We’ve taken a look in our crystal ball to bring you the biggest fitness trends of 2018. Look no further because the Action PR team have decreed 2018 will bring us the following:
- Immersive Fitness
We’re all going mad for Studio Society, West Hampstead’s new totally immersive fitness experience. Featuring three studios with surround-screens, high quality sound and scents to match your session, it’s an experience as much as it is a workout. If you like the sound of this, also check out Sweat and Sound immersive pop up events in some of London’s most unusual venues. We expect to see more immersive fitness cropping up throughout the course of 2018, and we’ll bring you updates on this blog in due course.
- LISS (Low Impact Steady State Cardio)
As someone who spent most of 2017 with an injury, I can personally vouch for the efficacy of LISS (and no I didn’t get fat or lose muscle tone). LISS refers to long steady-state workouts like walking, cycling or swimming without the peaks and troughs of a HIIT workout. Research shows it can be as effective as high impact activity for weight loss. If you’re injury prone, it’s well worth considering!
- Caffeine as pre-workout
If you’re in the know, you’re likely scoffing at this as “old news” but the truth is that caffeine as pre-workout is only just starting to reach the masses. Caffeine is the cleanest way to get your pre-workout boost. Several studies have demonstrated a link between caffeine intake before exercise and increased athletic performance, demonstrating that athletes can “train at a greater power output and/or train longer” after taking caffeine. Along with increased energy to complete intense workouts, caffeine also provides an increase in mental focus, ensuring you get the most from your workouts. The best way to take caffeine is as a “controlled” substance (caffeine can vary hugely in your cup of Joe). So grab a bottle of our fav, Point Blank, one hour before you workout, it contains no sugar, no fat and just one calorie and is the perfect clean energy boost.
- Mindfulness
Mindfulness has been growing in popularity for some time. But for the first time, more people are using their phones to take part in mindfulness meditation than are joining formal practice. In 2018 we’ll see mindfulness activities becoming more integrated into everyday life. We’ll also see more partner and group mindfulness activities offerings, encouraging a sense of community and the opportunity to enjoy a shared experience. For mindfulness meditation on the go, we highly recommend Buddhify, meditations for every part of your life from traveling and using social media, to bathtime and going to sleep.
- Calisthenics
Calisthenics, best know for its iconic moves like the muscle up and human flag, is finding its way into gyms and studios around the UK. Calisthenics is about complete mastery of the human body and so it’s no wonder it’s gaining in popularity as more exercisers are looking for a next-level fitness challenge. Find your local Calisthenics park of training venue by visiting www.calisthenicsuk.co.uk
- Plant based performance products
The vegan supplement market boomed in 2017 with even the most mainstream of brands adding vegan protein products to their range. We expect to see a further proliferation of plant-based performance enhancing products this year as more people adopt a plant-based diet or simply desire “cleaner” supplements. Expect the plant-based ranges to rival those of the traditional chemically created variety, Hallelujah!
- Indoor climbing
Once the pastime of Millets-clad adventure geeks, climbing has got the cool factor. Now a fully recognised Olympic Sport, climbing is becoming the fitness pastime of those looking for an exhilarating challenge which delivers a great workout. With more climbing walls than ever around the UK, climbing is becoming extremely accessible. Everyone Active offer a six-hour beginners climbing course for under £100 which, when completed, allows you to climb without supervision. The perfect fitness goal for 2018?
- Streamed classes and at-home workouts
With convenience being one of the major factors in choosing your workout, it stands to reason that streamed classes and at-home workouts are on the up. 2017 saw the launch of Flywheel and Peleton; buy their bike and join classes from the comfort of your own home. ClassPass has also just announced that it will launch ClassPass Live in 2018. Initially just for the US, a successful launch will inevitably see it rolled out to the UK.
What fitness trends do you think we will be seeing over the next twelve months? Let us know in the comments!
