Fitness Trends In 2018 & 2019
In 2018 we witnessed the emergence of a number of new fitness trends. From new fitness technology, to workplace workouts and athleisure, it’s been a great year for those getting started on a new fitness quest.
As we look forward to 2019, the ACSM’s annual survey of health and fitness trends around the world has been released, continuing to list some of this years’ fitness trends as ones to watch for the year ahead. So, what will we be focussing on for fitness in 2019?
Functional Fitness
Using strength training, we are improving balance, coordination, force, power, and endurance to enhance our ability to perform daily activities. Functional fitness is popular amongst those with hectic schedules and little time to head to the gym. Get some fresh air functional fitness on our functional training rig at Village Gym Portsmouth!
Exercise and Weight Loss
Exercising to tackle obesity and maintain a healthy weight range has remained a top 20 trend since the survey began. Exercise and weight loss go hand in hand when monitored and coordinated by qualified fitness professionals. If you need a little help in your weight loss efforts, speak to us about our Smart Start programme.
Personal Training
Since the ACSM’s first fitness trends survey back in 2006, personal training has continued to feature in the top 10. We can see why… working with a qualified fitness professional is crucial to understanding your body, your capabilities, and your fitness goals. Need some support? We're here to help.
Yoga
Fun, low energy and a great choice for people of all ages and ability, yoga continues to keep a top ten spot. With benefits including increased flexibility, muscle strength and protection from injury, this versatile workout provides plenty of choice for those looking to shake up their regime. Take a look at our upcoming yoga classes and book your space in the members area online.
Group Training
Group exercise not only helps to improve motivation, but can also enable us to perform better, whilst keeping up with fitness companions. There’s a whole world of group fitness options out there, from gym-based classes to outdoor bootcamps and the latest immersive experience, The Trip from Les Mills. 2019 will see a rise in group exercise thanks to its sociable nature and motivational new styles.
HIIT
HIIT combines short bursts of high-intensity exercise with short periods of rest, for maximum results in minimal time. Popular in groups, alone, in the gym or in the great outdoors, HIIT continues to be popular amongst those that need to get their workout done, with little time to do so.
Barre
Over the last few years ballet inspired workouts have become one of the hottest trends to hit gyms and boutique studios.
Most Barre workouts are accessible to all fitness and flexibility levels.
Although they are not designed to deliver a cardiovascular workout, incorporating Les Mills Barre into or alongside your regular workout routine will improve your posture, help lift and shape your body. Book your Barre class online via our Member's Area or download the app!
Body Weight Training
Body weight training always ranks highly on the fitness trends hot-list. It can be done anytime, anywhere and without the need for fitness equipment. A winner all round!
Wearable Technology
Though science says there’s little evidence fitness trackers are effective, wearable tech is still big business. This year, we’ve seen activity trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors, and GPS tracking devices. Try our MyZone technology to plug your fitness goals right into your own device.
Summer Fitness Trends 2018 / 19
Summer is in full swing, and we're looking forward to lazy afternoon BBQs, splurging on the latest athleisure and a whole host of new fitness fads to get stuck into.
A look at the fitness trends sweeping in for the summer...
GROUP IT
Research shows that group exercise is now more popular than swimming and running*, with 3.76 million more fitness lovers choosing to get their sweat on with others over the last two years.
Not only is exercising in groups way more motivational, but the variety of group fitness classes mean there's something to suit all ages, abilities and fitness goals.
Who doesn't enjoy a little fitness with friends? Grab your bestie, or a few fellow Village Gym members for a group studio class or outdoor fitness session.
LOWER INTENSITY, HIGHER IMPACT
LIIT training will still burn the same calories as a good HIIT session, but can add an extra 30-40 minutes to your workout. Fortunately, the lighter nights in summer leave us plenty more time to enjoy our exercise sessions, so an outdoor walk with varying speeds is a great way to get your LIIT done.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that 8% of the energy we use while walking comes from stopping and starting. Switch up your stroll. Changing direction, turning round or walking in a curve can burn 20% more calories than walking in a straight line. Keep your body guessing by changing direction and varying your speed every five minutes.
JUMP
NASA scientists say that bouncing on a trampoline is 68% more effective for cardiovascular health than a jog. Not only does it take less physical effort, it's way more fun too!
Trampolining took off last year, thanks to the emergence of numerous jump classes throughout the UK. It's a great way to tone, whilst getting your low impact cardio done. One to watch for the summer.
OUTDOOR FITNESS
There are many reasons why getting our sweat on in the great outdoors makes us feel good. Beautiful views, the sun beating down on our faces and getting away from the hustle and bustle of a packed gym floor, to name a few. Though research has found a link between spending regular time outdoors and our perception of how we look. So it's no wonder we'll be spending our summer enjoying outdoor exercise classes and park runs.
HIGH INTENSITY DIP
Think, aquacise, with maximum impact. High intensity water aerobics add resistance in the water and increase the intensity of your workout. Plus, a number of new water-based trends have emerged, such as FloatFit.
Perfect for all fitness abilities, the continual movement of water requires you to work your core, strengthening key muscles and honing that balance!
The key is not to fall in! So you'll enjoy a combination of high intensity and yoga-inspired movements for a full body water workout with a difference.
FloatFit is currently on trial at selected Village Gym clubs.
ON THE RUN
A study from fitness app Strava revealed that runners are happier. Out of 8,000 people, 89% said taking part in a running event lifted their mood.
Running is a great summer activity. Warmer mornings, lighter nights, plenty of nature to enjoy as you speed by... and the fact that nothing beats the feeling of the sun shining on your face.
Dig out those running shoes, and go for it.
* Sport England's Active Lives research
** Study from fitness experts, EMD UK
View our latest post on 'new fitness trends for Summer 2021'.
