The internet has exploded with fitness gurus and influencers in recent years. It can be challenging to know whose advice to follow as we try to stay fit and healthy.
The reality is no one shoe fits all when it comes to achieving fitness goals. However, there are plenty of popular trends, and chances are one of them will align with your personal goals. Here are five fitness trends to keep an eye on.
Strength Training Becomes Mainstream
Strength training was once confined to bodybuilders, powerlifters, and serious athletes.
However, as scientific studies continue to speak of the various benefits associated with strength training, males and females of all age groups are being drawn to this fitness trend.
Benefits Associated with Strength Training
Strength training is any form of physical movement in which a person uses their bodyweight or equipment to perform exercises such as squats and presses, which build muscle mass.
According to Healthline, benefits include increased strength, reduced abdominal fat, lower risk of injury in older age, and improved heart health. It can even help people manage their blood sugar levels.
High-Intensity Interval Training
Staying fit and healthy shouldn’t mean we have to spend hours in the gym or working out every day.
This could be one reason why high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has seen a sharp increase in popularity in recent years.
Short Workouts with Long-Lasting Effects
HIIT sessions typically involve several rounds of intense cardio-based exercises lasting 20-30 seconds each. A great HIIT session can be as little as ten minutes, making it popular amongst people with busy schedules.
According to the National Institute of Health, HIIT offers many health benefits, including a healthier heart, increased strength, and reduced body fat. Plus, the workouts can be done almost anywhere.
Portable Technology
Over the past decade, portable technology, including Apple and Samsung watches, has become an integral part of the fitness world.
As they can connect to almost any smartphone via Bluetooth, many people have begun using the devices to help monitor their fitness level and ensure they stay on track to achieve their fitness goals.
Smart Watches Help People Achieve Their Goals
Smartwatches have the ability to count steps, function as a stopwatch, and track just about any kind of workout.
But they can also be used to monitor heart rate and count calories, helping people of all ages and sizes stay on track and work towards achieving their fitness goals.
Working Out in Nature
In the modern era, most of us could spend a little more time outdoors and away from the screens.
This has led to an increase in simple outdoor-based workouts in nature. Exercising outdoors comes in various forms, including runs, hikes, yoga sessions, and even bodyweight strength training.
The Benefits of Exercising Outside
While we all know that just even an extra hour outside does wonders for our mental well-being, scientists would argue it’s vital to living a healthy life. Just think about all the extra vitamin D the body takes in when outdoors.
According to Claire Wicks, a senior research assistant at the University of Essex in England, a short outdoor workout “appeared to be the most beneficial” for people’s mental health, per The Washington Post.
Focusing on the Mind and Breathing
Gone are the days of fitness and health being solely centered on the physical aspects of well-being.
In recent years, a focus on the mental side of health has become just as important, with many people now turning to mindful breathing exercises, meditation, and even yoga.
Benefits of Pranayama
One particular trend that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the practice of pranayama, a Sanskrit word used to define the practice of breath regulation.
According to Healthline, breathing exercises have a plethora of benefits, including decreased stress, improved quality of sleep, a reduction in high blood pressure, and better cognitive function, among many others.
Follow the Trend That Best Aligns with Your Own Goals
When it comes to following a specific fitness trend, it’s best to remember that your goals will require a tailored approach.
Finding out which trend best aligns with your own fitness goals and using this as a baseline will go a long way in helping you achieve your personal targets.
