1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):
With short bursts of activity followed by a short rest and recovery, the session is usually over in less than 30 minutes. Win.
2. Group training:
No matter your fitness level, if you’re looking for that little extra motivation (and wanna meet like-minded people,) group classes have you covered.
3. Wearable technology:
Fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices will help you take your performance to the next lev.
4. Body weight training:
This back-to-basics style of workout requires minimal equipment and can be done just about everywhere. What’s not to love?
5. Strength training:
Fact: Just 10 weeks of strength training can increase your metabolic resting rate by up to 7 percent. With stats like that, who could say no.
6. Educated and experienced fitness professionals:
Given how many places offer health and fitness certifications these days, it’s important to opt for trainers that are accredited. In short: do your research.
7. Yoga:
It’s an ancient tradition that boasts a myriad of health benefits and with modern versions – like poweryoga and yogalates – seemingly popping up on every street corner, there’s no doubting it’s here to stay.
8. Personal training:
More and more students are majoring in kinesiology to meet the growing demand for personal trainers in the industry.
9. Fitness programs for older adults:
As the baby boomer era moves into retirement, there’s been a rise in age-appropriate programs designed to keep older adults healthy and active.
10. Functional fitness:
With the right program, you can actually train your muscles to improve all aspects of everyday living. Think: core strength, stability and balance.
Still not convinced? We hit up Amelia Philips, fitness and nutrition expert and co-founder of Voome, to get her take on the trending 10.
Do you think these trends relate to Aussies too? Do you think we’re ahead or behind the curve when it comes to fitness trends?
When it comes to fitness trends, I believe that Australia is actually ahead of the curve. For such a small population, we have an extremely high-quality exercise science industry. From research conducted amongst fitness professionals, the Australian fitness industry is held in very high esteem. So much so that in the USA's biggest annual fitness conferences, Australians are regularly asked to present research findings and Australian trends.
The number 1 trend, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) – are you on board?
I'm still sweating from my HIIT workout today! I'm a fan of HIIT for a few reasons. Firstly, any fitness level can do it, beginners, with a modified version of course. Secondly, it's one of the most time efficient ways to train, which is perfect in this time poor world. It means that a 20min session CAN get you great results. Thirdly, it works. Many studies have shown that interval training such as HIIT gets you faster results than steady state training. And finally, it's fun! The flow of the workout means you get ample rest breaks so it's not as mentally taxing, and you get to have bursts of high intensity, which can actually be really fun. It certainly gets those exercise happy endorphins pumping!
Why do you think it has become increasingly popular?
Because it is so adaptable. It works for all fitness levels, it works for most workout types (from strength training to fitness, to weight loss, to athletic conditioning etc). You can do it indoors or outdoors, with equipment or just your body weight. And it's fun!
Any surprises on the list, or things you disagree with?
What is concerning to me is the disappearance of 'exercise and weight loss' and 'exercise is medicine' off this year’s top ten. Both these trends are aimed at reducing the massive disease risk a lack of exercise can provoke. With 63% of society overweight or obese, why is exercise as weight loss not a trend? Has the message of 'weight loss is 80% nutrition 20% exercise' gone too far? Do people not realise the importance of exercise in any weight loss program? Or has the term 'weight loss' simply gone out of fashion?
Do you think the list is missing anything that will be trending in Australia?
I think functional fitness would be trending a lot higher in Australia. Functional Fitness just squeezed into the top 10 (10th place). I bet it would be in the top five in Australia as it's something I have noticed gaining popularity. Functional fitness is the concept of training your body in a functional way, to improve joint mobility, release tight muscles, strengthen weak ones, and better equip your body for the strains of everyday living. Also, running for fitness is very popular in Australia due to our climate and also the increase in organised fun runs such as the weekly Park Run and charity events like The Colour Run.
This article originally appeared in Women's Health.
