In recent years, the variety of fitness courses offered in gyms has increased dramatically. A key growth driver is the integration of new fitness trends into the course landscape. The spectrum of exercises ranges from circuit training, dead-weight exercises, freestyle, barbell training to dynamic elements from yoga and Pilates.
Modern circuit training uses a variety of equipment
A new and old trend has returned to the fitness sector: circuit training. However, the modern circuit has less to do with the classic workout with medicine ball exercises and push-ups. Rather, it is comparable to a high-tech workout that incorporates many elements from the freestyle concept. Modern circuit training uses many different exercises and equipment such as kettlebells, core bags, Vipr®, and exercise ropes. With the whole body workout, strength and endurance as well as flexibility and coordination of the entire body are trained and exercised.
Body tension counts: Focus on the core area
The training program of fitness expert and coach Mark Verstegen made a lasting impression on the term core training, in which the core of the body's muscles remains permanently tense. The stabilization and body tension exercises strengthen the entire core musculature. The core training principle is used in many back and abdominal courses, but also in sling training. The new TRX trend also places a high value on body tension. In the TRX training system, a stable belt system with handles and foot loops is attached to a bar or ceiling. By hanging and supporting with your own body weight while tensing, your entire body is forced to move and maintain balance - a very effective total body workout.
Mix courses with combined strength and endurance workouts are on the rise
Mix courses, which combine several forms of exercise, are very popular in gyms right now. Popular course creations such as Yogilates and Dynamic Pilates add more step elements to the original workout form, increasing cardiovascular activity. A new trend from the U.S. is Piloboxing, which combines elements of Pilates and boxing.
Courses tailored to age promote fitness and health
Courses such as "Fit and Vital" or back exercises do not involve a sweaty power workout, but rather have a moderate level of exertion, with the aim of promoting health and preventing illness as a preventive measure. Some health studios that specialize in an older target group also offer workshops and lectures on the topics of "Health and Nutrition" and "Prevention of Osteoporosis & Fall Prevention."
Conclusion: The new fitness trends show that the courses on offer combine elements from different fitness and sports areas and that the boundaries between fitness training, health promotion and prevention are becoming increasingly blurred. And this attracts many people to the fitness and health studios with a positive impact on their own health.
Image Source: #104107320 VadimGuzhva / Adobe Stock
Published on: 10 January 2014