Despite the influx of new gimmicks and new machines in the fitness world, it seems that the hottest trends today are the ones that have been here all along.
Professor Scott Crouter Ph.D. specializes in Exercise Science at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UMass Boston and believes that the most important thing is that Americans find something they like to do and are willing to do on a regular basis.
“The earlier that we can get people started into doing physical activity in whatever it is that they enjoy,” he said, “the more likely it is that they will sustain that throughout their lives.”
Today, there is a migration from the traditional fitness routines like running on the treadmill and lifting weights to more all-encompassing workouts that offer something a little bit different to the body and the mind.
“You don’t have to do these traditional ideas of exercise,” said Crouter. “You can do things like yoga and kettlebells and you can get the same benefits from a health standpoint but you can enjoy what you’re doing.”
Instructors and experts say that Power Yoga offers a high-intensity workout for the student looking to get their heart rate up, their muscles lean and their stress levels down.
Pilates for longer, leaner bodies
With its focus on core strength, Pilates offers a challenging and functional strength-training workout without the bulky results of lifting weights.
Kettlebells can be the gym in your hand
In addition building muscular and cardio health, Kettlebell training has become most popular for its rehabilitation benefits that offer effective results with less pain and less time.
CrossFit: From the academy to the family room
The CrossFit phenomenon has everyone from police officers to the curious couch potato getting back into shape faster than ever. Whether you take a class or learn the workouts for free online, the CrossFit program leaves no room for excuses.