Hot new fitness trends for 2019

Like to try out new exercise routines? Check out these expert recommended options coming to a gym or studio near you

Sylvia Diaz is a fitness instructor, personal trainer and nutrition advisor. She runs a fitness and nutrition coaching service called Fit with Sylvia

These days we integrate working out in our lives without asking ourselves if we should. Why? Because once we do it, we immediately feel pleasure. Not to mention how your physical appearance and self-esteem can improve. Here are my top fitness trends for 2019.

Wearable Technology, like smart watches and fitness apps, are making working out on the go easier than ever.

Bodyweight training, where you use only your body, like in push-ups and planks, to get you sweating is the perfect no-equipment or DIY workout due to its extreme convenience. You can do it any time, anywhere. Your body is a great resistance training tool.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) took the top spot since 2014 with short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by a short period of rest. The main point is to get a quick and very efficient workout, so it’s perfect for busy professionals or even stay-at-home mums.

Resistance bands are becoming the most used fitness accessory because of their light weight. The effects are the same as using machines!

Group training or classes are also very much in demand. Especially circuits where all members interact with each other. In Dublin, this is becoming the new social meeting over the weekends, followed by a well-deserved brunch.

Yoga, where mind and body are linked, is both a mental and physical workout. Suitable for all ages, it is a kind of meditation while toning the body – you get the best of both worlds. You can do it in a park – no gym necessary.

Dance-based workouts are perfect as a way to party yourself into shape. Having fun while socialising and exercising will definitely be a trend in 2019.

www.fitwithsylvia.com
@fit.with.sylvia

Claire Toolan, leisure centre manager at the Clayton Hotel in Galway

While certain trends remain the same, such as HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), wearable technology and group training classes, some hot new trends are emerging this year.

Virtual reality – Wearable technology like fit-bits remained popular Christmas gifts this year, but virtual reality gear and audio workouts could become a new trend. The use of virtual reality gear could be the thing that gets everyone on their feet. If a mobile app like Pokémon GO can get the nation walking and running with determination, virtual reality could provide new immersive and exciting ways to get more people to enjoy exercising.

Focus on diet – the idea of not only monitoring what you eat but also when you eat has been growing in popularity and is set to be an interesting trend this year. Skipping breakfast and eating late in the evenings can hinder progress in fitness and weight loss. More people have been discovering this important aspect of personal health.

Although the most popular trends that have dominated health and fitness for the last few years don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, 2019 could have some interesting ideas being developed in the fitness industry.

www.claytonhotelgalway.ie/leisure-centre

Alan Williams of Alan Williams Coaching

One thing that could really get big in the Irish fitness industry in the next 12 months are F45 classes. F45 is a group class based around functional training in a HIIT format. It’s a circuit-style class, but I think what will really appeal to class lovers is the element of weight lifting involved. Many people know they should be lifting weights, but either don’t want to leave their class environment or personal training doesn’t fit their budget. So this solves the problem.

F45 originated in Australia and has been growing at a rapid pace. The F stands for ‘functional’ and the 45 is the duration of a class. It has become hugely popular in the UK over the last 12 months and has already found its way into Ireland with a couple of F45 studios popping up in Dublin. It is similar to the Crossfit movement, which seemed to spring up and grow at a rapid rate too. Similar to Crossfit, you won’t find F45 classes in your local gym. They are a standalone entity with their own studios.

I would advise you to be wary of online reports suggesting that a class can burn up to 900 calories. For a 45-minute class that would mean a very high intensity. However, class groups are kept small, so participants should be carefully monitored by a qualified instructor.

Alanwilliamscoaching.com

Big in 2019

Dance fitness workshops – dance workouts to an afrobeat with live percussion and drumming.

Rebounding – a cardiovascular workout while bouncing on a mini trampoline to music. An instructor will shout orders such as ‘lunge’ and ‘squat’.

Pole dancing – helps to build up muscle and work your back, quads and glutes.

Rowing – on the water or in the gym. Will give you a low impact total body workout with increased muscle and joint mobility.

Immersive yoga – doing the stretching while watching videos of inspiring natural phenomena accompanied by music.

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