Are traditional gym sessions not your thing? That’s okay! The world of fitness is constantly in a state of metamorphosis, shifting and changing to meet the needs of exercise novices and enthusiasts everywhere. New technology emerges. Health and wellness goals evolve. That means that there’s always something fresh and exciting to try. If you’re ready to break out of your fitness rut, dive into these fitness trends!
Going Outdoors
Fitness is heading outdoors! Instead of gym memberships, more people are choosing to exercise outdoors with activities like running, tennis, hikes, bike rides, and more. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Exercise equipment, such as tennis supplies, jump rope, or skates
- Supportive shoes
- Athletic clothing, such as breathable shirts, shorts/leggings, foot gloves socks
- Sun protection
- Water
These workouts are excellent for challenging your body because the outdoor terrain is ever-changing compared to the flat surfaces of indoor gyms. But that’s not the only reason to love outdoor workouts. Benefits of outdoor exercise include getting your daily dose of sun, you have the option of making it a social occasion, and best of all – it’s free!
Heading to the Pickleball Court
Never played pickleball before? It’s about to become your next obsession! One of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., it’s easy for beginners to learn and a fun and challenging sport for players of all ages. More benefits of pickleball include:
- Improved hand-eye coordination
- Improved balance and flexibility
- Boosted mood
- Increased socialization
Ready to head courtside? All you’ll need is women’s or men’s pickleball apparel, a pickleball paddle and ball, and a place to play. Don’t forget to bring a friend!
Hopping on the Live Streaming Craze
You’ve used live video services for entertainment, work, and talking to friends and family – now you can use it for fitness too! The closest thing to an in-person session, fitness trainers are conducting real-time workouts for their members. Unlike on-demand classes, these sessions offer a more interactive and social experience. This is a great option for those who can’t make it to a traditional gym or studio!
Not interested in group fitness? Some personal trainers offer one-on-one classes online and offer customized workout plans and nutritional guidance.
Going Virtual
Video games aren’t the only industry going virtual! That’s right, virtual reality (VR) has entered the world of fitness. Users put on VR headsets, and they’re immersed into a whole new environment, whether that’s cross-training in a virtual home gym, meditating by a mountain, or boxing in Machu Picchu. Some even offer more out-of-the-box options that include things like aliens and robots. The future is now!
Keep in mind that VR can be an investment, especially when including monthly subscriptions to VR fitness apps. But it’s worth it if you’re looking for a more unique and immersive fitness experience!
Holistic Health & Wellness
No longer about aesthetics alone, fitness is now focusing on both physical wellness and mental well-being. What does this mean? It’s more of a mind-body connection, incorporating things like mindful movement into routines to improve overall health. Other practices include:
- Yoga (such as vinyasa, hatha, or yin yoga)
- Meditation and breathwork
- Eating a balanced diet and foods that fuel workouts
- Getting a good sleep for performance and recovery
- Incorporating recovery days – stretching, mobility exercises, and active recovery workouts
The Shorter the Better
Those long workouts are coming to an end! Shorter workouts are on the rise as more people are heading into the office and daily life is getting busier. That doesn’t mean they’re any less effective; these workouts are designed to be efficient and effective in a shorter amount of time. A couple of examples include high-intensity interval training (aka HIIT) and circuit training, which give you cardio, strength, and even stretching all in one 30-minute session.
Even shorter on time? Try a micro workout! Lovingly referred to as “exercise snacks,” these workouts involve short bursts of movement multiple times a day, adding up to a full-length workout. Falling between 30 seconds to 7 minutes, you can include strength training, flexibility and mobility exercises, and cardio over your day.
Personalized Workouts with AI
You get personalized recommendations for shows and movies, clothing, and even online ads, but what if you could get personalized workouts? AI-driven fitness apps leverage user data (e.g., set preferences, height, weight) to offer customized workout plan recommendations. No more searching video streaming sites for workouts or researching meal plans – AI has you covered.
Some of the latest technology also includes 3D body scans that allow you to analyze your body composition, weight, posture, and more, so you can set personalized goals and track your progress!
Hitting Up the Home Gym
Craving convenience and personalization, people are continuing to build gyms that utilize the home gym equipment that they want and use, like stationary bikes, treadmills, and weight machines. But that doesn’t mean you need to invest a fortune to participate. Free weights, kettlebells, yoga/fitness mats, and resistance bands are a perfect place to start – especially for small spaces!
Trying the Latest Fitness Trends
Whether you prefer working out in the comfort of your own home or in the great outdoors, there’s a fitness trend to spark your exercise interests. Start with a micro workout, build up to a virtual workout, or even create a home gym. Any place is a great place to start with fitness. Just put on your favorite music or podcast and get moving!
