The start of a New Year is always a great opportunity to get some new, healthy habits into your routine. But many of us allow our good intentions to fade fast — more than 80% of people give up on their resolution six weeks into the New Year.
We’re curious creatures by nature though, and if a fitness pursuit isn’t sparking up any excitement then we’ll be quick to look around for the next big thing — that or we give up! Sometimes it just takes a bit of a refresh to get back into the swing of things, so take a look at these 2020 fitness trends and get inspired to try something new.
Yoga HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
While yoga might seem like a slow, relaxing workout, this looks set to change in 2020 as enthusiasts look for more ways to reap the benefit from the activity. This hybrid activity combines the powerful movements of yoga with the high paced, bursts of training involved in a HIIT session — yet it remains a Zen experience, simply geared up for more calorie burn. You’ll be put to your paces in a routine of punchy, all-over body movements, and the high-energy routines achieve the perfect fusion of utilising various muscle groups at the same time, as well as getting your heart rate up.
Mindful Running
Running has evolved in recent years, and while it is one of the most accessible forms of exercise available, the benefits of it are often overlooked and for some, it can feel like a struggle. If you want to ignite a passion for running, then consider taking a more mindful approach, rather than pounding the pavements to no avail.
If you’re at odds with your morning jaunt around the park, fixated on trumping your personal best, then remove this from your mind before you run and commit to taking to the trail with a clear head. This is one of the key principles of mindful running, and from doing so you’re set to reap the benefits that the sport has in terms of your mental well-being. Your body releases a whole host of endorphins when you run, and studies have shown that they’re closely linked to improving mood levels. So, change up your attitude to running in 2020 and you could benefit a lot more from your weekly cardio session. Changing your running route can also be a great way to kick start your motivation. Whether you venture further afield to the north east coastline, enjoying refreshments after a long run at one of the traditional Durham city pubs or if you’re committed to running in the Lake District fells, feel revitalised in a new setting and approach running differently in 2020.
Biohacking
While this might sound a bit mysterious and far from the conventional forms of exercise we’re used to, it’s actually to do with one of the most important parts of getting active — the recovery. Coined as ‘molecular wellness’, biohacking clinics are opening up all around the country, specialising in ozone therapy, carboxytherapy, and bioanalysis. Biohacking can seem quite intense, but it puts your body to its limits by changing your physiology to some extent, usually achieved by experimenting with heat, pressure, and science in order to energize and enhance the body. The concept is intended to trigger a kind of evolution within the body, whether it’s through exposing your body to sub-zero pools, lifting weights, or performing in a state of hypoxia (limited oxygen).
Pre- and Post-natal Workouts
Expecting in 2020? It’s an exciting time for new mums who are aiming to get fit and stay fit throughout their pregnancy. The workout app Fiit found that mums admitted they found a distinct lack of support for new mothers when it comes to sustaining an exercise routine. With the launch of Fiit Mum, they are pioneering the way forwards for helping mums feel confident when exercising, both pre and post baby. Jessica Ennis, a British Olympian, has launched her own app, which offers specialist pre- and post-natal workouts, with exercises designed to suit each trimester and the post-birth stages. Post exercise plans are included as well as dedicated approaches for pelvic floor conditioning and core stability.
So, why not challenge yourself and get active in a totally new way this year! It could be the exact change that you need to feel great again.
In retrospect...
Looking back, the top fitness trend in 2020 ended up being exercising from home - a trend that was necessitated when Covid-19 forced the closure of gyms in many places!
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