There are so many ways to achieve health and fitness goals. One size does not fit all. It can take time to find the right routine for your body type and/or goals. There are also always new trends and fads every year that are heavily promoted, but only some last longterm. The following list takes a look at the top health & fitness trends of 2014:
Online Training
At GymRa, we are obviously on board for this one! Online fitness is the future. With more and more companies and trainers expanding their routines to the online platform, we predict that in just a few years, most people will be doing their workouts through online training programs. Getting your fitness programs online gets rid of a lot of the common problems associated with finding the time and motivation, or even the money, for fitting a balanced exercise routine into your life.
HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training
This trend came into the mainstream last year but is now one of the most popular exercise programs of the moment. HIIT involves routines that include short bursts of high intensity moves followed by a short period of rest or recovery. CrossFit & P90X are 2 of the most popular programs that utilize this system. There isn’t enough information on this type of workout available yet, so many trainers and physicians advise against it unless you are already in good shape. Even then, there may still be issues such as muscle injury and cardiac events.
Body Weight Training
More and more people are getting into the idea of working out using their own body weight. Why carry heavy equipment around with you or even use it when you don’t have to? Using your own weight as a form of resistance training can be a very effective, as well as inexpensive way to workout.
Nutrition Awareness
Fortunately awareness and knowledge that eating habits significantly effect your weight and overall health is becoming more and more popular. There have recently been more efforts to encourage people to stay away from short term diets and inform them about the unnecessary additives and chemicals they are putting into their bodies. Focus on a balanced, healthy diet as a lifestyle, rather than a crash diet for quick weight loss is a positive new wave in the health and fitness world. It’s important to maintain your weight and keep it off by adopting this way of eating rather than hoping to quickly drop a few pounds every few months. Crash diets are unhealthy and not sustainable.
Small Group Training
In todays economy, most people cannot afford a personal trainer, but ideally we’d all have one to help us with our fitness goals. To accommodate the budget minded, many personal trainers are offering small group training. In these sessions, they train 2-3 people at a time, offering significant discounts to each client which is beneficial to everyone involved. The individual clients get a discount while the trainer makes just as much, if not more money by training several people at once. Since it is a small group, it does not take away from the personalized experience that most clients look for with trainers.
Yoga
Yoga has been one of the most popular forms of exercise for many years and the reason it continues to top lists is because Yogis spend a lot of time re-inventing the wheel. The basic principles remain the same, but enough variety and change is added to keep people excited and the routines fresh. There is something for everyone out there in the Yoga world. Just browse your local Yoga centers and you’ll be sure to find a compatible class.
Kale, Ancient Grains, Healthy Fats
Ancient grains such as quinoa, healthy fats like chia seeds and coconut oil, and leafy kale are some of the most popular diet trends of the year. Kale is quite the super food, providing even more protein and nutrients than similar leafy green spinach. Chia seeds are also a super food, aiding in weight loss, a great source of omega-3, and are also quite versatile. You can top them on cereal or oatmeal, bake into bread or eat them raw. Coconut oil is a great substitute for Vegetable Oil and Olive Oil. Coconut oil can reduce cholesterol, help you maintain healthy weight, and is great for hair & skin. Ancient grains such as quinoa, barley, millet, and buckwheat have also risen in popularity recently. These grains contain a lot of protein and fiber, as well as iron, riboflavin, and thiamin. They are low in calories and sodium, helping to boost metabolism and immunity.
Fitness Devices
Fitness devices that you can wear, such as Jawbone & Fitbit are no longer only for fitness nuts and junkies. All kinds of people who are incorporating exercise into their lives are now using these devices to track their progress. Wearable fitness devices can be very motivating and useful no matter what your level of fitness is.
Wheat-Free & Gluten-Free Diets
Gluten-free and wheat-free diets have become quite popular in the past year. People have become more aware of wheat and gluten allergies, though some are skeptical about the benefits of removing these grains from their diets. Cutting wheat out of your diet is said to reduce belly fat and bloating, and increase energy levels. Cutting out wheat and gluten can be very difficult for some people as it means eliminating staples that so many of us have become accustomed to eating. Items such as bread, pasta, cake, and cookies are just some of the common foods that must go with a wheat-free diet. This type of diet can be very effective or even necessary for some, while others can get away with having wheat in moderation while remaining healthy overall.
Mind-Body Fitness
More attention is being given to exercise that activates the body and mind simultaneously. This mindful living movement has broadened the perspective many people have when it comes to fitness. A clear, strong mind is necessary to maintain a strong body. The two go hand in hand and both are necessary for achieving goals. You must nourish both the body and mind to maintain a healthy, balanced life.
