With 2017 right around the corner, what better way to challenge yourself and spice up your current routine than by taking part in some of the most popular fitness trends for the new year!
Functional Fitness
In 2016 we saw a rise in the “gimmicky” fitness routines, so in 2017 we are going back to basics with functional fitness.
The better you can move, “the more likely you are to have less fat, more muscle, better cardio, and impressive flexibility,” says Mark Cheng, Ph.D., a human performance specialist in Los Angeles.
Of course, all exercise involves movement, but most people have lost the ability to move functionally or correctly. Sitting at desks in front of computers causes muscle imbalances, poor posture, and, subsequently, bad movement patterns during exercise. As a result, you won’t get as much out of your workouts and can potentially injure yourself.
More and more facilities are utilizing functional movements associated with children’s games to build strength, stamina, and mobility while making training feel less like work and more like play! Here in Vancouver we even have companies such as Function Health and Functional Athletics Inc. demonstrating the power of this type of training.
Innovative Fitness has been a major player in developing functional and challenging programs. Helping our members move better on the floor is important to us because we know how important life is outside the four walls of a gym. We want our members to be able to perform at their best no matter where life takes them.
Get outside with Outdoor Training: Nordic Walking
‘Ski-less’ cross-country skiing, known as Nordic walking, has been a growing trend seen across Canada and the world. Increasing numbers of people are enjoying this user-friendly sport that combines the aerobic and strength building benefits of cross-country skiing with the convenience of walking.
Using specially designed urban poles, this workout challenges you by engaging as much as 90% of the body’s muscles while improving posture, balance and stability. In a study completed by the Cooper Institute on Nordic Walking, you can increase calorie expenditure by as much as 46 percent over regular walking.
“Nordic walking provides excellent strength building and toning results without heavy joint wear and tear,” says Leah Stasiuk, a Vancouver personal trainer and marathon runner. “It’s an activity that is appropriate for any age group, and is easily adapted for people from beginner to advanced fitness levels,” says Stasiuk.
For more information on Urban poles, research and technique, visit www.urbanpoling.com or call 604-990-7711.
Tech it to the Top
Wearable technology, which includes activity trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors, GPS tracking devices, and smart eye glasses (designed to show maps and track activity) was introduced a few years ago, but continues to be a leading trend for 2017. From fitness-specific brands like Fitbit and Jawbone, to technology frontrunners Apple with their new iWatch® , people love quantifying their activities with technology.
“People want instant feedback,” says Luke Istomin, co-founder of F45 and Varlah. “At the moment, it gives you great data, but it doesn’t make you accountable or tell you what to do next.”
These devices give people the tools to incorporate better healthy habits into their lives, show their successes and ultimately build confidence. Now the next step is how to use this information in as part of a regular fitness regimen. Technology such as heart rate monitors allow trainers to track their clients’ movements, intensity, and ultimately hold them accountable to what they need to be doing to get results. At IF, we have partnered with Polar to provide our members with the top-of-the-line technology to get them on the right track to their goals one step at a time.
While we’ve had our fun with the trends, people want to get back to fun, simple workouts that combine fundamental movements to increase their functional fitness, cardio and strength.
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Samantha Kirkpatrick
Club Manager for Innovative Fitness TELUS Garden
References
Thompson, Walter R. Ph.D. “Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2017.” ACSM’S Health & Fitness Journal, vol. 20, no. 6, 2016, pp. 8-17.
