HIIT and Functional Fitness Top 2017 Effective Fitness Trends

“These are solid, effective forms of fitness that are used as the building blocks for a variety of workouts, including express workouts, because they get results quickly and safely and make us stronger for daily life,” he said.

Macdonald also highlighted for Lethbridge News Now how social media has continued to heavily shape fitness trends.

“The average person will see something online and then ask their trainer about it. In many cases, you now have clients and participants bringing ideas in, rather than just showing up and letting the fitness professional suggest information to them.”

While Macdonald is hopeful that this open access model of information will empower the public to take control of their overall health, he is weary that social media’s influence could lead some to constructing arbitrary goals.

“There are some disadvantages when it comes to role models on social media. If a goal is unrealistic for that consumer’s lifestyle, their time and their fitness level, etc. it can be detrimental.”

Similarly, Macdonald suggested that while wearable technology can provide consumers the opportunity to track their physical activity, unless the gadget is accompanied with more in-depth health education, the consumer might inefficiently apply that information when trying to reach fitness targets.

“They might be given a goal of 20,000 steps a day and that’s great but is that tied in with the amount of food they are eating? That’s where a fitness professional would be able to help,” he said.

Macdonald added that Canadain fitness facilities can expect to see a push for more education and specific classes dedicated to meeting the vast array of wants and needs within the realm of older adult fitness.

The 2017 trends list consisted of over thirty different trends when it was first sent out asking members to select the most effective.

Macdonald said the results will be used by fitness experts to better serve their clients and build off programs already in place.

Canfitpro’s top 10 most effective Canadian fitness trends for 2017 are:

1) High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is a training methodology involving intense periods of exercise followed by durations of rest. This high intensity approach is increasingly popular because it provides a good workout in a shorter time than steady-state cardio and because it works for all fitness levels. As Canadians work longer hours and try to maintain balance amidst a busy schedule, HIIT addresses that time crunch, burning fat and improving cardiovascular benefits quickly and effectively. Components of HIIT are built into a variety of personal training, small group training and group fitness workouts. An example of a primarily HIIT workout is Tabata Bootcamp. Circuit style workouts like MyBootcamp also include HIIT elements.

2) Functional fitness
Functional fitness uses multiple muscle groups to strengthen in a holistic way, versus one specific muscle group at a time. Functional fitness programs include practical, balance-challenging movements that simulate activities like shovelling snow, carrying groceries, or unloading the car. This focus helps prepare for the physical activities of daily life and counters the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Fitness programs like BODYPUMP and SGT Ken Boot Camp include functional fitness exercises like squats and lunges to encourage participants to build balance, endurance and multiple muscle groups.

3) Older adult training
Older adult training moved up three positions from number six in 2016, based on the growing demand from Baby Boomers looking to adopt healthier habits to maintain their health and quality of life into their 60s and beyond. Fitness professionals are taking specialized courses and certifications to learn how to train older adults safely and effectively. Many fitness classes, like Newbody or Les Mills BODYFLOW offer a safe, low-impact workout for people of all ages. canfitpro’s Active Aging Certificate is an example of the type of education required to serve this market, while organizations like the International Council on Active Aging are working to build awareness and skills to support active older adults.

4) Express workouts
Express workouts encourage participants to do multiple exercises at a fast pace to generate maximum results. This is an effective approach for people on a tight schedule – perfect for lunch time or after work. Providing the ultimate convenience, an express workout typically lasts 30 minutes or less. A good example of a total body express workout is the GoodLife Fitness FIT FIX® strength training circuit and CXWORX.

5) Nutrition and healthy eating programs
Combining exercise with healthy eating is the best approach to see the results of your efforts sooner – whether it’s weight loss or advancing your overall fitness level. More Canadian fitness professionals are taking additional training to improve their nutrition expertise, including canfitpro’s Healthy Eating & Weight Loss Coach certification and Tosca Reno’s Eat-Clean Foundations powered by canfitpro.

6) Circuit training and boot camps
Circuit training involves a series of exercises performed in rotation with minimal rest. The goal is to build strength while burning maximum calories. A fitness boot camp mixes traditional callisthenic and body weight exercises with interval training and strength training. Both types of workout are designed to push participants harder than they would push themselves. Both are low-cost, efficient and challenging combining strength and aerobic conditioning to generate results. A good example is TRX Team Training.

7) Wearable technology
Wearable technology is making its way up in the top 10 list (from number 13 in 2016) as more Canadians adopt tech-powered fitness trackers like MYZONE, FitBit, Garmin and others to track their activity, sleep and hydration. Wearable technology helps make users more accountable, encourages more effort during physical activity and healthier habits outside the gym. It can also be used to encourage competition among colleagues and group class participants, which motivates better performance.

8) Group personal training/small class training
Group personal training involves small groups doing a series of exercises at their own rate, coached by a fitness professional. Participants benefit from the motivation and competitive spirit of working out in a group, as well as the expertise and tips provided by the trainer leading the class. Small class training is also a more cost effective approach to taking your workouts to a higher level.

9) Body weight training (using your body as resistance)
Using your own body weight to create resistance is a growing workout trend among Canadian fitness professionals and consumers. This form of exercise builds strength and muscle and burns fat without the need for equipment, making it easy to get started and less intimidating for beginners. TRX and the Lebert Equalizer are examples of body weight training systems that enable people to resist their own body weight while doing movements like lunges, push-ups and pull-ups.

10) Personal training
More Canadians than ever are choosing to work with personal trainers to accelerate their workout results. Trainers create customized fitness plans, offer advice for healthy eating and provide one-on-one motivational coaching to reach fitness goals safely and with proper form. Personal trainers are required to achieve and maintain their canfitpro Personal Training Specialist certification, and are encouraged to continuously upgrade their qualifications to improve their expertise.

by Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter) With Canfitpro media release

HIIT and Functional Fitness Top 2017 Effective Fitness Trends

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