse and attractive to all audiences

Betting on crossbreeding A mixture of yoga and dance, Pilates and fitness, cycling and meditation…the practices are intertwining more and more, even if surprisingly. Boredom, the search for performance… What is behind this need for crossbreeding? “These new courses can be fun and make you want to participate. But I think some instructors are moving towards a mix of practices, sometimes very complex, so that students never get tired. Other than that, if a system is taught well, you won’t get bored,” Hind explains. Perhaps the key lies in the fact that coaches must stay close to their original practices? This is the view of Domitel Berguet. “I love to inject a little dance and ‘animal flow’ into my Pilates lessons because I come from a dance background. I mix influences, and design my exercises in order to always surprise my students, and they love it.”

The goal is no longer performance, but better self-understanding

The emergence of physical activity on the Internet Sports professionals would not have believed this before confinement. However, virtual courses are becoming more and more numerous, diverse and attractive to all audiences. the reason? the operation. No need to move your mind or hang it up to fit your gym class into your schedule. “This system has allowed us to stay connected. Today, session 2.0 allows you to adapt your exercise to your lifestyle. It’s great for saving time and movement, which is why it has worked and will continue,” Analyzes Hend Mahmoudi. Especially since the online sessions make it possible to test all kinds of disciplines. “Virtual courses are also an opportunity for residents to take courses that are still only found in Paris,” continues Domitil Bergiot.

Kah Studio, 28, rue Bichat, Paris Xe, €26 per session, kahstudioandcoffee.com.