If you love to stay in touch with the latest fitness trends, have we got the article for you! We spoke to top wellness experts and asked for their predictions for the 2014 fitness scene. Can you keep up?
1. Digital Gyms: ‘Online training has been a growing trend for awhile now, but this year, expect to see more major gyms launching online platforms,’ says personal trainer Jessica Smith, author of Thin in 10. ‘As more and more boutique fitness studios and specialised classes pop up online, offering consumers the option to choose when and where they work out, expect to see more major gyms following suit.’ The first national fitness chain to offer their group fitness programme online was Crunch Gym, and although they only debuted their site Crunch Live in November, they already have plans to expand the content library in 2014. According to Christina DeGuardi, senior vice president of marketing, branding, and communications at Crunch, ‘We feel strongly that the real future for the at-home workout market is in a digital experience, especially given the digital streaming capabilities of televisions and the prevalence of devices like Apple TV. We believe that what we do at Crunch is unique and special, and now we are able to share it with more and more people outside of our brick and mortar establishments.’
2. Focus on Recovery: Smith notes, ‘Fitness pros have long known that after your workout, during the recovery phase, is when the body truly becomes fitter. But exactly what you should be doing during this phase and for how long has recently been a hot topic of research—which explains the influx of workout programming, fitness products, and education on how proper recovery can yield better results… You can expect to see this trend in large gyms and smaller studios, with more classes that focus on stimulating flexibility, restoration, and myofascial release. These techniques can help promote recovery and enhance overall sports performance and longevity in training, whatever your goals might be.’ Nicole Nichols, fitness expert for SparkPeople.com, adds, ‘In 2014 you’ll see even more information and products aimed at fitness recovery for optimal results (think foam rolling, ice baths, massage, heat, and other strategies to speed up and optimize the recovery and rebuilding process).’
3. Express Intense Workouts: ‘Given the desire (and need) of our increasingly busy population to “train smarter, not longer,” expect to see even more express-style workouts (30 minutes or less) in 2014,’ says Smith. ‘Everything from popular DVD-based programmes (such as Focus T-25 and the newly released P90X3) to high-intensity interval training style classes (Tabata-inspired classes and CrossFit) are designed to be as efficient and effective as possible.’ For the best results, Jessica Matthews, MS, certified personal trainer and assistant professor of exercise science at MiramarCollege, recommends doing these intense, full-body workouts three days a week, allowing 48 to 72 hours between strength sessions for proper recovery.
4. Yoga as Cross-Training: Smith points out, ‘With more people than ever making high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit-style programmes like CrossFit part of their regular routine, the need for complimentary stability and mobility training has never been higher—and yoga can provide both. Be on the lookout for more yoga offerings specifically designed with the CrossFit devotee and intense exerciser in mind to help them get more out of their workouts and stay safe.’ If you happen to already be a regular at your local CrossFit Box, Matthews recommends that you round out your routine with two or three yoga sessions a week.