For some reason, fitness seems funner when it is a craze. We aren’t complaining! Any excuse to break away from the dreaded treadmill. Ben Lucas, Owner and Director of Flow Athletic reveals the ultimate health and fitness trends of 2017, so you can be the first one to book a class.
Image via pinterest
Fitness events Instead of ‘Going Out’
Gone are the days when you’re ‘required’ to drink alcohol or eat junk food when catching up with friends.
If 2016 taught us anything, it showed that fitness, friends and fun are the perfect combination with the rise of people choosing fitness events over hangovers… especially on a school night!
Between the Nike Women workout and running series, Flow After Dark Silent Yoga Disco, the BUF Girls bootcamp, Wanderlust and the Future Sounds of Yoga, there will be a lot of exciting events to attend in 2017. Keep an eye out for them!
Olympic lifting for women.
Trainers have been saying this for years, but I finally think the message is starting to stick as I’m certainly noticing more and more women who are loving the weights room.
Olympic lifting is when an athlete attempts to lift a maximum weight with a barbell. This is also known as the 1 rep max because the objective is to identify the heaviest weight that you can possible lift.
Strength training is critical to keeping our bodies healthy, especially as we age. It helps preserve muscle mass and increase your metabolism to burn more calories even at rest.
In fact, Studies have shown that a good strength program can elevate your metabolism for up to 38 hours post workout.
Strength training with not necessarily make you bulky as running will not necessarily make you lean. People who get ‘big’ either have the hormone profile for it, or they work extremely hard to achieve it.. don’t think that it’s easy! In fact because weight lifting speeds up your metabolism you are more likely to get lean unless you are training and eating for the specific purpose of getting bulky.
Trail running:
Trail running is definitely gaining more traction with the weekend warrior and for good reason.
For starters, a change of scenery is always great especially if you live in a concrete jungle like so many of us do. Add in some fresh air, the calming benefits of nature and the greenery surrounding you and it’s a win win.
Furthermore, running on a dirt or grass track is better for your joints than running on the road. It’s also more mentally stimulating because you need to pay attention to where you step in an effort to not get tripped over by a tree root or other obstacles.
Obviously make sure you tell someone where you are going if you plan on running the trails alone, but all in all I think this is going to be a good trend for 2017!
Digital Health Care
There’s no doubt that technology is been having a moment in the sun with the rise of Apple Watches, Fit Bits and so many health trackers (which are set to continue their growth in 2017), but there’s a new site called TheHealthClinic.com.au which is Australia’s first live nutrition clinic and its set to revolutionise health care.
THC is a platform where you can consult a healthcare professional from your desktop or your phone. Consults take place via a secure online video portal so no longer do you have to drive to the clinic and spend time waiting for your appointment.
Furthermore, the site has a bunch of health trackers to help you keep track of your progress.
I definitely like this one, not only because it’s a time saver, but you are also more likely to follow up with your practitioner to make sure you are on the right track if its convenient.
A Twist On an Old Favourite
There’s no doubt that the world loves aerobics, yoga, running and indoor cycling, so how do we keep their golden oldies fresh? Add some theatrics of course!
Want to do aerobics? Dress up with retrosweat! Yoga? Try a silent yoga disco, Spin? Try karate spin.
There are so many spin offs launching, make sure you check them out as there is much fun to be had!
Feature image via pinterest