What’s hot and what’s not for your 2016 workout

Start prepping for those New Year’s resolutions, because the new year brings a new you. Based on a few surveys and talking with a local personal trainer, I’ve got the “official” news on what’s hot and what’s not for your 2016 workout.

Most women want to enjoy their workouts. They want to attend something that is upbeat, fun, trendy and gives them great results. The American College of Sports Medicine just released its annual “Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2016,” in which nearly 3,000 exercise pros predict what workouts will be on trend this year. In anticipation of this report I spoke with Ashley Wild, a personal trainer from St. George, to see if her top picks were on the list. Sure enough, several of her picks made the list.

Before we start the list we need to get our semantics straight. This list is about trends, not fads. A fad is a phenomenon that blows up quickly and lasts only for a short time and then fades away. A trend is something that gains momentum and can create a long-term impact in the way people think or behave.

Wearable technology

If you’re wearing it, you’re trending it. For example, fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors, and GPS-enabled gadgets are the undisputed champs.

Body weight training

Back to the basics: push-ups, squat jumps, burpees, and pull-ups. The use of minimal equipment makes working out super convenient and affordable to do your workouts anywhere.

High intensity interval training

A fast-paced workout with a powerful punch, this workout involves short bursts of high intensity activity followed by short periods of rest. “A lot of women prefer this style of training because it is fast, light weights and keeps your mind actively engaged because you are constantly changing exercises and its fun,” Wild said. “You also get a higher after burn of calories for a longer period of time which is great for fat loss!”

Strength training

Free weights and machines are the old-school style but are still on trend. You’ll build muscle but also melt away body fat and burn more calories, all while protecting your bone health and muscle mass.

Educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals

Are you thinking of going pro? The market for professionals has become more competitive, so it is important to choose professionals certified through programs that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Personal training

When you hire someone like Ashley Wild, you have a support system, a go-to person for motivation and encouragement, a constant gym buddy to show you how to do exercises as well as someone who will push and challenge you, but most importantly someone who has the knowledge to help you specifically with what you need most.

Functional fitness

This trend makes so much sense. Functional workouts help you move better throughout the day by using strength training to improve balance, coordination, force, power, and endurance.

Fitness programs for older adults

Programs to keep mom, dad, grams, and gramps healthy are on the rise. Studies show that after 40, we begin to lose muscle mass and strength, so fitness programs that keep older adults healthy and active are crucial.

Exercise and weight loss

Programs that incorporate nutrition and fitness routines make the list. We all know that 80 percent of weight loss depends on what you do or don’t put into your mouth.

Yoga

“Some women love the quiet, peaceful release of energy from different classes such as yoga,” Wild said. With new iterations like Hot Yoga and even Snowga, yoga is more popular than ever. Rooted in ancient tradition, yoga is widely known for improving health and promoting relaxation.

“The trick to getting results is to keep your body active, on a regular workout schedule and to keep it guessing what’s coming next!” said Wild.

Do you think the pros missed any trends? Chime in with your faves below.

Find Ashley Wild on Instagram, email her at ashley.l.wild@gmail.com, or call (435) 773.7881.