THE NEW FITNESS TRENDS
Keeping fit and healthy has never been more important. While traditional exercises such as running, circuits, gym sessions, and yoga continue to be popular training methods, a large number of new fitness trends are gaining momentum in 2019. This week on the blog we’re looking at some of the most popular new trends to try.
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES
Wearable technology, which includes smartwatches, fitness trackers, heart monitors, and more, was touted as this year’s most popular fitness trend by over 2,000 health and fitness professionals surveyed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
According to Walter R. Thompson Ph.D., FACSM, wearable technology is a helpful tool for those who are looking to get and stay physically active. This is because these items can easily monitor heart rate, count steps, track calories, and create plans. Wearable technologies can also collect data, allowing a user to track their performance and inform and encourage their exercise choices.
HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT)
HIIT classes are offered by many gyms and fitness studios the world over. It involves bursts of activity followed by short periods of rest/recovery. HIIT sessions tend to be 30 minutes in total and, while the concept has been around for many years, it continues to be popular with those looking for short exercise class options and those looking to push their bodies to the extreme.
HIIT is known to help with:
- Losing body fat (while retaining lean body mass)
- Strengthening the cardiovascular system
- Developing “work capacity” (i.e., the ability to tolerate a high level of intensity for a longer period)
- Developing “mental toughness”
FITNESS FOR OLDER DEMOGRAPHICS
As the population ages, it makes sense that fitness offerings would age along with us. These types of programs "emphasize and cater to the fitness needs of the Baby Boom and older generations," says the ACSM. And given that this generation tends to have more disposable income than others, catering to this group of people has become important to health and fitness providers.
Considering exercising is a great way for people to maintain bone density and muscle mass as they age, specialized classes catering to an older demographic are an important offering in the fitness industry.
AT HOME WORKOUT SESSIONS
Life is constantly busy and finding time to fit in the after-work exercise class is more often than not a constant struggle. At-home fitness sessions have surged in popularity in recent years. If you’re into spinning, the Peloton is the perfect at-home alternative. Each Peloton bike is equipped with a 22-inch HD sweat-proof touchscreen that lets you tune in and experience 14 daily live and 8000+ on-demand classes, without having to leave your house. But, at over €1500, this option is out of many people's grasp.
Alternatively, apps and online fitness platforms are opening up specialist classes and regimes to many who prefer to exercise in the comfort of their own homes. Popular platforms include Fiit, ClassPass, and Obe. Kayla Itsines and many other fitness influencers are also offering bespoke training plans to those in the market for a more private workout plan.
MINDFUL WORKOUTS
Yoga and Pilates have been popular forms of exercise for many decades. Recently, these exercises and new options such as Mindful Running have become increasingly popular. According to Pete McCall (Health & Fitness Expert), when meditation is used alongside traditional exercising techniques, it may have the ability to enhance the entire exercise experience.
There are also many mindfulness apps, such as Headspace or Calm, that we can use to take five and calm and relax the mind. Or alternatively, incorporate Yoga and Meditation to reap the benefits for both body and mind with an app such as Yogaglo.
SLEEP MATTERS
Referring back to wearable technologies, sleep and rest are becoming easier to track and analyze. Data from your watch or fitness tracker can record your REM hours and thus make you aware of how much quality sleep you are actually getting. When exercising regularly, quality sleep is so important. If you are lacking adequate rest, your athletic performance will suffer and thus make it almost impossible to see any improvements in your exercise goals.
Did you know many VOYA products are created to help induce a peaceful night’s sleep? Unwind with a soothing bath or shower oil, nourish with a relaxing body oil, and unwind with a calming scented reed diffuser or candle.
RECOVERY IS KEY
Recovery is often overlooked in many people’s fitness regimes, but it is becoming more and more apparent in the numerous offerings now available to aid your recovery. From electric massage therapy tools to cryo chambers and bespoke massage therapist studios, recovery is key and can be as simple as hydrating adequately, refueling, and stretching.
Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly massages are difficult for many to do, due to time constraints and funds. But, at-home massage therapy using a muscle relaxing body oil such as Serenergise or treating tired muscles with a muscle warming gel such as Feel the Heat is within everyone’s power.
