2017’s Top 3 Fitness Trends: Should You Follow Them?

Every year, a new super-effective diet or workout takes the world by storm. Whether it is a new form of exercise or an old one revived for its benefits, the world of fitness is full of innovations! Some of them, truly beneficial, others not so much.

American College of Sports and Medicine surveys thousands of fitness professionals around the world every year. These professionals then vote on what they see as the biggest trends in the fitness industry. But before you hop on the bandwagon, we weigh in on the pros and cons of three of the most popular fitness trends in 2017.

1. Wearable Tech

Wearable tech (fitness bands, smartwatches, etc.) is undoubtedly the biggest trend seen in the fitness industry. In fact, they have become so popular that 2017 sales are expected to reach $4 billion! These gizmos come loaded with a number of sensors that help you track your fitness goals.

Pros:

• Helps you track your daily fitness goals
• Monitors your calorie intake
• Keeps you accountable
• Tracks your workouts for instantaneous performance review
• Measures sleep quality
• Tracks heart rate
• Keeps months of data synced online

Cons:

• Some people overestimate their progress, leading to overeating
• Possibility of getting disheartened upon not meeting fitness goals
• Possibility of getting too obsessed with the numbers

2. Bodyweight Training

Despite being employed for centuries, bodyweight training only started gaining popularity in 2013. Some of the more popular bodyweight exercises include – push-ups, sit-ups, and handstand push-ups.

Pros:

• You don’t need any equipment as you exercise using nothing but your body
• Can be done anywhere
• Cost-effective form of workout as you don’t need a gym membership
• Suitable for people of all ages
• Helps in increasing mobility and flexibility
• Acts as a gate to strength training
• Increases lean muscle mass

Cons:

• Results can plateau after a while
• It’s difficult to isolate specific muscle groups
• It can be tedious to figure out progressions for higher gains
• Bodyweight training alone isn’t enough for those aiming to gain a lot of muscle mass.

3. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

The main idea behind HIIT is that quick bursts of high-intensity exercises followed short periods of rest burns the same amount of calories as traditional workouts. This makes it a popular workout choice among those who don’t have enough time.

Pros:

• Great for those who have time constraints
• Boosts metabolism
• Helps lose fat but not muscle mass
• Makes working out more fun
• Good for heart health

Cons:

• Maintaining the right form can be difficult
• Not the ideal workout for seniors or those with cardiovascular problems
• Risk for injury is much higher as compared to traditional workouts
• It’s not recommended for beginners

If you’re already following any of these fitness trends, you might want to revisit your progress (perhaps on your new Fitbit). If you’re happy with the results, then you can continue with the regimen. Otherwise, you might want to find a new workout to better suit your needs. If you are new to these trends, then carefully consider their pros and cons before starting out.