Innovations in Fitness Industry

The science behind fitness has progressed dramatically in recent years and support novel fitness modalities. According to a recent study, certain new exercise modalities such as aerial yoga, not only yield metabolic responses in the moderate-intensity range, but improve overall cardio-respiratory fitness and modify risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a positive manner. In addition to decompressing the spine, AntiGravity® and other forms of Aerial Yoga have been reported to increase strength and flexibility, as well as instill greater self-awareness of one’s body, as it moves through multiple planes.

"It’s one of the reasons why we launched AntiGravity ®, AIRbarre ®, and Floating Guided Meditation classes in Boston," explains Silviya Mihaylova, operator of Swet Studio™, an innovative fitness club located at 480 Tremont Street, Boston.

“It is phenomenally cool,” says Mihaylova. “The first time I experienced being suspended in the AntiGravity ® Hammock, not only did my body feel like it was realigned and in balance, but it was a full-body workout.” Says Mihaylova in describing the South End's innovative fitness club, "My idea for Swet Studio™ was that it would not be stagnant, but always evolving with the science of health and fitness. Variety not only keeps things fresh and exciting, but allows the body to be worked out in different ways for faster, safer and ultimately funner results."

According to Mihyalova, advances in science are part of the reason Swet Studio™ offers a variety of indoor rowing and innovative core strengthening workout classes. Although the health benefits of rowing have been known for decades, until recently the historical indoor erg (rowing machine) has been a contraption that was not overly inviting to newcomers. However, equipment such as the Indo-Row® Water Rower, which utilizes a flywheel filled with water as its resistance source, is simple to use and has made the sport much less intimidating.

Physiologically, rowing is a tremendous HIIT calorie burn. One can easily burn 600 calories a single hour in a low impact class that engages virtually ALL of the major muscle groups. This means that there is less wear and tear on one's body. As reported by Health Fitness Revolution in 2015, competitive rowers burn almost twice as many calories on a 2,000 meter course as a runner in a 3,000 meter steeplechase, without all of the attendant muscle damage. Even just rowing at a moderate pace for 20 minutes has been shown to improve joint and muscle mobility in persons who otherwise live a sedentary lifestyle.

Today, Swet Studio™ is one of the first multidisciplinary concept studios in the United States.