We all know that getting regular physical activity is important to get and stay fit and healthy, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and lose motivation to stick with our goals. If you find yourself slacking or skipping workouts, maybe it’s time to shake up your exercise routine. And this year’s top fitness trends could help to reenergize your workouts.
The American College of Sports Medicine’s annual survey of fitness professionals identifies the top trends in fitness and offers a lot of inspiration. Here’s how to incorporate them into your fitness routine.
- Goal: Track your performance - The research shows that this year’s number one fitness trend is wearable technology, like smart watches. They can help you keep track of how much exercise and sleep you’re getting and where you need improvement.
- Goal: Build and maintain muscle - Are barbells, dumbbells or kettlebells part of your usual routine? If not, you’re missing out on one of the other biggest fitness trends of the year. Muscles give us strength, stability, and endurance,” explains Julia L. Iafrate, a sports medicine doctor and orthopedic specialist, “and strength training with free weights is beneficial for muscle health.”
- Goal: Exercise anytime, anywhere - Body weight training, like push-ups, sit-ups and planks use your own body weight, instead of an exercise machine or free weights, as resistance. It’s a top fitness trend of the year and it’s cheap, doesn’t require equipment, and can be done literally anywhere.
- Goal: Stay active as you age - “Programs and classes designed for the older adult can keep you moving and motivated, even if you have been mostly sedentary,” Dr. Iafrate explains. “The goal is to remain healthy and physically active throughout your life, and regular exercise can help you do that.”
- Goal: Lower your risk of injury - Functional fitness training, another top fitness trend, helps with better balance, coordination, strength and endurance and it mimics moves you make in real life, like bending and squatting. Doing these moves helps people of all ages do everyday activities and avoid getting hurt, too. According to Dr. Iafrate, “Having good flexibility and stability is key to decreasing your risk for injury.”
Source: NYU Langone
Scott's Thoughts:
- Wait, we’re supposed to have goals for exercise? No wonder I’m not getting any!
- I tend to do better when the weather gets warmer. I like to be outside more.
- What are your fitness goals this year? How are you doing with them so far?