Top 10 fitness trends predictions for 2018

It’s the time of the old year when predictions for what will be trendy in the New Year begins. An always popular prediction is what will be hot in the world of fitness on how to get fit and stay in shape. 

For 2018, The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has released its top 10 fitness trends foretelling what they believe will take off big in how and what people will use to keep their bodies at peak fitness performance.  This is the twelfth year for this annual survey with more than 1,800 health and fitness professionals worldwide giving their opinion on visualizing what will be strong consumer interests in the exercise world.

Here is what the top 10 fitness trends will be for 2018 as forecasted by the ACSM:

1.     High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):

Like to get make your workouts intense but efficient?  HIIT training is for you.  Ranked third on last year’s listing, HIIT earns the number one spot and for good reason.  The training technique is where you give it your all through quick, intense bursts of exercise followed by short recovery periods.  It is a favorite for those with limited time for long workouts as it gets and keeps your heart rate up burning more fat in less time.

2.  Group Training

Anyone who enjoys and thrives working out with others will do well with group training.  Surrounded by like-minded people can be the ultimate in helping you stay motivated while working towards your fitness goals.

3.  Wearable technology

Falling from the number one ranking in 2017, wearable technology is still popular as many people are finding and liking a wearable way of keeping track of their fitness and health.  There is a wide variety of very good wearable technology that includes activity trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices. 

4.  Body weight training

If you don’t want to have to worry about buying or using weights to build muscle, using just your own body weight can be just as effective.  Body weight training exercises are strength training exercises that do not require free weights or machines since your own body weight provides resistance against gravity.  Common body weight exercises include push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups.

5.  Strength training

Continuing to be a strong contender for promoting fitness, strength training is here to stay.  Many health clubs place strength training as one of their core programs emphasizing the health and fitness benefits it can provide.  It is considered to be an essential part of an overall exercise program for achieving and maintaining physical fitness for both men and women.

6.  Educated and experienced fitness professionals

There are more than ever a large number of organizations offering health and fitness certifications, making it vital of becoming a well-informed consumer choosing professionals certified through programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).  The American College of Sports Medicine is one such organization and is considered one of the most prestigious fitness-certification programs in the world.

7.  Yoga

Around for centuries, yoga is still in style as it is now better understood of the vast health benefits it provides.  There are various forms of yoga including Power Yoga, Yogolates, Bikram, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kripalu, Anurara, and others. Yoga is based on using a series of specific bodily postures practiced for health and relaxation.

8.  Personal training

Kinesiology is becoming more and more popular as a major for students with a strong interest in fitness and wellness.  One type of job for someone who has majored in kinesiology is to be a personal trainer.  Many health and fitness facilities are looking and preferring personal trainers who have adequate education, training and the right credentials to have available to the general public.

9.  Fitness programs for older adults

Those from the baby boom generation born between 1946 and 1964 are coming of age entering into their retirement years.  This forward thinking group with a longer life span than ever, want to remain as active, fit and healthy as they can.  Because of the high interest in working out, there’s been a rise in age-appropriate programs designed to keep older adults healthy and active.

10.  Functional fitness

All of us want to maintain our ability to do everyday activities safely and efficiently. From carrying a bag of groceries to playing a game of basketball with your kids, functional fitness exercises are designed to train and develop your muscles improve all aspects of everyday living.  These moves emphasize using various muscles in the upper and lower body working on strengthening your core, stability, and balance.  Think squats, lunges, or planks as examples of functional fitness exercises.