Just in time for the New Year (and of course, New Year’s resolutions), Canfitpro has released its annual fitness trends survey for 2017.
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HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and functional fitness nabbed the top two spots for the second year in a row, followed by older adult training (up three spots from last year), express workouts, boot camps nutrition programs and boot camps.
More than 1,400 personal trainers and fitness professionals from across Canada offered their two cents to come up with the 2017 list. Check out the full top 10 list below and tell us what you think of their picks on Facebook.
1) High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is a training method that alternates between high-intensity moves and low-to-moderate intensity exercises/active recoveries. It’s proven to be increasingly popular, because it allows you to get in a great workout in a shorter amount of time. As Canadians work longer hours and try to maintain balance amidst a busy schedule, HIIT addresses that time crunch, burning fat and improving cardiovascular benefits quickly and effectively. One example of a primarily HIIT workout is Tabata style workouts.
Read: What is Tabata Workout & Its Styles
2) Functional Fitness
Functional fitness is about making your life easier — from carrying groceries, shoveling snow or climbing stairs. The goal with this kind of wholistic, practical approach is to strengthen multiple muscle groups and build balance and endurance.
3) Older Adult Training
Older adult training moved up three positions from its number 6 spot in 2016, which makes sense; the Baby Boomers are getting older, but they’re hoping to maintain their quality of life as they reach retirement age. Emphasizing safe, low-impact workouts, older adult training is likely to move up the list in the future.
4) Express Workouts
Express workouts have you doing multiple exercises at a fast pace for maximum results. Again, we’re sensing a pattern here – tight schedules mean shorter, more efficient workouts, and these workouts typically last 30 minutes or less.
5) Nutrition And Healthy Eating Programs
Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand, and the best results are actually made in the kitchen, not the gym. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle or both, more Canadians are becoming informed about what they eat and turning to professionals to help them with their diet plans.
6) Circuit Training And Boot Camps
Circuit training involves performing a series of exercises in rotation with minimal rest. A typical boot camp or fitness circuit will combine bodyweight training, strength training and interval training. They’re intense, low-cost and challenging, and they typically combine strength training with cardio for a total-body workout.
7) Wearable Technology
Wearable technology has finally made its way into the top 10 (from number 13 in 2016). FitBit, Nike tracker and other wearable technologies allow Canadians to track their health, from steps walked and calories burned to even sleep and hydration. The thought is that keeping track of your achievements keeps you aware and accountable, helping you reach your fitness goals.
8) Group Personal Training/Small Class Training
Group personal training takes the best parts of personal training (expertise and tailored expertise) and combines it with the benefits of group training (motivation and competitive spirit). They also tend to be more affordable than personal training alone.
9) Bodyweight Training
Using your own bodyweight as resistance for strength training and muscle building is a classic, yet increasingly popular way to work out. Ideal for beginners or for those who want to be able to work out any time, anywhere, this is a versatile fitness method that virtually anyone can do. TRX and Lebert Equalizers are further examples of advanced bodyweight training systems that are gaining steam in the fitness community.
10) Personal Training
More than ever, Canadians are choosing to hire personal trainers in order to achieve their fitness goals. Providing one-on-one training, motivation, custom workout plans and comprehensive coaching, a personal trainer can get you results faster. They’re a pricier option to be sure, but this continues to follow the trend of Canadians who are willing to pay a premium when it comes to their health.
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