Fitness trends on the rise

When looking ahead to the rest of the year, so many get excited about the latest trends, gadgets or gizmos getting the most attention as they look for what they might be interested in for themselves or their family. The world of health and fitness is an area that is always evolving to the point there's continuously something new to try, and sometimes it can even reach the point of feeling overwhelming. Brian Zehetner, Planet Fitness' Director of Health and Fitness based in the US helps cut through the noise by synthesising what he sees as five major fitness trends that are likely to make the biggest impact in 2019:
1. 30-minute workouts: People are more time-crunched than ever and they want comprehensive and effective workouts that can be done in relatively short time frames. Ideally, these workouts include both a cardio component and a strength component. We may even see more 15- and 20-minute workout programmes popping up this year and beyond. An entire 30-minute workout is ideal for those looking to get in and get out, allowing you to get a full-body workout using a mix of weight machines for strength training alternated with steppers for great cardio.
2. Programmes geared toward teens and young adults: At least 60 minutes of aerobic physical activity for kids every day, youth, teens and young adults are reenergizing their daily activity.
3. Certified training: More and more people are looking to certified trainers to help them not just with exercise form or how to use a machine but help guide them on a plan to stick to for achieving any wellness goals.
4. Mindfulness: Fitness and nutrition have always been a happy marriage when it comes to wellness, but let's not forget about the benefits of mindfulness and meditation in 2019. This is a critical component of any wellness regimen, too, and there are numerous apps in this space that are growing in popularity.
5. DIY fitness: People want help, yet see their journey as an independent one, so it's on us in the industry to provide them with content, guidance and anything else that may help them on their journey. Look for more assistance to come via technology in 2019 (e.g., apps, on-demand content, etc.), as well.