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2016 is already here, and if you’ve chosen to get fitter as one of this year’s resolutions, then you need to keep up to date with the latest fitness trends surfacing out there.

As you may notice, technology is everywhere, and it has now claimed the fitness industry too. Wearable technology and gadgets such as smartwatches and fitness bands are the top trends to watch out for this year. High intensity training and bodyweight training are also here to stay. But what else is going to keep you sweating this year?

1. Barre

Barre is the ultimate trend. Practiced by celebrities such as Madonna and Drew Barrymore, Barre is a combination of ballet-like postures, including yoga and pilates, and uses a bar as a prop to balance the body while you exercise and focus on contracting a specific set of muscles. It incorporates high repetitions of small motion range movements, and sometimes adds weight training and mats for core workout. Try it out at one of our partners close to you – some of them include:

2. Wall pilates

A spin-off of Pilates, wall pilates uses a series of clips and belts attached to a custom made wall system. By using vertical suspension for resistance, you can practice the exercises and positions in a more supportive way, and it is designed to improve muscle tone and posture and to increase flexibility, oxygen, and blood flow.

3. High intensity interval training (HIIT)

High intensity interval training, or HIIT, has become one of the best types of workouts to lose fat. It is versatile and efficient, targeting both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, increasing endurance and strength while building muscle.

Another benefit from this type of intense workout is the “afterburn” effect it creates. This refers to the excess oxygen consumption people experience after the workout, and how it can boost your metabolism for up to 48 hours after completing your HIIT training.

4. Functional fitness training

Functional fitness training is the type of workout made for everyday life. Its aim is to change your mindset – you can actually exercise in your everyday life activities, not only at the gym. It also requires you to use several groups of muscles at a time, rather than a specific group. Examples of these type of exercises are balance-challenged practical movements, like imitating daily tasks such as carrying groceries from the shops, or unloading your car.

5. Aerial yoga

Yoga may not be a new trend this year, but aerial yoga certainly is. Hanging from the air to stretch doesn’t sound possible, but it is safe and graceful.

Aerial yoga is performed on a piece of fabric, mimicking a hammock, and can hold up to 900 kg. Apparently, aerial yoga is a better workout than yoga itself, as it makes you stretch and push your poses even further, and requires you to do them in a more efficient manner.  It builds your body strength (including your legs), flexibility, and agility.

You can try aerial yoga at Adelaide Pilates Studio or Performance Pilates in Perth, among other places around the country!

6. Wearable technology

Wearable devices were big last year and they’re going to be even bigger this year. We are obsessed with statistics when we exercise, and it can’t get better than the ease of wearing them around our wrists and having them calculate every movement in our daily lives.

Devices like the Apple Watch, JawBone, and Fitbit are just some of the popular examples of today. They help monitor and track every step, every kilometre, and every calorie burnt so you can get the most out of your workout and achieve those desired fitness goals faster. Most of these wearable technology gadgets also come with inbuilt heart-rate monitors, providing a safer way of exercising. This year, it’s expected the accuracy will improve, and that wearable technology will be able to track more bodily processes than ever.

7. Body weight training

Body weight is not a new trend, but like wearable technology, it is a growing one. Its popularity is due to the fact that it’s affordable, requires no equipment, and you can do it anywhere. After all, all you need to train is your own body.

By using the resistance of your own body weight, you’re building muscle and strength while burning fat, without the need of using any extra weight. Examples of these exercises include the classic push-ups, pull-ups, and lunges. If you need a little push to get going, personal training might be a good option for you. Some of our partners who offer personal training include Body Revival in Victoria, and She Fitness in various locations around New South Wales.

8. Online fitness

In a world where social media has taken over, we can’t leave the new trend of online personal trainers and fitness behind. Nowadays, if people can’t get to the gym, or can’t afford a personal trainer, they will get the information and tips they need from their phone screens. Australian fitness guru Kayla Itsines is one example of these type of trainers.

Online personal training is not the only digital trend hitting our shores. This year, will see the emergence online dance studios. Just log in, and experience the class environment, the instructor, and the choreography, all from the comfort of your home.

9. In-store fitness

In-store fitness is a huge step for various retail shops that sell activewear. The concept is self explanatory: running in-store fitness activities, such as yoga classes as Lululemon does, or workouts mixed with healthy food set in a dedicated “active living room”, as Lorna Jane has done. Expect to see more of these activities popping up amongst your favourite brands.

10. African-inspired dancing

Zumba is a thing of the past, what is going to make us sweat this year is African-inspired dancing. Jungle dancing is one the new trends, which combines dancing, kickboxing, high intensity training, pilates, African hip-hop, reggae, dancehall, and pop.

Another dance that is up and coming is Bokwa. Influenced by the South African war dance Capoeira, Bokwa adds kickboxing to the mix, focusing on the legs and burning about 1200 calories per session.

11. Retro running

Retro or reverse running is exactly what you’re picturing: a bunch of people running backwards. It may seem like a funny picture in your mind, but it’s actually pretty effective, using at least 30% more energy than normal running, and it is perfect for people who want to reduce fat but suffer from sore knees or have experienced injury in the past.

12. Foam rolling

With the breakthrough of high intensity exercises, training programs across the floor have become popular too. Foam rolling training increases the motion range of your muscles before exercising, preparing the soft tissue to improve and maximise performance and reduce the risk of injury. Post-workout, it can also help stretch the muscles, so you don’t end up too sore.

Know someone who’s looking for a new fitness regime this year?

Surprise them with a Spa and Wellness Gift Card and they can choose a fitness experience near them to enjoy.

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Sophie Deans

Sophie Deans

As a Certified Personal Trainer & Fitness Instructor, Sophie is the true definition of a fitness fanatic and avid gym-goer. She is passionate about everything that comes hand in hand with leading a healthy lifestyle, from nutrition and fitness to mental wellbeing. With a love of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle to others, Sophie now works as part of the spa.com.au team, supporting the participating Health & Fitness providers across Australia.