The fitness industry is in a constant state of change. Americans don’t stick to most fitness routines because they become just that, routines. Many people who resolve to workout get bored, lose motivation and quit. For 2020, the trends in fitness and exercise aim to change that. They include innovative equipment that delivers results, variety, a competitive angle, and workouts that simulate daily activity. Exercise is one of the Six Keys to Optimal Health, and Naturally…You is excited about what’s new in the industry. So keep reading to learn how fitness trends for 2020 mix fun with results.
Pilates Megaformer Workout
Pilates fans know about the carriage-like equipment known as a reformer. It is built with movable platforms, springs, and pulleys. This year’s trend in Pilates is called a megaformer. And it takes this workout to a whole new level. Done mostly in Pilates studios, megaformer is a boutique fitness class. This makes it ideal for people who want a serious workout but don’t like large classes found in big-box gyms. It focuses on core strength and stability and activates slow-twitch muscles for full-body engagement. This workout will make you sweat, shake, burn fat, and build muscle with lots of abdominal engagement. The result is a low-impact workout that strengthens muscles, improves balance and flexibility. Best of all, it challenges your core in a way that a lot of other workouts don’t.
Virtual Reality Workouts Change the Game
The worlds of fitness and technology come together to create simulated workout experiences. This is taking off in 2020 and will expand in scope and popularity. All you need is a virtual reality headset and some games or apps. These are convenient because they can be done practically anywhere. Plus they eliminate the boredom that typically creeps into gym-based workouts.
VR workouts can change as often as you’d like. Try boxing one day, tennis the next, and practice yoga another day. In one game, Hot Squat, players do as many squats as they can by ducking to navigate a series of virtual tunnels. It combines strength and endurance conditioning while you play to score points. While some may seem more like a game than a workout, don’t be fooled! VR workouts can be very effective. Throughout this year and into the future, the development of VR workout opportunities will produce more targeted, effective and fun ways to get fit.
The Mini-Trampoline Bounces Back
That’s right, a favorite in the 1980s, the mini-trampoline, is back. Like virtual reality workouts, this is an activity you want to do versus an obligation like a gym routine you have to do. Jumping on a mini-trampoline is fun and gives you an effective workout. Mini trampoline classes combine:
- Cardio
- Simple choreography
- Toning
- Stretching
The benefits include:
- Improved cardio function
- Kicks the lymphatic system into high gear
- Aids in weight loss
- Improves balance
- Builds bone mass
Best of all, it’s fun! John Porcari, professor of exercise and sport science at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, was quoted in Time Magazine saying “When you’re following along to a video or doing something fun, the enjoyment factor overrides the fact that you’re working hard. You just focus on having fun.”
Exercise Imitates Life through Functional Workouts
Functional workout classes simulate common movements that you may do at home. You are essentially doing real-life activities in real-life exercise positions, using multiple muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time. The muscles are working together rather than isolating them to work independently. That way, they help control and balance body weight. Classes typically include the use of fitness balls, kettlebells, and weights. Additionally, they include movements that include several body parts at once, like elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, and the spine. The result is muscle memory that reduces the risk of injury. This is critically important, especially as a person gets older. Injuries can result in the loss of ability to do simple things and a lower quality of life. Functional workouts are designed to help people stay as agile and independent for as long as possible.
The Key to Lasting Fitness
The key to lasting fitness is finding activities that are fun for you, with hard work to burn calories, strengthen muscle and endurance. Exercise is an important piece of the health and wellness puzzle. And constantly finding new workouts will fuel your success. Start with a variety of activities that take place both indoors and outdoors. Next, mix up group settings and solo efforts. Finally, keep the equipment light and expenses low. That way you will stay motivated, interested and excited. Combine that with consistency and a healthy diet and you’ll be fit for life. Fitness trends for 2020 mix fun with results in ways that will improve your quality of life. So start now! Find a class nearby or pick up a virtual reality headset and start moving to a whole new groove!
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