Top 5 Fitness Trends for 2020
2019 was a bumper year for health and wellbeing – and if the experts are to be believed (and they are!) you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Around the globe, more and more people are noting the importance of health and wellbeing.
Late last year, the American College of Sports Medicine put together a survey of Worldwide Fitness Trends for 2020.
This survey gauged the opinions of its more than 50,000 members (representing 70 roles within the sports medicine field) from 90 countries. It is this survey that gives us a 360-degree view of the health and fitness world.
We count down the top 5 fitness trends for the new decade that will shape, shake, and stir 2020.
Number 5: Personal Training
Personal Training kicks off this list. This trend is on the upswing – as more people recognise the importance of personal feedback on their fitness journey.
When you're tucked up in bed on a cold winter morning, it can be hard to find the motivation to hit the gym. That's why, when you work out, you need someone there to egg you on, drive you to success, and give you the skills you need to triumph. Enter: Personal Trainers.
Personal trainers are also riding the wave that comes with online training. You can now get a personal training workout or a group fitness webinar session from the comfort of your living room.
Number 4: Free-Weight Training
Barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells and medicine balls are all on the rise in 2020. Free weights give you freedom and flexibility in your movements. That's why they are the perfect alternative to big exercise machines in the living room (#minimalism anyone).
Their popularity can also be seen in the explosion of free-weight classes. These classes have instructors which teach proper form for each movement. The weight then increases as you increase in strength and skill.
Number 3: Group Training
Free-weight classes are not the only ones on the up and up. In fact, group fitness classes as a whole are on the rise.
Organising a regular gym routine takes a lot of work. Working out sets, reps, how much weight to add, how far to run... it can take its toll on your brain. Group classes let you fall in love with exercise and give you motivation when you’re feeling down. Every class is different, and the time flies by. Pop on by and check out one of our classes here at Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
Number 2: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
If you hit the gym yourself, or fancy yourself a friend of a gym junkie, you’ve probably heard of HIIT. HIIT is cardio in short bursts with a lot of effort – and it's all the rage in 2020.
To count as HIIT, you need to push yourself to the max every single set. That’s why they’re short: anywhere from 20 to 90 seconds. Essentially, HIIT is the opposite of a long jog through the parklands or hours in front of the tele on the Ab Swing.
If your timetable is looking packed, and you want to get the most out of your time in the gym, check out a HIIT class.
Number 1: Wearable technology
Ok, be honest, hands up if you've already picked up some fitness tech? It's no surprise to see wearable tech at number one, it's been near the top of these lists every year since 2016.
Whether you're a smart watch wearer or you love your fitbit, don't expect to see wearable tech going away anytime soon. From tracking your sets to monitoring your sleep patterns, things are only on the rise from here.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! The top trends of 2020. Other trends to watch out for (it's a HUGE year for fitness) are:
• Body weight training,
• Fitness for older adults,
• Health & wellness coaching, and
• Exercise programs for children
What trends are you picking up this year?! Now is a great time to kick off your fitness discovery and put years back onto your life.