Top Fitness Trends of the Year
Top Fitness Trends of the Year
the refine you Program
7 week customized nutrition PLUS workouts to help you reach your goals without dieting
I am going to cover a few of the top Health, Nutrition, and Fitness Topics of this year. The health and fitness industry has a lot of conflicting information therefore it can be hard to figure out what is safe and that will work for you vs. another fad or diet that won’t work.
Note… ALL, yes ALL of the techniques and topics that are “trends” are not new. Most of them have been around for quite some time but, as we all know (just like the styles of clothing… hello, mom jeans), things come and go in popularity.
Here is a list of some of the hot health, nutrition, and fitness trends for this year.
There were a lot of changes within the health and fitness industries in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Physicians and healthcare providers had to take severe precautions to keep everyone safe which included virtual visits, and cancelling elective procedures. Gyms and clubs had to close their doors. Some gyms and companies were able to pivot and still offer virtual programming and classes which brings me to the first topic…
Online Classes
This trend has dramatically increased over the past year with even small gyms and clubs offering their group and individual exercise programs online. This option is beneficial for those who suffer from gym anxiety to begin with, for those who want to avoid travel time to and from the gym, and for those who do not have as much flexibility due to time constraints or child care. Virtual classes provide some accountability and a sense of community. I do know that for some, this doesn’t replace the feel of an in-person class but it is better than nothing at all. No more excuses for not being able to get to the gym for your workout. For programs that offer on demand options, this makes it very convenient for those who have limited time and flexibility in their schedules. You just go online when it works for you and do it!
Some services are free and others require a paid subscription. Many of my clients who choose exercise at home have used online trainings in addition to the home and gym workouts that I provide for their workouts.
Free Services
Yoga with Adriene
Sweat with SELF
Popsugar Fitness
Blogilates
Heart and Soul Fitness
Stacked
Nike Training club
Subscription services
Peloton $12.99 per month- Live and On-Demand options. Cycling, Running, Walking, Outdoor Running, Strength, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Running Bootcamp, Cycling Bootcamp, Resistance Bands, Floor Cardio, Stretching. You do not need the bike or the treadmill to enjoy the Digital App
Pure Barre On Demand
Alo Moves
Trainiac
8Fit
Aaptiv
Apple Fitness+
Les Mills
Online Personal Training and Coaching
Online personal training and coaching is another service that has been around for quite some time, but has become much more popular recently. My company, Refine YOU, has been around for over 4 years and has helped well over a thousand people with their health and fitness goals.
In regards to choosing an online program, trainer, or coach, one thing that you need to keep in mind that you should do your research. Since you are not meeting these people in person, be sure to research them online. Check out their website. Be sure they are properly trained, certified, or licensed to be doing what they are doing. Make sure they are active on social media and putting out helpful information regularly through social channels or a blog. Do they practice what they preach? Are they willing to talk to you personally?
Reach out and ask specific questions. If you do not get a quick response or cannot get appropriate answers to your questions then move along. You should be able to connect with the person you will work with and ensure this is the right fit for you. I have had a lot of clients come to me after bad experiences with other programs and coaches so be sure to do your homework!
Bodyweight and Free Weight Training
The popularity of bodyweight workouts and free weight workouts has dramatically increased over the past year due to the pandemic.
Body weight training consists of performing exercises in different planes using your own body weight vs. using weights. It is completely free and is good for beginners and intermediate levels because there are a lot of ways to modify these exercises. For example, a push up on the wall is the easiest then on a bench, then on your knees, then a regular push up. For those who are advanced simply adding power movements like instead of a push up, doing a burpee.
Training with free weights is strength training with barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, etc. Basically, lifting weights that are not connected to a machine. Doing these types of workouts can allow for more variety in home strength workouts and allow you to lift heavier weight for certain exercises.
You can get a full body workout combining bodyweight and free weight exercises at any level of fitness with the added benefit of being able to do this at home or while traveling with minimal equipment.
For those who are afraid of hitting the weights in fear that you will get too bulky, it will not happen by lifting heavy weights or implementing strength training. Getting “bulky” takes a lot of work in the gym with specific programing with the addition of nutrition geared to help you bulk up. Women also lack the testosterone needed to get bulky.
The only way to get lean and look toned is to increase your muscle mass and lifting weights is the only way to build that muscle. The more muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism will be.
Strength training builds lean calorie burning muscle.
Without weight training you can lose weight, however, you will simply become a smaller version of what you were. If you want to shape your body into a lean, toned, fit looking physique, you are going to have to build some muscle while shedding those unwanted pounds.
This means your overall weight loss might not be as rapid, but with a solid strength training program, you will see fat loss, and get a leaner, more shapely version of you.
HIIT
HIIT Stands for High Intensity Interval Training
This type of workout typically involves short burst of higher intensity exercises followed by a period of rest or lighter activity.
HIIT burns calories while working out, but continues to burn calories long after working out. Research has shown that HIIT workouts increase your body's resting metabolic rate for 24 hours after your workout is complete. High-intensity interval training is one of my favorite ways to get the best bang out of a cardio workout. It doesn’t necessarily need to be high impact. You can do ANY activity that gets your heart rate up for the higher intensity intervals like swimming, biking, boxing, walking on an incline, etc.
These types of workouts can last anywhere from 10 minutes to 20 minutes which makes them a great time saving workout. Aim to do these about 2-3 times a week.
I personally have been doing HIIT workouts for many years and I incorporate these workouts into the Refine YOU program.
Outdoor Fitness
Exercising outdoors has always been an option for us, but it has risen dramatically in popularity over the last year. Many fitness apps are incorporating outdoor workout options and many gyms are utilizing the outdoors for classes now that things are reopening. Exercising in the fresh air outdoors can lift your spirits and is great for your mindset. The great thing is, you don’t need an app or a class to exercise outdoors. Just simply go for a walk, jog, play a sport, jump rope, do a bodyweight workout, there are so many options! Even when the temperatures are colder, you can still dress more warmly and get outside. One of my favorite things to do in the winter is go for a jog when it is snowing.
As you have seen, many of the “trends” have been around for years and just come in and out of popularity. As with anything fitness related, you should be sure that it is safe to do by talking to your healthcare provider before you start anything new. The pandemic has given us a different perspective on health and life in general. My hope is that people start taking a more active role in their own physical and mental self care. You cannot pour from an empty cup. You have to make yourself a priority, it isn’t selfish, it is necessary.
If would like any more information about any health, nutrition, fitness topic, The Refine YOU Program, or if you have any questions feel free to visit my website, follow me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find plenty of information and tips. Feel free to message me directly and I will be happy to help.
My goal is to help as many people as possible be the healthiest and best they can be, mind, body, and spirit!