With every year comes new trends – fashion, decorations, food, and yes, even fitness. At our fitness center, we know the fitness trends that will take center stage in 2017. Things like wearable tech, body weight training and high intensity interval training. Keep reading for more information on what you can expect from fitness this year.
These trends are identified in an annual report published by the American College of Sport Medicine. This year’s annual report surveyed 1,801 personal trainers, wellness coaches, exercise physiologists, and college professors. According to the American College of Sport Medicine president-elect, Walter Thompson, they only consider it a trend if it has sustained over many years.
The first trend the annual report talks about is wearable technology – like fitness trackers and smart watches. They’ve been around for a while and won’t be going anywhere soon. Consumers love to see up to the minute tracking of their daily activity. These technologies track distance travelled, heart rate, GPS, move reminders – just to name a few.
The next trend is body weight training. These exercises require no equipment and are easy to learn and do anywhere. Some of these moves include push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, and planks, but there are many more. It’s important to learn and do these moves with the correct form. When done right, they can transform your body.
Another trend you’ve probably heard of is HIIT, or high intensity interval training. This is a fast way to burn calories. Over the course of 20 to 30 minutes, you do quick bursts of a high intensity exercise and then rest for a short period. You’ll see these types of workouts in Pilates, CrossFit, and boot camps, or you can create your own circuit at home with jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, etc.
A trend we know and love at Zip Fitness are personal trainers. U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts these occupations will only increase in popularity, with employment to rise 8 percent between 2014 and 2024. Personal trainers are great because they can create a plan just for you as well as make sure you are doing the moves safely and accurately. But don’t take our word for it – come try them out for yourself.
Some of the other trends include strength training, group training, exercises such as yoga, flexibility/mobility rollers, circuit training, worksite health promotion, outdoor activities, and smartphone exercise apps.
If you have questions about how you can work these trends into your fitness regiment, swing by Zip Fitness and talk to any of our personal trainers. We are in the Chicago, IL area with a plethora of free weights, cardio machines, and other fitness amenities to make your fitness journey a successful one. We hope to see you soon!