The fitness industry has developed into an
immensely powerful industry from an economic perspective. A significant portion
of the population has developed a proclivity to only think of training and
fitness programs when the phrase "fitness trends" is mentioned;
however, fitness trends can apply to apparel, training technology and more.
For instance, wearable fitness is at an all-time
high as far as popularity is concerned. There are literally hundreds of
versions of fitness trackers currently on the market. While some of the
trackers are basic, functioning as pedometers only, there are others that have
the capacity to track workouts, calories, whether a person snores or not, sleep
patterns and more.
In addition to fitness trackers, there are a
number of other fitness trends that are currently taking 2016 by storm.
Following are the top 8 trends so far this year.
1. Wearable Fitness
Technology
Wearable fitness technology has the capacity to
help individuals get the most out of their workouts. Some examples of wearable
technology include fitness trackers and smart watches, such as Garmin, Fitbit
and Apple Watch. These devices are equipped with heart rate monitors, GPS
tracking, sleep pattern monitoring, and calorie counters, just to name a few
features. Wearable technology can help track, compile and analyze valuable
fitness data in order to ensure that individuals are able to maximize their
fitness programs.
2. Body Weight
Training
Due to the fact that many people are limited by
busy schedules that can make it immensely difficult for them to make it to the
gym on a consistent basis, body weight training techniques are growing in
popularity. Body weight training is also great for those individuals who may be
recovering from joint injuries.
While body weight training is considered an old
school training modality, it is still exceptionally effective. It involves a
person using their own weight to create the training resistance for their
workout. Some exercises that fall into this category include pushups, sit ups,
pull-ups, and lunges. When these types of exercises are performed consistently
and correctly, they can be highly effective -- especially in the areas of
burning fat and building muscle.
3. High-Intensity Interval
Training
HIIT has really taken off over the last several
years, primarily due to its extraordinary success. This type of training
involves intense bursts of activity executed over a relatively short period of
time, like a minute or less per cycle. A complete HIIT workout will only last
about 30 minutes or so, and is generally comprised of exercises like sprinting,
pushups, squatting and burpees. HIIT training programs generally offer a dual
benefit that includes aerobic and anaerobic enhancements.
4. Strength Training
Strength training is a form of physical exercise
that involves the use of significant resistance, normally provided by weights.
These types of training programs help to build strength, build muscle and
increase flexibility. Strength training is one of the more common workouts
witnessed at the average gym.
5. The Use of Educated
and Experienced Professionals
More and more people are choosing to hire
fitness and nutrition professionals to help them maximize their fitness
routines and reach their fitness goals. With the increased awareness about the
dangers of obesity, there has been a sharp rise in the use of personal fitness
instructors, fitness program designers and nutritionists. The demand for
fitness professionals has created a highly competitive market that has forced
these professionals to become highly trained and educated concerning the
multitudinous nuances of health and fitness. Using a fitness professional will
increase program efficiency, while reducing the risk of injury.
6. Functional Fitness
Functional fitness is exactly what it sounds
like. It is participating in training programs that are designed to help a
person be more physically functional in performing physical tasks that they
carry out on a daily basis. This type of fitness training has become very
popular among the aging, as well as those who are expected to perform physical
activities as a part of their professional careers. Functional fitness helps to
increase strength, flexibility and endurance.
7. Exercise That
Focuses on Weight Loss
According to the Statistics Canada,
Canadian Community Health Survey,
over 14,000,000 of Canadian adults – 18 years and older -- are obese,
subsequently leading to numerous health issues for this population. The best
way to combat obesity is to take the necessary steps to lose and manage weight.
Exercise and proper nutritional intake are the best places to start, and
fitness industry is experiencing a spike in people who are working out for the
purpose of losing weight.
8. Yoga
Yoga is actually an ancient physical art form
that has experienced a resurgence over recent years. The poses that are a part
of this type of training are designed to increase flexibility, strength and
balance. There are a number of disciplines that fall under this category, and
there are different levels for every type of individual need.
While many fitness trends will come and go over
the next twelve months, the trends listed here have substantial traction that
can easily drive their momentum for years to come, in most instances. The key
for those who are aspiring to great fitness levels is to find those trends that
will support their goals more effectively.
Dr. Rick Wallace Ph.D.
References:
http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cansim/a47
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