The ACSM has released their fitness survey predictions in 2020. By Michael Nystrom
According to a study published in the ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, thousands of surveyed fitness professionals ranked high-intensity interval training and group training, as well as functional fitness and yoga as the top fitness trends in 2020.
HIIT Is Here To Stay
Mentioned at the top of the ACSM’s 2019 trends survey, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) still sticks around in 2020. The results are undeniable, and especially for working professionals short on time, there’s no better way to get a complete, gym-free workout than with some intense circuits. Head outside, do it in the living room, or take a class at your local studio – HIIT is all about movement and workout efficiency.
Getting Sweaty with Strangers
Group training (more than five people) is still the second most popular fitness thing in 2020. For a good reason, too – these classes are social, highly motivational and provide instruction for people who need structure in their daily workouts. Group classes cover a wide range of disciplines, including spin, dance, aquatics and cardio-based classes, and are available anywhere from private studios to public facilities to mainstream gyms.
Nerding Out on Data
Wearable technology is smarter and more relevant than ever before. This market includes fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate sensors and GPS sports watches that can track heart rate, calories, sitting time and much more. These devices are a great way to keep tabs on your fitness, and will provide data to compare your progress over time.
The Return of The Treadmill
Step aside elliptical – in the past few months, we’ve seen many fitness classes and training plans getting back to basics. We’re talking about the treadmill, the machine that’s been around seemingly forever. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, and with the rise of popular and effective treadmill programs, this machine is a staple in many training plans. Just don’t forget your running and multisport watch to monitor your efforts!
Yoga, Yoga, Yoga
While there’s no doubt the classic form of yoga will always reign supreme, the variations on this ancient practice are injecting new life into a sometimes stale routine. 2020 has continued to see more outdoor yoga classes, yoga retreats, standup paddleboard (SUP) yoga, dog yoga etc. The yoga variations are truly getting more and more interesting.
Keeping Workouts Simple
Piggybacking off their popularity, bodyweight workouts are another projected fitness trend in this year. It’s completely possible to create a killer training plan just by using your own bodyweight as resistance. Bodyweight exercises include pullups, pushups, crunches, planks, squats, etc. and they can be done anytime, anywhere.
Virtual Workout World
Many big-name fitness brands are creating subscription-based virtual streaming services designed to replicate a guided group session in the comfort and convenience of your home. For example, Les Mills On Demand offers access to over 600 online workouts, YogaWorks has created an on-demand library of over 1,000 guided yoga classes, and brands like Peloton offer a live, interactive platform to work out with others in real time.
Refreshing and Resetting Goods
Working out is only half the battle of getting and staying in shape – a proper recovery plan is just as important. This not only includes sleep and a proper diet, but tools like foam rollers, compression garments, NormaTec boots, massagers, percussion guns, etc. are excellent ways to flush out toxins, promote a healthy range of motion and rejuvenate muscles before your next hard effort.
Blending Work and Working Out
More and more employers are seeing the benefits between physically active employees and productivity in the workplace. Numerous companies now offer onsite gyms, or include gym memberships in their employee perks.
It’s become socially and professionally acceptable to squeeze in a swim between meetings, or leave to practice yoga for a midday refresher. Gyms are also facilitating this by offering workspaces and resources like Wi-Fi and private meeting rooms so members can exercise without being pressed for time.
Using Exercises as Medicine
The ACSM has created an initiative encouraging more primary care physicians to include physical activity assessments and recommendations during each patient check-up.
This trend has been growing over the years, with patients being referred to fitness professionals as a way to combat preventable and treatable diseases instead of turning to pharmaceutical alternatives. We couldn’t be more in favor of this, and hope this becomes a more popular practice in 2020.
Please consult your physician before starting a new fitness program.
