According to several studies and publications, in 2018 the likes of HIIT (high-intensity interval training), Dance Classes, Group Workouts and Yoga were among the most popular fitness trends, and it seems as though for the most part, they’re here to stay.
Whether you’re well on your way to completing your 2019 health and fitness goals, just getting started or have fallen off the wagon, worry not, it seems as though a lot of these exciting and different ways to work out, have continued to be popular in the first half of this year too.
And while I can’t tell you exactly what to expect for the rest of the year, I’ve done some digging and have mixed them with my own forecasts based on what I’ve seen so far this year. Hopefully some of these will tickle your fancy and help you reach your goals in 2019 and beyond!
HIIT is here to stay
Based on how much I see this on social media and the fact it’s mentioned a lot in surveys and publications, I would expect HIIT to stick around for 2019 and possibly further! The results of putting 2/3 of these high-intensity sessions a week into your workout program are undeniable (they certainly have worked for me), and they’re especially popular for working professionals short on time! There’s no better way to get a complete, gym-free workout in than with some intense circuits.
Now that the weather is good, why not head outside? Or if it’s not, workout in the comfort of your own living room or take a class at your local gym. Ultimately HIIT is all about movement and workout efficiency, so it’s ideal for so many people and simple to incorporate into your week of workouts.
Get sweaty with strangers
Not quite as grim as it sounds! Group training (more than five people generally) is set to be another popular trend to continue this year. For good reason, too — these classes are social (which all millennial’s love), highly motivational and provide instruction for people who need structure in their daily workouts.
No matter whether you fancy spin, dance, aqua aerobics or other cardio-based classes, you’ll find tonnes of them around your local area either in the gym or other fitness facilities.
Talk nerdy to me
As an avid wearer of fitness technology and with the rise in data trends in the IT industry, wearable fitness trackers are set to go from strength to strength this year.
Think Apple, Garmin and Fitbit. These innovative brands have everything on offer from smart watches, heart rate monitors and GPS trackers, that can track heart rate, calories, movement and sitting time and so much more.
They’re such a good way to keep a track of your fitness and to monitor progress over time. I personally use the Garmin vivomove HR which does everything I need it to. It tracks my heart rate, tells me when I need to get up and move, records my workout data and tracks my calories expended too.
Ahh the treadmill
I have a love hate relationship with cardio. I’ve never been one for long periods of running so when I saw this trend my heart sank a little. However, as a lover of HIIT, I’ve seen a huge rise in people using treadmills for more than simply running at a steady pace for hours.
The next time you need to squeeze cardio into your workout, to really get a sweat on try sprints for 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off for around 10-15 minutes. Trust me when I say, you will really feel this one! Alternatively you can get a great leg workout in with the treadmill in the form of walking lunges, side steps and squat walks. Don’t settle for the basics when it comes to the treadmill and try something different.
Yoga for days
A huge love of mine which I discovered last year and have practised ever since; more and more young people (and older) are getting zen with yoga than ever before.
While there’s no doubt the classic form of yoga will always be the best, the variations on this amazing practice are injecting new life into a sometimes stale routine. This year you’ll continue to see more outdoor yoga classes, aerial yoga, digital yoga (practising at home via YouTube) and yoga retreats. I literally can’t wait to see what yoga variations the rest of the year will bring!
Resting and wellness
Something which has boomed in the last year or so is an emphasis on wellness and taking a well rounded approach to fitness and health. This includes not training in the gym 7 days a week like a mad wo(man) and allowing your body to rest and replenish itself.
Not overdoing it has always been a struggle of mind and once upon a time you’d have found me in the gym at least 6 days a week, if not 7. It’s only in the past few months or so that I’ve found the right amount of balance in my life to ensure I’m giving my body everything it needs and deserves.
This includes not only managing my workouts well, but getting my rest days in and eating a wholesome diet. The Tone & Sculpt app by Krissy Cela has allowed me to track my workouts, remain accountable and also helped ensure I’m eating not only wholesome foods, but eating enough to fuel my body!
As well as all of these I’m sure there will be so many more to come and of course, as ever, I will keep you guys in the loop! Expect a rise in on-demand fitness from platforms such as YouTube and also dedicated fitness apps like Tone & Sculpt. However you decide to do it, becoming healthier, fitter and the best version of yourself has never been so accessible.
