Top 4 Fitness Trends

Have you found that working out can sometimes be… Well… A workout? In the world today it seems as though people are becoming more aware of the importance of physical fitness, but with that comes along so many different and interesting ways to get involved. It’s difficult to keep track of them all. Check 4 Fitness Trends that are happening across the country now!:

1.)    The Yoga Festivals: Wanderlust and Hanuman Festivals :

With the practice of Yoga constantly trending upward, full blown yoga festivals inspired by the “peace, love and harmony” traditions of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s are becoming more and more visible.

Wanderlust is one festival that promotes the union of the world’s best yoga and wellness teachers with top musical acts and DJs, all in a natural and peaceful setting. They promote “getting’ your down dog on at the top of the mountain and sipping poolside cocktails with your crew”; there is everything from early morning meditations to  all-night musical performances and it all happens in the beautiful Lake Tahoe Valley.

Another event, Hanuman, is a community-oriented yoga and music festival set at the foot of Colorado`s Rocky Mountains and is a “celebration with world-class yoga instructors, mind-blowing music, inspirational experiences and a nourishing community.” Attendees are encouraged to immerse themselves in body, mind and heart where they can “relax and rejuvenate, dance and devote, connect and expand, have fun and just be…the beauty of yoga is honored along with the healing and transformative power of alignment, movement and breath.”

2.)    The Test of Strength: ToughMudder and Warrior Dash

There are also the mud events where people are a required to be a bit more… “Tough”. It takes nerve to even sign up for one of these events: from Tough Mudder, where a 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces is attempted by civilians, to the Warrior Dash where there is even an award entitled “Best Warrior Beard”. These events test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. At this point we can forget finish times; simply completing one of these events is almost like wearing a badge of honor.

3.)    Extreme Training: Crossfit / TRX (Suspension Training)

When it comes to day-to-day workouts, some people are looking for a more extreme training to get them in the most optimal physical shape.

CrossFit is a type of strength and conditioning program that many police academies, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and other elite and professional athletes use within their own personal training programs. It is designed for scalability; in CrossFit, you scale load and intensity and the programs themselves do not change.

Another form of strength and conditioning using only bodyweight is TRX. This is a Suspension Training that was developed by the U.S. Navy SEALS and Fitness Anywhere. TRX is essentially leveraged bodyweight exercise and is one the most versatile piece of exercise equipment available.

4.)    Surfing? Kayaking?: Stand Up Paddle Board

Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) might be one of the biggest trending workouts to date. From Jennifer Aniston, to Tone it Up, it seems like it is one of the most interesting growing sports. Even the residents of NYC can experience the benefits of the sport while taking in views on the Hudson. Paddle boarding itself is an incredible full body workout; it’s similar to kayaking, but with less equipment, and since you’re using your own body, it offers an insane core workout. People have even started fusing SUP workouts with yoga to keep each time challenging and fun.

How do you keep your workouts exciting for you? Which type of fitness experience will you try?

This piece was contributed by Brittany D. Costa, health and wellness educator and journalist. Costa currently works at Brittany D. Costa Freelance, where she performs private in-home and electronic personal training and health and wellness guidance. She has also worked at several fitness clubs and is the Official Health and Wellness Guide for various Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant contestants. Check out her blog for more information!