New Year, New Me: The four key fitness trends YOU should look out for in 2017
THE world of fitness is always changing, and 2016 has been a crazy year across the industry.
This year has been a crazy year across the fitness industry
Nothing will define 2016 more than the rise of the Pokémon Go or the Mannequin Challenges soaring across social media.
And how can we forget the unstoppable urge to “Dab” for no reason.
But for regular gym-goers there has been a shortage of technology. And no, watching Joe Wicks's core workout on Instagram simply doesn’t count...
Now with the New Year upon us, we are certain that things will and MUST develop in the coming 12 months.
To ensure that we are ahead of the game, DW Fitness Clubs asked experts for their 2017 health and fitness trend predictions.
1) Workouts – The more they change, the more they stay the same
Group exercises have always been a thing, but which specific classes are going to be the rage in 2017?
Frida Harju, the in-house nutritionist at health app Lifesum, shared her thoughts:
Boxing
Frida says that we are set for a ‘return to basics’, with old-school classic set to show a spike in popularity.
She said: “Boxing has already begun having a revival, as people try new forms of boxing such as the ‘Boxerina’ workout, which combines fast boxing movements to get your heart rate-up with Barre movements to help strength and improve flexibility.”
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Floatfit
“HIIT (high intensity interval training) has achieved great popularity in recent years, so much so, that we can expect to see [a new craze developing – ‘Floafit’],” Frida added.
Floatfit follows the same principles as HIIT, but the class is now conducted on water.
Orange theory
The high-intensity workout has already started to gather momentum across the pond and is set to take the UK by storm in 2017.
Frida explained: “Known as the ‘Orange effect’, the heart-based workout can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour and even continues to burn calories up to 36 hours after.”
2) Apps – Taking your workouts to the next level
It does not take much to realise that the market has been flooded with apps and gadgets to help you reach your goals.
One of DW’s very own personal trainers, Leon Williams, said that the trend to look out for is apps that allow users to create groups with friends and compete against each other.
And if you cannot believe this, according to the Guardian, one Pokémon Go player reportedly lost two stone (12.7kg) after he walked 140 miles playing the game.
One Pokémon Go player reportedly lost two stone (12.7kg) after he walked 140 miles playing the game
3) Fitness technology will be a game change – you can bet your shirt on it!
The connectivity of smart watches means it is now possible to sync your workout with your friends.
Hexoskin shirt
This biometric smart shirt provides you with data like heart rate, breathing rate and movement AND it even syncs up with a variety of wellness apps, including MapMyRun and RunKeeper.
iFit NordicTrack Escape
This treadmill transports you to scenic locations around the world, and it can also work with Google Maps.
Who knew a minute on a treadmill could be so pretty?
LEVL
A breathalyser that aims to calculate how much weight you are losing by analysing the acetone in your breath.
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4) Glorious food: Because the rise of super foods weren’t enough in 2016 – let’s go crazy for seaweed and aubergine
We have seen some tasty foods blast social media in 2016, but there is no doubt that 2017 will herald the dawn of a new ultra-trendy health food of some description.
The new kale
Waitrose’s Food and Drinks Report 2016 suggests that seaweed is set to take the throne next year.
Forget about kale, seaweed is a good source of calcium and iron which can be eaten as spaghetti or in a salad.
So, beach anyone?
Seaweed will become the new kale next year, as it is a good source of calcium and iron
Meat alternatives
It seems like everyone around you is going meatless, well yes, there are alternatives.
Jackfruit – an Asian tropical fruit that is a part of the fig and mulberry family.
The WSJ reckons the jackfruit will become mainstream because of its meaty texture and ability to absorb the flavours in which it is cooked.
Aubergine
Frida believes that aubergine will make a major comeback in the New Year.
Waitrose’s own research confirmed the resurgence, revealing that aubergine is the latest carb substitute, with sales rising by 18 per cent so far this year.
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Poke bowls
Not to be confused with Poké Balls, Frida explained the Hawaiian delicacy, pronounced ‘po-kay’, is essentially chunks of raw fish in a marinade.
Plant water
Following the success of coconut water, we’ll be seeing more plant waters being added to our diets.
Here are a few we reckon will be hits:
· Birch sap water – with high levels of antioxidants, natural minerals and Xylitol (a natural sugar).
· Cactus plant water – which has health benefits that fights high cholesterol levels and cures a regrettable hangover.