Pitch surface

When it comes to selecting your perfect pair of boots, the surface you usually play on is an important factor to bear in mind. If you’re playing on firm ground (i.e. natural grass), you’ll want boots with plastic studs. For soft ground, use ones with longer, metal studs which allow for deeper infiltration.

Those who play on artificial grass should purchase boots with short, hollow studs which provide better grip and therefore do not cause as much strain on your knees and ligaments. A boot with a rubber sole or just a pair of normal trainers can be used for indoor play, such as courts.

Your position

The position you typically play in will also determine the type of football boot you will want to select. If you’re a defender or goalkeeper, a strong and resilient pair of boots with good grip and which will protect your foot from injury during tackles is imperative. For wingers and strikers, a comfortable, light boot with good traction is recommended, so that you can pick up plenty of speed and easily dodge challengers.

Type of material

Football boots come in many different materials, so this is another aspect to consider when choosing your pair. Leather boots are generally softer, more long-lasting and durable than other boot materials and tend to mould well to the shape of the foot. However, the downsides are that their shape can stretch in the wet weather, whilst also taking longer to dry. They also tend to be more expensive.

Synthetic boots, on the other hand, are generally less costly, whilst the material is lighter and thinner. In addition, they are known for being comfortable and will usually require less maintenance than leather boots, which need special care.

Style and comfort

Perhaps the most important element is to find a pair of football boots that you are comfortable in, because if they don’t fit right, you simply won’t play to the best of your abilities. Similarly, you’ll want to invest in a pair of boots that you actually like the look of and are proud to play in.

It’s an age-old saying that if you look good, you feel good too – and this surely applies on the pitch as well. Luckily, football boots no longer need to look worn down and ugly, as there’s heaps of flashy options on the market for you to get your hands on these days. Just make sure you take care of them!

BarreCore

Barre workouts, which are inspired by the sorts of stretching exercises that dancers do, have been growing in popularity for years, but the trademarked ‘BarreCore’ classes are in a class of their own.

BarreCore is aimed at those who want a dancer’s body; fit, strong, defined muscles with an excellent core. Unless you happen to have barre in your house, the only way to do this class is to go along.

What began in the well-heeled suburbs of Chelsea and Mayfair is now being rolled out nationwide with studios in Leeds, Bristol and many other London locations.

Live-streaming classes

Working out along with a class on the other side of the world is now possible thanks to live-streamed classes. What, you may ask, is the point when you can do a DVD or download a video? Because this way each and every class is different.

DVDs get boring with the same jokes, the same music and the same routine. Live-streaming makes you feel like you are actually in the room, plus it gives you the opportunity to add variety.

Just think, one week you could be doing a aerobics class with a group in a New York studio, and the next you could be doing yoga with an instructor on a beach in Bali – all in real time.

Hybrid classes

The most popular classes at local gyms usually fall into the following categories; simple cardio, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) or strength training. Perhaps you’ve tried all of these classes and love different elements of each?

This is where Hybrid Exercise Classes come into their own. These classes take elements of strength training, interval training and cardio and combine them into a ‘Hybrid Class’ – meaning you get the best of all worlds. There is no limit to the combinations you can now find in gyms and fitness studios all over the world.

Fitness for over 50′s

Most people over 50 will attest to the fact that joining a HIIT exercise class isn’t ideal, and neither is being consigned to a dull aqua aerobics class once a week.

Team sports such as Walking Football and Walking Netball are gaining popularity, with participation increasing every week.

These types of sports are aimed at those who are perhaps older, rehabilitating from injury or simply looking to join a team for the social aspect.

In addition to the above, technology will play an ever increasing role in our fitness with mobile apps, while personal trainers will be getting more educated and technical. However you do it next year, have fun – 2017 promises to be another great year for fitness.