All the articles for the trends heading into 2020 have been coming out, some have their top 10, some the top 20 and so on. I have done my best to aggregate the ones I have seen into a top 10 for simplicity. So lets take a quick look and you can compare to last years listing.
1. Wearable Technology
It is no secret that I am in to quantification, I have written posts about my Oura Ring experiment and wear a Garmin and have used a Fitbit. Looks like more people are getting in on this to track, HR, sitting time, steps, sleep and much more. I don’t require my clients to use wearable technology, but if they already have it, we definitely incorporate it.
2. Group Training
Defined as greater than five participants group training is a fantastic way to motivate you to get out with friends and build comradery with others. These could include cardio-based classes, indoor cycling or dance classes. Group training is also more cost effective for you.
3. High-Intensity Interval Training
These programs typically involve short burst of high intensity (about 90%) of maximum followed by short rests. These can also be broken out to be individual or group training. This is the type of training I personally do myself and incorporate with my clients. It is more time efficient.
4. Training with Free Weights
This type of training includes Barbells, Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Medicine Balls etc. Some might consider this to be “old school” strength training. When training with Free Weights, proper form is very important. I view Free Weights as something that can be added in occasionally for myself or clients, but not a staple.
5. Personal Training
One-on-one personal training by a professional. This is growing with quality on-line coaches, and more worksites incorporating fitness facilities. I do not do a lot of personal training on its own without the rest of my coaching program, but when I do, I work with clients one-on-one.
6. Exercise is Medicine
This is a movement where primary care physicians and other health-care providers include physical activity assessments and treatment recommendations as part of patient visits and work with and refer to fitness professionals. This is a step in the right direction, but I don’t feel this has gained enough traction yet. In my community, only a few private clinics offer this option. I am lucky that I have the opportunity to consult part-time at one such clinic to round out patients care.
7. Body Weight Training
A combination of variable body weight resistance and neuromotor movement using multiple planes. Using only body weight or minimal equipment is an inexpensive way to exercise effectively. This is what I use for myself and my clients; Body weight training incorporating high intensity interval training. I also tend to stick to functional movement exercises only.
8. Fitness Programs for Older Adults
This will only continue to grow as Baby Boomers get older and people are living longer, working longer and remaining healthy and active longer. I believe movement and strength training is important for healthy aging, and most of my personal training clients have been over 60 years old.
9. Health and Wellness Coaching
This is the integration of behavioral science into health and lifestyle promotion. This can be both small group and one-on-one. This is my bread and butter of what I do with my personal coaching clients. We work on mindset, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress and other issues that come up. I feel that you need to take a holistic view on your health and that fitness is just one aspect of it.
10. Functional Fitness Training
This is using strength training to improve balance, coordination, muscular strength and endurance to improve activities of daily living. It is usually geared towards older adults, but I feel it is important for everyone. As mentioned above I incorporate Functional Fitness with body weight training in a HIIT workout for my clients as well as myself.
A lot of the same themes year over year which is not surprising. There are many other popular modalities that work for many people in addition to those above, so find what works best for you and get the help of a professional.
I am always happy to discuss your Health and Fitness needs. Feel free to reach out.
