Fitness Trends to Expect in 2017
Holly Zimmermann
Physical fitness has seen a boom in popularity over the past several years, with workouts that are now household words like CrossFit, Pilates, TRX and Zumba. But it hasn’t stopped there and the types of workout classes coming out of the United States and Europe is mind-boggling. There’s Pound, a full-body cardio workout that uses lightly weighted “drumsticks” called Ripstix; while Animal Flow taps into your primal instincts and uses a series of functional bodyweight movements that fuse gymnastics, acrobatics, capoeira, and breakdancing; BodyArt Training integrates functional training, physiotherapy, dance and yoga positions for a tough yet restorative workout; while Ballet Barre combines elements of ballet training and athletic conditioning; and last but not least, Los Angeles-based fitness guru Sebastien Lagree specially designed the Megaformer™ machines for his cardio workout called Studio Lagree.
There is such a huge choice out there that it’s pretty impossible to find an excuse not to be active these days.
But… it can also be overwhelming. Which seems to be the general consensus as the current trends in fitness are not into these studio workouts but rather back to the basics, but with new technology.
Outdoor training in ON gear
Wearable technology
According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) the most popular current fitness trend is wearable technology: fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors, and GPS devices. And this market is expected to grow. But will all those numbers actually make you fitter? Hell yes!
According to a study by Iowa State University, tracking your progress is a great motivator to keep on exercising. And since all cell phones now have a selection of Apps that you can download for free you won’t even have to open up your wallet to benefit from them.
Unlimited options in wearable technology (Source: sportswearable.net)
Bodyweight training
Training with your own bodyweight is also at the top of the health trend list as it requires no equipment, it’s easily adaptable to any training goals and it doesn’t cost a single penny. Not limited to just push-ups and pull-ups, this trend focuses on core muscles, which can also help ease back troubles.
A recent study from the English Institute of Sport found bodyweight moves such as crunches and side jackknives are more effective at targeting the 29 muscles around your abs than traditional gym weight training, so you can get a six-pack without leaving the house!
On gear and shoes
Functional fitness
Functional fitness exercises train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work or in sports. While using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time, functional fitness exercises also emphasize core stability.
For example, a squat is a functional exercise because it trains the muscles used when you rise up and down from a chair or pick up low objects. By training your muscles to work the way they do in everyday tasks, you prepare your body to perform well in a variety of common situations.
Get outdoors
Outdoor gyms, or adult playparks, are showing up on nearly every corner. There you can find pull-up bars, balance boards, hand cycles and dip benches, just to name a few.
The park offers easy-to-use outdoor equipment as well as a social atmosphere for runners, body builders, and even the elderly to connect.
Benefits of exercising in the fresh air have long been advocated and working out in the great outdoors also increases our exposure to Vitamin D, proven to motivate us to work harder and for longer.
The best part is that all of these workouts can be done in your home or outside in public spaces, using wearable technology that is free to download. You can be TRENDY and FIT without spending a single cent! A Win-Win!
