This week I got to sweat it out at A-Tone Fitness Lounge with their exclusive trademark offering, Cross-cuit. That is basically a hybrid of the now mainstream ‘CrossFit’ and ‘circuit’ training.
Cross-cuit is a workout method developed by certified Pilates and fitness trainer and founder of A-Tone Fitness Lounge, Anjali Chandiramani. It has become increasingly popular ever since its launch in April last year. And it isn’t hard to see why. “It’s a tough workout, involving high-intensity interval training that utilises callisthenics, strongman, Olympic weightlifting, cardio, core-building and strength-training in a time-based circuit to maximise fat burn without damaging the body,” Chandiramani says.
Having tried it with friends, I can personally attest to its effectiveness. We were treated to a combination of exercises requiring both body weight and some equipment. As an example, staples of CrossFit such as clean and press, battle ropes and wall balls were mixed with basics like planks, split squats, and push-ups. All done within a set period of time which necessitates efforts for prolonged muscular activity. Sure, anybody can easily string together workouts and time them but the value in Cross-cuit lies in its systematic progression coupled with a pace that works your cardiovascular endurance as well. Most of all, for the general public, it’s a safer alternative to its more strenuous predecessors because it alleviates the stress of a high intensity session on the body, which can lead to injury. Exercises are carefully selected for its sequence of weighted and non-weighted moves.
“We came up with this concept because we’ve had a lot of times where people in the past have had injuries doing certain kinds of workouts like CrossFit, where it’s very intense and not everyone can do it. When I started the studio, I wanted to have a workout that’s doable for everyone and yet challenging for everyone. In Cross-Cuit, it’s challenging for people of varying energy levels. They can all come together in one group and still everyone can work out feeling like they had a great workout and yet not getting injured or damaged while doing it,” Chandiramani adds.
People, especially those who are new to fitness, are constantly searching for that distinct kind of workout to become their niche. You put safety with functionality in there and you have an added bonus. I strongly (pun not intended) recommend giving Cross-cuit a try. You’ll be surprised, it might just be tailored to your liking.
Go get yours:
Cross-cuit single class: Dh80
A-Tone Fitness Lounge
Tel: +971-50-6545302
Prime Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
