From HIIT To Tech: Here Are Some Of The Biggest Fitness Trends Of 2018

Fitness Trends have always had a huge impact on people who work-out and those involved in the fitness business. The fitness industry is a $3.7 trillion business and is expected to grow 17 per cent in the next five years.

This year has been full of new concepts and techniques. Various workouts were being tried out abroad and many were being liked by people. Below are some of the best fitness trends that changed the face of the fitness industry in 2018.

HIIT

The biggest fitness trend of the year 2108 was High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). A HIIT training session involves bursts of maximum-effort, very hard work (typically about 20 to 90 seconds), followed by a less intensive workout, repeating the process. The major reason why HIIT was a hit this year as it can be done in a short amount of time with little to no equipment. These high-intensity workouts have an impressive range of health benefits such as:

- Boosted metabolism

- Reduced body fat

- Increased endurance

- Muscle tone improvement

Fitness programs for senior citizens

There is a growing market for senior citizens who are now retiring healthier than other generations. Thus, this year health fitness facilities took advantage of this opportunity by providing safe, age-appropriate exercise programs for this once-ignored section.

The highly active older people were targeted to participate in more rigorous exercise programs including strength training, team sports, and HIIT when appropriate. Even the frail elderly have improved their balance and ability, when given appropriate functional fitness program activities, to perform activities of daily living.

Outdoor activities

Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and games or sports are examples of outdoor activities. The trend of offering outdoor activities by health and fitness professionals began a few years ago and has gained huge popularity in the year 2018. Outdoor activities also include high adventure programs like overnight camping trips and mountain climbing. It can be done with family and friends, with a group, or by yourself. Some personal trainers have used outdoor activities as a form of small group personal training.

Wearable Tech

Another fitness trend that continued to increase in popularity this year is the use of fitness bands, Activity trackers, smart watches, smart eyeglasses (designed to show maps and track activity) and heart rate monitors. These wearables helped in taking one’s fitness to the next level.