Top Fitness Trends for 2016

As 2015 comes to a close, the next year's fitness trends are already predicted by a long-running survey published in the American College of Sports Medicine's Health & Fitness Journal.

Among the highlights of the survey, body weight training was booted from the number one spot, programs that require expensive equipment are on the decline and activities like Zumba and Pilates appear to have staying power as exercise staples.

Predictably, some trends like high-intensity interval training and strength training remain in the top 5 spots, but here are some other trends to look forward to in 2016:

Wearable technology

Instead of body weight training, wearable technology is now the number one trend predicted for 2016. Smart watches, fitness trackers and heart rate monitors have revolutionized the way we approach fitness, and consumers can count on more high-tech devices to hit the market next year.


Body weight training

As the number two trend, body weight training suggests that consumers are tired of paying for fancy equipment to get lean or fit. Gyms have popularized this form of exercise, which uses the body's own weight to build muscle and burn fat.

Functional fitness

Ranked number seven in the survey, functional fitness involves using movements that might be part of a person's daily routine, such as squats. Functional fitness aims to help improve balance, strength and coordination.

Wellness coaching

While personal training still ranks high on the list, wellness coaching is also predicted to be a stronger trend in 2016. Unlike a personal trainer, a wellness coach can offer a comprehensive health and fitness plan that includes both diet and lifestyle strategies for total transformation.


Group training

Small group personal training is also gaining momentum, as it's a way for people to get personalized attention at a fraction of the cost of hiring a trainer for 1-on-1 sessions.

Yoga

Although it fell to spot number 10 after being in spot 7 last year, yoga is still a popular trend - and it appeals to many different types of athletes due to its variety of styles, including power yoga, Bikram yoga and Ashtanga yoga.

Outdoor activities

It appears Americans are getting up and getting outside more, as outdoor activities rank number 14 on the list of trends. Hiking, biking, kayaking or mountain climbing are included in this broad category of adventure sports.

Source: American College of Sports Medicine


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