The Biggest Fitness Trends of 2016
Surprising as it may (or may not be) to you, it seems that for the next year the first place in health and workout goes to wearable technology.
Study author Walter R. Thompson, PhD says that these results are not at all that unexpected but rather in line with the progress of modern society because “Tech devices are now central to our daily lives.” There are many advantages of using technology for setting a fitness plan.
They don’t only help making the whole process of creating a workout programme a lot easier and effective, but they can also become a strong motivation to push your limits and not give up. “Wearable devices also provide immediate feedback that can make the wearer more aware of their level of activity and can motivate the user to achieve their fitness goals.” Thompson adds.
Although the predictions of ACSM for 2016 differ a bit from 2015 and 2014 regarding the top spot (we had body weight training as number 1 in 2015 and HIIT in 2014), the rest of the top 20 list is pretty much identical with the list from previous years. Only two new headlines managed to break into the list, that is flexibility and mobility rollers and exercise apps for smart phones.
But let’s see the top 10 workout trends countdown in 2016 as voted by over 2,800 health and fitness experts worldwide.
Table of Contents
1. Yoga
Yoga still remains extremely popular, even though it’s true that last year it was ranked a little bit higher. But that is nothing to worry about if you are a fan of this sport because of the many activities it includes, like Yogalates, Ashtanga, Power Yoga, Kundalini to name just a few. It seems Yoga strongly keeps its status and position in the top 10 list.
2. Weight Loss
Exercise and weight loss find their place in the top 10 trends too. Well, even though one may say this is not quite a trend but rather a goal, it has still been added to the list to note the importance of nutrition for weight-loss and a healthy lifestyle in general.
3. Fitness Programs
Fitness programmes for older adults are a refreshing idea. Studies show that after 40, we begin to lose muscle mass and strength. So fitness programmes that keep older adults healthy and active are crucial. It is extremely important for people over the age of 40 to continue being physically active in order to keep their health. So, it is a very good thing that fitness professionals will continue to focus on creating appropriate workout programmes for elderly people as well.
4. Functional Fitness
Functional fitness mimics the activities of daily life based on the idea of converting common everyday moves into actual organised workout like bending down, picking things up, walking up stairs, and pulling or pushing open doors. This ‘trend’ makes so much sense.
5. Personal Training
Personal training is still acknowledged to be one of the best ways to help you give it all at the gym. So, whether you just want to get started or you have a specific fitness goal that you want to accomplish, personal trainers remain one of the most recommended options out there.
6. Fitness Professionals
Experienced and educated fitness professionals. This category doesn’t really need another description if we only try to remember how much emphasis has been put on fitness certifications and credentials this year alone.
7. Strength Training
Strength training remains a crucial part of the workout because besides building your muscles, you also need to burn calories, strengthen your bones and protect your muscle mass.
8. High Intensity Interval Training
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) which took the top place on the list two years ago has now dropped a few positions, but it is still among the most popular fitness trends. It refers to any workout programme that alternates intense activity with less-intense exercises or even complete rest , and the entire workout can usually be performed is 30 minutes or less—just one of its many benefits!
9. Bodyweight Training
Bodyweight training used to be the number one last year, but still holds firmly onto the top of the top. And there is no wonder why, as it only requires minimal equipment and it can basically be done anywhere.
10. Wearable Technology
Wearable technology is the top of our workout trends for the next year! A great deal of devices from a wide range of big brands like Jawbone, Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, and more have conquered the fitness world by introducing all sorts of GPS trackers, heart rate monitors and smart devices to help and assist you with your training. This will continue to be huge in 2016. So, put your snickers on, charge the batteries and off you go!
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