Fitness Trends You Should Try in 2016

A new year means new fitness trends. While some of the trends for 2016 are new or tech-driven others are timeless favorites that never seem to go out of style. If you’re looking to reinvigorate your love for exercise, to validate what you’re doing now, or just wanting to try some new things at the gym to stay engaged; take a look at the forecasted trends for 2016 and see which may be right for you.

According to ACSM’s 10th annual fitness trend survey, the top 10 fitness trends for 2016 will be:

Wearable tech is projected to be the biggest trend in the fitness industry for this year. Fitness tech includes: group heart rate tracking devices, smart watches, heart rate monitors, and GPS tracking devices. In an increasingly independent, diy, tech-oriented culture, it is no surprise that individuals are allured by the ability to see how they’re doing and to put a plan in place for further improvement. Fitness tech like MYZONE and other heart rate fitness trends gives users the ability to see their workout effort in real-time so they know moment-by-moment whether they need to slow down or work harder.

Body weight training is number two on the top 10 for 2016 list. Body weight training is popular for those who want to get an at-home workout or two in throughout the week, or for those in the gym who like to keep it simple with back to basics style exercises like push ups and pull ups.

HIIT, short for High-Intensity Interval Training, involves short bursts of activity followed by a short period of rest or recovery. High-impact training for those who want an effective workout in less time can be found at HIIT studios, group classes or with personal trainers. These exercise programs are usually performed in less than 30 minutes and are incredibly effective for cardiovascular health. When paired with a group heart rate monitoring system such as MYZONE users can see each others workout effort giving them more motivation to keep going.

Fitness Programs for Older Adults is among industry trends for 2016. As the baby boom generation ages into retirement, some of these people have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts. Therefore, many health and fitness professionals are taking the time to create age-appropriate fitness programs to keep older adults healthy and active. Often pairing their fitness with wearable tech or personal training, older adults are staying healthy and active going into retirement and beyond.

Functional fitness goes hand-in-hand with body weight training and the rise in older adults getting active. In essence, functional training is a way to get your muscle groups working together to prepare them for daily tasks that occur in the home or at work. Functional fitness focuses on core strength as well as using different muscle groups in the upper and lower body at the same time. Functional fitness conditions the body so that tasks such as lugging a heavy suitcase, moving a sofa, or lifting a toddler out of a car seat are less likely to result in a pull or injury.

Yoga, though very on-trend right now, is undeniably the oldest form of organized exercise to make the top 10 list. Though the method, utilizing a series of specific body postures practiced for health and relaxation, is over 5,000 years old, it’s popularity seems to be here to stay. Not only is yoga a way to stay in shape, but it is also able to keep you flexible, self-aware and able to stay in-tune with your body to avoid overwork or injury. With it’s added benefit of meditation and relaxation, yoga is able to keep both the body and mind active and strengthened.

Personal training is on track to continue gaining momentum in 2016. Gym newbies and veterans alike see the immense value that comes from enlisting the help of a trained fitness professional. Personal training is a great way to train safely and effectively, and to be motivated by someone who is invested in your fitness and wellbeing. (And with one of MYZONE's group heart rate tracking devices and the help of the MYZONE app, your trainer can coach, give assignments, view your workout effort, and encourage you while you’re away from the gym too!)

For the other three top trends of 2016, check out ACSM’s survey. What do you think of the forecast? Are any of the top trends a surprise to you? Share your thoughts and photos with us using #EffortRewarded