1. Wearable technology
Wearable technology first became “on-trend” in 2016 and has remained popular ever since. By using a fitness tracker you can accurately measure the intensity of your workouts and push yourself accordingly, which is great for maximizing performance. As a tracker enables you to monitor time spent in different training zones it can also play a vital role in preventing overtraining and limiting the risk of injury. The Polar Ignite fitness watch is a great option, as you can easily access the LES MILLS™ workout profiles using the Polar app, and it also monitors your sleep quality and recovery. Find out more about adopting wearable technology to help optimize your workouts here.
2. Group training
Defined as exercise in a group of five or more, this type of group exercise provides an element of motivation, accountability and camaraderie that can’t be matched by solo exercise efforts. When you combine the energy of many with great music and inspiring instructors there is a real sense of fun, and a united challenge which helps push limits. Group fitness is considered better for your mental wellbeing than solo training. According to a recent study, those doing group workouts scored higher for stress-reduction and physical, mental and emotional quality of life than individual exercisers. Learn more about it here.
3. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Listed as a top five trend every year since 2014, HIIT is hot because it’s shown to be one of the fastest ways to cut fat, build athleticism and maximize calorie burn. While the basic HIIT formula involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by a short period of rest, not all HIIT workouts are created equally. The transformative results are born from pushing your heart rate to at least 90 percent maximum. Due to its extreme nature, experts recommend you carefully measure how much HIIT you do, and now new research highlights the optimum weekly dose. Find out the science-backed way to set your HIIT workout schedule for maximum results here.
4. Fitness programs for older adults
People are living longer, working longer, and remaining healthy and active much longer… so many assume older adults need exercise programs to match. But do they really? There is certainly no upper age limit for LES MILLS workouts, and with instructors providing options for abilities most workouts can be successfully completed by anyone. Not only can these workouts be done by any age, they can actually be very beneficial when it comes to slowing the effects of aging. Recent studies have shown how indoor cycling can keep you youthful, the age-defying benefits of dance, and how lifting weights can improve bone density.
5. Bodyweight training
For years strength training has been synonymous with barbells and weight plates, but it’s certainly not the only way to go. Exercises such as push-ups, squats and lunges are great examples of strength building bodyweight exercises. Studies show that you can build serious strength with nothing but body weight – and a commitment to constantly upping the ante in order to drive change. Learn more about how to make the most of bodyweight exercises here.
6. Certified fitness professionals
In today’s diverse and evolving fitness space, employing certified fitness professionals is more important than ever. Jump into a LES MILLS workout and you can be guaranteed you’ll be led by a highly trained professional. LES MILLS instructor training is nothing short of extremely comprehensive, and now with the introduction of new advanced training, Les Mills is raising the bar and helping create a powerful new group of fitness leaders.
7. Yoga
Yoga has seen a massive increase in popularity in recent decades and there are now yoga variations to suit an array of preferences – everything from traditional spiritual and physical practices through to power yoga, hot yoga and restorative yoga. BODYBALANCE™/BODYFLOW® is a new yoga fusion that features aspects of Pilates and Tai Chi. If you haven’t tried yoga before then BODYBALANCE/BODYFLOW is a great introduction. If you’re already doing some form of yoga you’ll love the variety you get with BODYBALANCE/ BODYFLOW.
Keen to know more about what’s trending in the world of fitness? Check out the full Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends here.
