Top Workout Trends of 2019
Let’s get physical
It can be challenging to find the right workout for your body and fitness level. It doesn’t help that every few years, there’s a new miracle workout regimen on the market—and you’re left wondering whether or not it’s worth the hype. Fortunately, some workout trends do stand the test of time and are backed by scientific research to be beneficial to your health (and possibly your waistline). To help you remove the guesswork, we’ve compiled a list of this year’s top workout trends along with their benefits, and, suffice to say, there’s something for everyone.
HIIT/burst training
It’s working out smarter, not harder. High-intensity interval training (HIIT, AKA “burst training”) combines high-resistant weight training with cardio—giving you the best of both worlds in one fell swoop. Gone is the debate of cardio vs. weightlifting, because studies say there are benefits to both.1,2 The idea is to keep alternating between the two in shorter intervals until you’ve depleted your energy reserves. In fact, HIIT has recently shown to be better for health than longer periods of sustained exercise.3
Treadmill-centered fitness
It’s back and better than ever. Rather than the lower-intensity treadmill workouts of the past, the ever-popular device is now used in fitness classes as a component of HIIT, where participants can learn how to run properly, effectively utilize their energy, and build their stamina.
Dating as far back as the first century, the treadmill has definitely stood the test of time. While walking is always a good idea, studies show that more intensive treadmill training can improve cardiorespiratory function, especially in those who have heart-related health concerns.4
Yoga
It’s no secret; yoga is wildly popular, and it’s not going away anytime soon. That’s because this ancient practice combines slow, controlled, movement with mindfulness and spirituality to deliver a variety of proven benefits. Research has found that yoga can enhance muscle strength, improve flexibility, promote better respiratory and cardiovascular function, and help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. If that weren’t enough, practicing yoga regularly can improve your sleep patterns and lead to a greater sense of wellbeing.5 With all the different types of yoga available, it seems like there’s something for everyone. Where do we sign up?
Aerial acrobatics
For anyone who grew up in dance and tumbling classes, aerial acrobatics might give some serious nostalgia. These classes are not for the faint of heart, incorporating activities like aerial hoops and aerial yoga that are designed to build a strong core and promote better balance and flexibility. If you’re looking for a unique challenge this year, this one may be worth a shot.
Working out at home
At-home fitness videos and workout devices have been around for years (Thighmaster®, anyone?). But as those who’ve owned one likely know, it doesn’t take long to get bored of the same-old videos or for your fitness machine to turn into another clothes rack. Luckily, the new alternative of “on-demand fitness” might help keep you motivated. It allows users to stream live exercise classes with top-notch instructors into the comfort of their homes—a huge perk for those who’ve renounced gym memberships and a great workaround for erratic or busy schedules. From at-home spin cycle sessions to simple yoga flow, there are various workout classes you can try sans gym.
Functional fitness
The idea behind this basic form of exercise is to improve your everyday function—that is, how you perform daily tasks and activities. Whether it’s lifting your garage door in the morning or picking something up off the floor, these mundane, yet necessary, tasks require muscle strength, balance, and agility to accomplish—especially as we age. That’s why slow-building workouts, including squats and targeted weight training, are a particularly great fit for older adults looking to maintain their health or rebuild proper function after a health-related incident.6,7 This one definitely ranks high on our list. As always, safety first—please be sure to consult with your supervising healthcare practitioner before starting an exercise plan.
Community wellness
The ever-popular music festival has birthed a new kind of gathering—aimed to attract those who are also health conscious. Marked by group workouts, healthy eating, mindfulness, and, of course, live music, wellness festivals are popping up everywhere as an outlet for like-minded people to share their common experiences and make meaningful connections. It’s always a good idea to surround yourself with people who can encourage and support you in your wellness goals, so we think this trend could offer some benefits to those looking to make wellness a top priority.
Smart watches and apps
There’s no doubt that smartphones play a big role in our daily/weekly schedules, which is why fitness apps are so handy. Travel-friendly meal trackers, exercise guidelines, and workout reminders are just a few of the features these apps offer to help you up your game. For even more convenience, smart watches and other kinds of wearable technology are becoming more popular and affordable, offering easy access to personalized stats like daily steps and sleep patterns.
For anyone looking to switch up their workout routine, this year is full of exciting new offerings to fit your lifestyle and your schedule. Stay active!
As always, consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any exercise program.
References:
- Willis LH et al. J Appl Physiol. 2012;113(12):1831–1837.
- Villareal DT et al. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(20):1943–1955.
- Shiraev T et al. Aust Fam Physician. 2012;41(12):960-962.
- Chan L et al. Chest. 2013;143(2):333-343.
- Woodyard C. Int J Yoga. 2011;4(2):49–54.
- Blennerhassett J et al. Aus J Physiother. 2004;50:858–870.
- Timmermans AA et al. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2010;24:219–224.
Submitted by the Metagenics Marketing Team
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