With 2019 almost in the books and 2020 right around the corner, what better time than now to predict what the future has in store for this crazy health and fitness industry? Taking a close look at the trends from the previous years while considering how much the world is evolving and demanding a higher quality of life, these are the top 5 health and fitness trends to pay attention to in the new year.
1. Prioritizing Functionality in Fitness
Within the last few years thanks to obstacle course races and CrossFit, there has been an insurgence to how individuals move and perform in daily life. But, after looking back and seeing company closures and dips in overall attendance and participation, it's easy to assume that the peak years are behind us...at least for now. But what will maintain priority isn't so much the fancy organizations, but the importance of incorporating practical and "functional" exercises even more into individual's training regimens. We are already seeing a rise in unilateral training as well as research that supports the idea that working body parts independently produces similar if not greater strength development than bilateral movements.
2. At Home Gyms
With the advancement of technology and educational content being at an all time high, consumers are getting incredibly smart. Plus, with the rise of functional fitness, there just hasn't been a realistic need for complex/expensive machines found at your standard "globo-gym." Since people are using their own bodyweight more while incorporating affordable exercise equipment such as pull-up bars, TRX cables, ropes, bands, kettle & dumbbells, med balls, etc. it just isn't realistic to keep paying monthly + annual gym fees if your ambition isn't to become big and strong.
*Note: keep an eye on exercise tech equipment such as Paleton, even though I don't believe they will hit their peak this year, more individuals are looking at their monthly payment options as a way to introduce something new into their routines while saving time from driving to and from the gym each day.
3. Women Strength Training
Within the last 3 years, we've seen women knock down some very difficult doors in the fight for equality. While this isn't necessarily "new" or even a "trend", I do believe when you add in the previous two bullet points, women are starting to educate themselves on what strength training really does to their bodies. Out is the old stigma that women should do nothing but cardio and in is the new more educated realization that everyone needs to be strength training to maintain proper health and body composition goals.
4. Hiring Nutrition Coaches
I know what you are probably thinking, "of course the nutrition coach would say this" and you would be right because it's the truth! With consumers becoming more educated while being turned off to million dollar marketing campaigns, people are seeking human interaction and reassurance from industry professionals as well as online support groups. If you are seeking accountability and guidance with your diet, I would love for you to consider Taz Fitness!
5. Plant Based Diets
This shouldn't be considered anything new to readers of this blog. From 2014 to 2017, there has been a 5% increase in individuals that identify as vegans. Not only that but US sales of plant based alternative foods increased by over 17% in 2018 with overall food sales only increasing by 2%. Despite what biased media will inform you, we know from continuing research studies that popular protein rich food items such as red meat, chicken and fish do NOT produce negative health effects to the general population. However, it cannot be denied that individuals are finally realizing how beneficial whole food sources can be to general well-being, daily performance and overall body composition.
Honorable Mention: Prehab Programs
Programs such as ActiveLife RX have taken off within the last year thanks to doctors from various wellness backgrounds realizing the lack of coaches in the personal training field without the expertise necessary to help clients prevent serious injuries from occurring. The industry is slowly shifting from how quickly or how much someone can move to how well they can move without pain or limitations. More PT's now (especially this PT) start every client with a full movement screening before a workout regimen is even started to insure proper movement and mobility. Watch for more programs such as this to take off within the next 1-3 years.
For everyone reading this, I highly encourage you to remember that despite what trends or routines you choose to follow in the coming years, there is no diet, program, workout, etc. that goes perfectly for everyone. There is no such thing as a one size fits all approach to health. The bottom line is this, as long as people choose to eat nutrient dense foods the majority of the time, keep recovery and stress management a main focus and be as active as possible each day, they are winning the long game. For more wellness tips or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
"Coach Taz" aka Taylor Rodriguez is owner and head coach of Taz Fitness & Nutrition. He is a Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach located in Deltona, FL that coaches individuals online and in person. Taylor was a former partying pro wrestler turned fitness enthusiast after the economic downturn of 2008-2010. After losing almost 70 lbs, his new passion is to help struggling individuals find a new confidence within themselves to achieve any goal that they see possible. To begin coaching with Taylor or to request a free consultation, contact us today.
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