Just like with fashion, certain kinds of workouts go in and out of fashion. But there are also other areas of health and fitness that can become trendy based on what is going on in the world around us. Whether you simply want to stay up-to-date on the latest fitness trends or you are looking for a new way to break a sweat, here are the top five trends for 2017 we think you should be aware of from the American Council on Exercise.
- Alternative Forms of Transportation. With more and more millennials opting for life in urban areas, how people get around is changing. Expect to see an increase in people walking and biking versus driving or riding the bus or subway to get where they want to go.
- Machine-Based Circuit Training. Meanwhile, the other largest demographic in the country, baby boomers, are behind the resurgence of machine-based circuit training workouts. While higher intensity strength training is safe for older adults, some may lack the mobility or foundational strength. The machine-based programs help overcome that obstacle. A bonus is many boomers are already familiar with this type of equipment.
- Wearable Devices Linked to Insurance. If you are getting tired of messing with your wearable device whenever you want to go for a run or walk, you aren’t alone. But insurance companies may soon give you an incentive not to give up on your trackers just yet. United Healthcare has announced it will give financial discounts to wearers of fitness trackers.
- Trainers Using Social Media. Expect to see more trainers utilizing social media, whether it is Facebook Live, Instagram, Periscope or Snapchat to promote themselves and any fitness products they endorse.
- Studio Within a Club. The boutique studio movement of the past several years has been a disrupter to the larger multipurpose health club format. To combat this, many larger health clubs are starting to renovate their facilities to offer more spaces for the types of fitness activities offered by boutique workout locations.
Shapes staff is constantly watching the trends in the industry. Our boutique model provides the best of both worlds – in providing both the specialized programming of a boutique fitness location and the full machine based circuit training. Don’t forget to Like our Facebook Page to receive the latest fitness tips and happenings at Shapes.