Fun Fitness Trends
You know exercise is good for you. You know taking your Me Time is good for you. So you wake up early, escape to the gym, and are instantly bored by the same old workout and treadmill run you’ve done for years. Sound familiar? Well this year make a change. There are more new workouts out there than ever before. Who knows, you just might find what you’re looking for.
Below are some of the fitness trends. The American Council On Exercise (ACE) once again complied its annual survey of fitness trends. This year, fitness programs that are easy on the wallet and easy on our time are at the top.
1) Boot Camp-Style Workouts: These group fitness classes have been popular for the last few years. Classes are usually free at a fitness center or are offered at a low-cost. Why you’ll love these workouts: Participants love these classes because they get a full body workout that’s tough, fun, and takes less than an hour.
2) Budget-Friendly Workouts: Traditional memberships and Personal Training sessions at fitness centers is likely to decrease as people use free or low-cost fitness options around them. According to Rick Rick III, Fitness and Personal Training Director at Premier at Sawmill Athletic Club in Columbus, Ohio, “Many personal training clients inviting friends and family members into their session time to split the cost of the service ultimately increasing the energy and accountability of the situation”. How you can be budget-friendly: Try taking up walking or running, get a family membership rate at your gym, or split training sessions with a friend or two.
3) Specialty Classes: Yoga and Pilates will remain strong as usual. You’ll also see an increase in dance-based classes like Zumba – a Latin-inspired fitness dance workout that’s taking over many group fitness studios this year. According to Jenn Finn, General Manager of Fitcorp in Boston, MA, “Specialty classes like Kettlebell and F.A.T Camp have been popular. F.A.T Camp is an indoor fitness camp that help’s members burn fat, tone up, boost metabolism and keep energized! It combines resistance training, partner drills, interval training, medicine ball and band work, sprint and agility drills, and plyometrics”. Why you’ll love these classes: Dance based and specialty classes not only keep you fit, they offer participants an opportunity to let lose, release stress, and have fun.
4) Getting Back to Basics: Despite the trendiness of many workouts and gadgets today, there will also be a return to the basics. How you can get back to basics: Utilize the quality trainers at your gym to teach you the fundamentals of fitness and exercise techniques. Workout with a friend to make this more budget-friendly.
5) Circuit Training: With so many people pressed for time, circuit training provides a time-efficient workout that combines cardiovascular and strength conditioning. How you can circuit train: Check your gym for a weight station circuit and get a lesson in how to do it or make your own circuit by combining strength and cardiovascular stations for a 30-minute workout.
6) Kettlebells: A Kettlebell is a traditional Russian cast iron weight being used in gyms to “get back to basic” and train using functional, whole body, exercises. Lifting, swinging, and carrying kettlebells works multiple muscle groups, core strength, and stability. “Fitness enthusiasts and long time weightlifters are starting to embrace the Kettlebell training system to give new life to their workouts while stripping fat from their bodies”, says Rick. How you can swing a kettlebell: Since this is such a specified type of workout, meet with a qualified trainer or join a class to learn how to properly use the kettlebells. You’ll be hooked in no time.
7) Boomer Fitness: The growing 50+ population is motivated to stay fit and healthy. Expect to see more classes, equipment, and program geared towards boomers in your community. How to take part: If you are over 50, you more likely have the time and the means to get fit. Look for classes geared towards your age group and reap the benefits!
8) Technology-Based Fitness: The latest in technology is entering the fitness market. Gadgets like Wii Fit, Cardio Cinemas, and iPods are making fitness engaging and fun. Look for even more in 2009. How to keep up with technology: If you like playing games, then these gadgets are for you. Download workouts to your iPod or use the Wii Fit to challenge yourself in the comfort of your own home.
9) Event or Sport-Specific Exercises: These tried and true ways of staying healthy will continue to be a major player in the fitness arena. Things like running a 10K, going for a bike ride, or playing pick-up basketball continue to be favorites year after year. How to train like an athlete: Find a local team to join for a weekly softball game, go for a hike on the weekend, or sign up for that marathon you’ve always wanted to do. These workouts are not only engaging, but cost-effective too!
10) Mixing It Up: People are realizing that variety is key to feeling results and keeping workouts from becoming boring. How you can add variety: Alternate what workouts you do each day. Take a Pilates class on Monday, go for a run on Wednesday, do a Kettlebell workout on Thursday, and hike 5 miles over the weekend. You’ll be feeling fit in no time.
No matter what you choose, try something new this year and spice up your workouts. Variety is the key to creating a lifelong fitness plan so keep your mind and options open.
