2014's Summer Bod: Why This Year Can Be Different
Samm Sack
Co-Editor
There is a reason why some of those recurring resolutions--like being nice or working out--keep reappearing on lists year after year. Every new year, the gyms are packed for about two weeks, but for some reason, the fear of failing another year’s resolution doesn’t keep people going back to the gym the third week.
This year, I’ve told myself it’s going to be different. The fitness trends that so previously bored me are actually of interest to me this year. The old fads of Pilates and Zumba kept me away from the small group that so readily jumped into good shape.
2014’s top fitness trends are looking to be a little more creative and strength-based compared to the number one trend last year: barefoot running. According to The American College of Sports Medicine’s survey of over 3,815 fitness professionals, this year is going to be way more about strength than endurance and flexibility.
The top five trends are listed below:
HIIT utilizes short bursts of hard-core activity, followed by a shorter period of recovery, and is the number one trend predicted to take over 2014. Since these exercises are usually less than 30 minutes long, people with busy schedules can pull out a really good workout without wasting a lot of time at the gym or at a home studio.
This trend kicks the gym out all together; using minimal equipment, Body Weight Training makes working out affordable and easier to fit into schedules. Some people shy away from getting “back to the basics” with fitness, but these workouts aren’t limited to just push-ups and pull-ups.
There are a ton of organizations that are newly offering certifications for health and fitness this year. More and more people are predicted to go out and get themselves educated on how to stay in shape, rather than paying someone to do it for them. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies warns athletes to ensure the program they take is accredited by NCCA before enrolling.
Going back to brute strength, this trend shows up year after year. It’s the main focus of a lot of different gyms, clubs and programs. Apart from aerobic exercise and flexibility, the experts are urging people of every fitness level to emphasise strength training.
Nutrition is the biggest part of losing weight because it takes a lot of exercise to undo one bad meal (to burn off one M&M candy, you have to walk the length of a football field). Yet, professionals who provide weight loss programs are trying to push exercise a lot more this year. They are not only trying to restrict calories anymore, but they’re also incorporating regular exercise as well.
Trying to stay in shape, or get back into shape, can be really hard without motivation. Try to find a good workout partner to help push you, like a best friend, another athlete or a significant other. Ultimately, it’s up to you to break the chain of the recurring resolutions.
