Getting into shape, or maintaining your level of fitness, is important all year round. A big part of staying fit is finding exercise activities that keep you interested and challenge you in new ways.
Some of the following fitness trends may be new to you, and others may be old favorites, but they are all definitely worth checking out.
Body weight training
Body weight training is actually not a new concept. For centuries, people have used their own body weight as resistance. A large part of its rise in popularity is that body weight training requires very minimal equipment, which makes it inexpensive, as well as the fact that it is extremely effective.
High intensity interval training (HIIT)
High-intensity interval training consists of short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by short periods of rest. These workouts are usually less than 30 minutes in duration. Despite its popularity, there is a serious potential for injury with this type of exercise, and so caution (and perhaps a talk with your doctor) is advisable before starting one of these routines.
Strength training
It comes as no surprise that strength training is a top fitness trend this year. It has been popular for a very long time. Younger individuals in particular are likely to work out exclusively with weights. However, among all ages, and especially in individuals who face chronic health issues, there is a trend towards using weight training to improve strength and maintain fitness levels.
There are also many illness management programs, like cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, that use weight training as an exercise for their patients.
Yoga
Yoga comes in many forms, including Yogalates, Power Yoga, Ashtanga, and Bikram Yoga. There are many instructional videos and books that illustrate yoga poses and the benefits to be reaped by this type of workout. More and more people are pursuing certifications for yoga instruction, so studios are popping up everywhere.
Functional fitness
Functional fitness is a workout based on the reproduction of physical activities someone may actually perform as part of their daily routine. The principle of this type of exercise is to improve balance, coordination, power and endurance in connection with daily living activities. This type of workout is particularly useful for older adults who need to maintain their strength and physical functions.
Outdoor activities
Activities like hiking, kayaking, sports and canoeing are just a few of the outdoor activities that are popular with all ages. High-adventure programs and overnight camping are also favorites. The versatility of these workouts means you can perform them in groups, such as with friends and family, or alone.
Circuit training
In some ways, circuit training is similar in design to high-intensity interval training, but at a drastically lower intensity level. This training is comprised of 6 to 10 exercises that are completed one after another in a sequence. The exercises are repeated for a set period of time, followed by a brief rest period before moving on to the next exercise.
This year, shake up your exercise routine and give one of these workouts a try!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/top-fitness-trends-for-2015-20150106-12j220.html
http://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Fulltext/2014/11000/WORLDWIDE_SURVEY_OF_FITNESS_TRENDS_FOR_2015_.5.aspx
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/64677744/hottest-fitness-trends-for-2015
