4 Fitness Trends to Check Out in 2018

Bust out of your fitness rut with these on-trend exercises!
Published January 7, 2018

Every year there are fresh fads and new trends forecast for every industry, and the fitness industry is most definitely no exception. One of the number one fitness trend for the new year? HIIT – also known as High Intensity Interval Training. HIIT has really grown in popularity over the past few years and certainly frequently dominates the fitness conversation.

HIIT is defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as, “[involving] short bursts of activity followed by a short period of rest or recovery.” HIIT exercise programs are typically performed in less than 30 minutes, the ACSM says.

“High intensity interval training has been a consistently high-ranking trend on the forecast in recent years, appearing in the top three since 2014,” ACSM president Walter R. Thompson said in an ACSM press release.

Thompson continued, “HIIT offers participants a good workout that can be done without a lot of time or equipment. Research shows that with proper precautions, like working with a certified personal trainer, HIIT can be a safe, effective and fun way to exercise.”
 

The ACSM, surveyed more than 4,000 fitness professionals for their take on the hottest trends for 2018 which include:

Group Training: According to the ACSM, “group programs are designed to be motivational and effective for people at different fitness levels, with instructors using leadership techniques that help individuals in their classes achieve fitness goals.”

Body Weight Training: The ACSM says body weight training uses minimal equipment, making it more affordable. And, because it isn’t limited to merely push-ups and pull-ups, body weight training lets people get “back to the basics” with their fitness.

Strength Training: According to the ACSM, strength training is still a priority area for many health clubs. “Incorporating strength training is an essential part of a complete exercise program for all physical activity levels and genders,” the ACSM says. The other essential parts, the organization notes, are aerobic exercise and flexibility.

Bonus Fitness Trend for 2018: Wearable technology – which everyone seems to be wearing nowadays – includes fitness trackers, smart watches and GPS tracking devices so wearers can get a more in-depth look at their fitness stats.