The fitness industry is constantly evolving and responding to the needs of consumers. This year was no exception, especially considering the continued disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the top 10 fitness trends to look for in 2022, compiled by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
The fitness industry is constantly evolving and responding to the needs of consumers. This year was no exception, especially considering the continued disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the top 10 fitness trends to look for in 2022, compiled by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
The biggest fitness trend for 2022 is wearable fitness technology. From activity trackers to heart rate monitors to devices that do both and more, the newest “wearables” are sophisticated tools for recording your steps per day, distance you run, and calories you burn. Make sure to pick the device that meets your needs… and your budget, as they can get expensive!
Second on the list is home exercise gyms. With fitness facilities closed, many people opted to build their own at home. Home gyms can range from a single piece of exercise equipment to a set of weights to a fully equipped room that replaces the need for a fitness facility. Your home gym should match your goals, available space, and budget.
Next is outdoor activities. When fitness centers closed, many people moved their exercise outdoors. Not only are walking, running, cycling, and hiking great ways to get in shape, being outdoors makes appropriately physically distanced group exercise a safer option. Aside from getting a great workout, there are additional physical and mental health benefits from being active outdoors.
Strength training with free weights is fourth on the list. In addition to building or toning muscles, strength training can make everyday activities easier, help maintain bone mass, and promote weight loss. While weight machines can make you stronger, free weights promote bigger improvements and can incorporated into other types of exercise.
Number five is exercise for weight loss. Usually combined with some form of dietary changes, exercise can add to weight loos and prevent regain. This traditionally includes aerobic exercise, but now there is an emphasis on maintaining muscle and building strength.
Personal training is sixth on the list. One-on-one training can help you learn proper techniques, try new exercises, and keep you accountable. You should look for a certified personal trainer who has experience working with people like you, so ask for recommendations and references to get the best match.
Next on the list is high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which uses repeated cycles of short, maximal or near-maximal exercise alternated with short rest periods. These HIIT sessions typically last less than 30 minutes but lead to fitness improvements that exceed those of traditional longer-duration training.
Eighth is body weight training, and for good reason. Popular because it requires minimal equipment, body weight training focuses on dynamic movements to build strength and endurance. This type of training can be done almost anywhere, which is good news for people who are moved their workouts from the gym to their home.
Number nine is online live and on-demand exercise classes. After access to most fitness facilities was restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, exercise professionals responded by offering synchronous and pre-recorded individual and group training sessions online. Using streaming video platforms, people were able to work out from home with expert guidance and real-time feedback.
Rounding out the top ten is health and wellness coaching, which combines behavior and lifestyle modification for a holistic approach to improve health and well being. Coaching can be delivered individually or in small groups, either in person or virtually to provide goal setting, support, and encouragement.
Whether you decide to follow a fitness trend or not, make sure you dedicate time every day to be active. Health and fitness will always be trendy!
Dr Parr Says... 