Have you ever fallen into the habit of working out the same way week after week, month after month? It’s not just that it feels boring to go through the same exercises over and over; doing so can cause injuries and hinder your fitness goals. Now more than ever, we all need to keep our workouts fresh, new, and exciting so we keep from getting bored and stay healthy at the same time. Here are five fitness trends that are emerging to help you do just that.
HIIT training
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a type of exercise that alternates between short periods of intense effort and recovery. HIIT can be done with any type of exercise but is often done with sprinting or bodyweight exercises. HIIT is a great way to get a quick, effective workout. It also provides benefits such as fat loss, increased insulin sensitivity, improved blood sugar levels, improved aerobic capacity, and greater muscle endurance. Studies have shown HIIT workouts provide the same level of calorie burn as steady state cardio but in much less time.
Eccentric exercises
A great way to challenge your muscles is by using eccentric exercises, which are exercises that lengthen your muscles under load. This type of exercise can help you build strength and improve your endurance. Plus, it can also help reduce the risk of injury. Eccentric contractions occur when a muscle contracts while lengthening, they’re the opposite of concentric contractions, where a muscle shortens while contracting. When you perform an eccentric contraction, like lowering weights during a bicep curl, the weight provides resistance and forces your muscles to work against gravity. Research has shown that these types of exercises may be more effective at building muscle than traditional repetitions.
Dynamic Stretching
This type of stretching is becoming increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts, as it is a more active form of stretching that can help improve your range of motion. It involves moving your muscles and joints through a full range of motion, which can help prepare your body for physical activity. Studies have shown that this type of stretch has the potential to decrease muscle soreness and improve performance during high-intensity workouts.
Weighted Abs Exercises
You may have seen people at the gym wearing weighted vests or belts around their waists. This is because weighted abs exercises are becoming increasingly popular. These exercises help to build strength and definition in the abdominal muscles. Plus, they can be done anywhere, making them convenient for busy people on the go. If you don’t want to invest in a weight vest, then consider a belt that you can fill with weights as needed.
Muscle Activation Technique (MAT)
This cutting-edge fitness trend is based on the principle that improving your muscular function can make you stronger and help reduce injuries. MAT involves using special equipment to target specific muscles and help them fire more efficiently. Some people say it’s like getting a tune-up for your muscles. The benefits of this method are increased muscle strength, less injury, improved range of motion, reduced back pain, faster post-workout recovery time, and prevention of chronic pain syndromes.
Conclusion
If you are looking for something new and innovative, these five emerging fitness trends will keep your workouts fresh. From jumping into the deep end with a triathlon or learning how to safely use a kettlebell, there is an activity out there that suits every personality type.