Fitness trends for 2014
I read something online a few weeks ago that kind of made me stop in my neon-clad booty-popping tracks:
“Zumba is going to be like the mom jeans of the fitness world.”
As you guys know, I’m a HUGE Zumba fan, so needless to say, the quote stung a little. Things tend to be more painful when there’s a little bit of truth to them.
In my fitness crystal ball -which is bedazzled yet murky- I foresee the Zumba juggernaut hitting a plateau after a long and successful climb to the fitness legend it has become. Of course, I’ll be right there until the end, but I predict that new(er) classes and techniques will continue to thrive in the new year.
Here’s my list of fitness trends for the new year, and some things I think will either plateau or decrease in popularity:
Hot:
Dance classes with live DJs or musicians (like Soli Beat!)
Functional exercises with minimal strength and equipment (GPP, CrossFit)
HIIT training and HIIT classes (like Les Mills GRIT)
Cardio/strength combo classes
“Playground” style gyms
Hot yoga and yoga/combo classes (like spin/yoga, pilates/yoga, etc)
Wearable fitness trackers
Group personal training sessions (or bootcamps)
Fitness programs for active older adults (low-impact strength and cardio options)
Functional fitness should continue to gain momentum, as well as classes that emphasize total body strength while working the cardiovascular system. Group fitness training (like bootcamps) should continue to be extremely popular, as well as anything yoga-related. I think that fitness trackers will become even more common than they are today; almost everyone will have a Jawbone or FitBit on their wrist. I’ve been looking into one -I’d love to see the extra steps I take chasing Liv around- so please let me know if you have one your can recommend.
(Source)
Cold:
Ab classes
Zumba
Pilates
Heart rate monitors (still be extremely useful fitness tools, but I think they’ve been replaced by the fitness trackers for everyday use)
“Personal trainers” without fitness backgrounds. The big box gyms seem to be moving away from generic training packages and onto individual trainers with reputable certifications.
The programs I’ve chosen for my “cold” list tend to be the programs that have been stagnant (at least in my experience) for the past couple of years. Zumba is constantly looking to revitalize its program and the offerings, but in reality, the core classes haven’t changed much. The same goes with Pilates and Bikram yoga. Many people LOVE knowing exactly when to expect, while others tend to become bored and seek out alternative options. I think it’s also worth mentioning that the instructors make all the difference in the world! These can all be “hot” classes if you find an instructor who is constantly challenging and inspiring you. If you try out a new class and don’t exactly love it, be sure to experiment with different teachers and/or studios.
What do you think?
Agree/disagree?
Any fitness predictions for 2014?
My preferences and predictions shouldn’t have an impact on your fitness routine (unless you feel inspired to try something new!). You know what you love, and it’s up to you to form your own opinions and create a fitness routine that suits your individual needs and preferences. I don’t care what your fitness love is… maybe it’s Prancercise, and that’s totally cool. I’m excited to see anyone moving, sweating and doing something they enjoy. This is just for fun discussion sake 🙂
Excited to read your comments!
xoxo
Gina
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i have a fitbit force and I love it, it can track more than just steps, stairs climbed, miles, calories burned, sleep, diet, and water intake. and its light and not bulky. the company i work for offers incentives and lower healthcare premiums if we use our fitbit and reach 10000 daily steps.
that’s amazing. i always love to hear about companies supporting a healthy lifestyle!
I have the cheapest FitBit, the Zip, and I think I like it better than I’d like the newer & pricier models! The Zip is tiny & cute, and stays firmly clipped onto my bra. I can’t imagine wearing a wrist one all the time which defeats the purpose, and waistband clips don’t work for me because I’m more often in dresses.
On the flip side, I bought a BodyBugg a few years ago and hate it – what a waste of money. Worst website ever, and it really seemed to overestimate everything I did. So there’s my two cents! 🙂
i’ve heard about probs with the bodybugg. good to know about the zip!
xo
I love all your Hots and Colds! I agree you should do what you like! Fitness is kinda like fashion- you can try to follow the trends if you want, and they may work for you; but if you like something that is “Cold” but works for you, go for it! Pilates is always a fave of mine. It burns so good =)
couldn’t agree more. pilates kills me, too!
Great list and I always say whatever gets you moving. Although Pilates is still hot, will always be my fav. 🙂
I’ve been thinking about getting a Fitbit too — I’m intrigued to see what people have to say about them & other options!
I agree with your cold list, and that barre/HIIT will continue to be popular in 2014!
I got a fitbit flex for christmas – LOE it! I didn’t want a clip on one because I change my clothes so often when I teach I’m sure I’d wash it, having it on my wrist makes it hard to put i nthe washing machine by mistake 😉
I think Zumba is going to hit a hard decline too. I started cutting back on ho many classes I teach in the fall and brought in yoga and barre. I’d love to see an influx of people to barre, I’m the only person I know around here teaching it and it’s hard to get people to come out because they still don’t understand what it is!
Ha! I’ve subconsciously been thinking of Zumba as the “mom jeans of fitness” for a while now… but that didn’t stop me from buying a multi-session Zumba Groupon yesterday. 🙂 It really does force me to get in my cardio that I normally hate doing!
I’ve had Fitbits since they came out four years ago. I was on the waiting list for one in 2009. I like them a lot. I prefer the torso-worn models (One, Zip) over the wrist ones (Flex, Force) because the wrist ones are ugly and the torso ones seem more accurate, based on reviews.
I really want to try a new make (Jawbone, Basis, Misfit, Withings Pulse, anything) but none of them quite measure up to the features of the Fitbit yet.
That said, they are very fancy pedometers, so don’t expect them to estimate calories for spinning and yoga and weights sessions. A lot of people don’t understand that. They’re perfect for moms, though. Some days I feel like, “I don’t feel like a workout,” and I check my Fitbit and see I’ve already done plenty for the day, or vice versa.
I love barre! And yoga.
I agree that it seems like people are moving more towards functional training, it usually gives the best bang for your buck so it would make sense
Highly recommend the Fitbit Zip. It’s cheaper than the Flex and can be worn under your clothes so you don’t have to bother with wearing it on your wrist. I debated between both devices and decided on the Zip because I didn’t think I needed the extras of the Flex (stair count, sleep tracking), and I liked how you could disguise is under your shirt. Look on Amazon because the prices are cheaper than the Fitbit website.
For all Fitbit devices, the app and website are great if you like numbers and statistics. You can compare trends over time and see your results in graphs. I’ve had my Zip since August and love trying to increase my steps over time. It’s become a little game if I get close by the end of the day to walk around some more to get to 10,000. I usually get bored with trends and new gadgets but I still am obsessed with my Fitbit!
I’ve noticed a big shift in fitness for women in that the “inbetween” stuff is falling to the wayside a bit. A lot of people I encounter are either Yoga/Running Enthusiasts or are getting big time into lifting using Body Pump or Training up to fitness competitions. Skinny is not as desired a body type as it used to be but rather fit is what a lot my friends strive for. A refreshing change.
Yes! I agree! I love that the “fit” look is finally being looked at as ‘sexy’! I used to be a ‘cardio queen’ and while I still enjoy my ‘cardio’ I tend to gravitate towards more strength based workouts now (nike training club/body pump/etc) and love to see my muscles looking lean and toned 😉 I wear a heart rate monitor so I still know my heart rate is staying up there and I’m burning plenty of calories! 🙂 Plus having more lean muscle mass in general allows your body to burn more cals when you are doing nothing. Sorry for that rant! Haha, but I completely agree. I feel like the population is shifting from that super super skinny look as being ideal, to the ‘fit’ lean but toned look. Strong is the new sexy! 🙂
Oh the Zumba quote made me laugh and cry at the same time! I got on the Zumba train way late because I thought of it as a “mom jeans” class, but guess what? …I love it and my instructor. It’s been a nice alternative to running/HIIT/bootcamp for me now that I’m preggo and it turns out, my local Y is starting Aqua Zumba this month. Perfect for the last trimester so long as I can find appropriate swim attire for the bump. 🙂
I definitely agree though I’m sad to see zumba on its way out! I love Barre and Cardio/ Strength classes because I feel like they make the most of my time and incorporate strength training in a more subtle way for people who don’t necessarily love to hit the weights.
New to your blog–I’m enjoying it! I’m a sedentary, tired, 44yo, mother of 4 BUT I recognize that I need to be fit to keep up with my kids and to be a good example for them. I got a Jawbone Up for Christmas and I’m lovin’ it! It has inspired me to work more activity into my normal routine–park further away from the store, shoot hoops with mt 7yo, don’t gripe about yet another trip downstairs to the washer :-). These bite-size changes plus inspiration from blogs like yours plus making regular workouts a priority should add up to a healthier 2014!
I love my fitbit one – I wear it on my bra and just check my step count by refreshing the app on my phone (it syncs via bluetooth).
Fitness trend I wish were still hot – TRX. I love it but it seems to have declined some in popularity.
Definitely agree with some of these, but disagree about Pilates being cold – I think there’s a reason it’s been around for as long as it has and why people from age 8-88 can do it. (Wholeheartedly agree it comes down to instructor though!) In my opinion, a good Pilates class has variety every single time and doesn’t read like a Barre or Bikram class that replays identically to the class before. (Not to say I don’t love Barre, I do, a whole lot, – but there’s very little variety to the choreography of the class.)
I’m a certified Pilates instructor, teach on the reformer and mat, and go to great lengths to make sure my classes are different and challenging every single time – taking other instructors classes, taking different types of classes, playing with spring loads, etc to incorporate new exercises into my own classes. I’ve taken really bad classes and really amazing ones – if you don’t love something at first, try a new style, instructor, etc – you’ll find something for ya! 🙂 Happy 2014!
I am so obsessed with combination spinning/ yoga classes. When I lived in Seattle, I went to an amazing studio that had classes for 45 minutes of spinning and 30 minutes of yoga – best workout ever! I would love to see more studios doing this!
Oh, I would love to try a class like that! I take a class on Sunday mornings that is 30min cycle then 30min strength training with weights and I LOVE it! I don’t love love cycle per say, but I LOVE the instructor so I totally agree with everyone that has said an instructor can make or break a class!
I also LOVE yoga AFTER a high intensity workout. I find it hard to motivate myself to head to the gym for JUST yoga. At my old gym they had turbo kickboxing for an hour followed by yoga for an hour and I LOVED IT!!!! 🙂 Felt so good to stretch in Yoga after a sweaty, intense workout.
Great post! I have noticed a decline of Zumba enthusiasts. Many folks I know enjoy U-JAM fitness classes, bootcamp, TRX etc. I haven’t been into group classes lately besides Spinning (which I will love forever) and Bikram yoga. Oh and I have a Polar FT4 heart rate monitor/calorie counter watch which I love!
I have the same polar HRM and LOVE IT! 🙂
I have always really wanted to try one of those activity trackers but they are a bit expensive for our budget right now! I agree with most of what you said – I am more of a “do my own thing” kind of girl so I don’t take too many classes but I’d say based on what I see that you hit it right on the money.
What a great round-up, thank you so much! I agree on the HOTs, and am eager myself to get back into Barre. I thought Bikram was still pretty trendy, but like Kristine said a few comments above, it’s SO repetitive. I don’t know how people don’t get sick of doing the same exact thing every week.
Solid list! I actually predict the Crossfit trend dying off a little bit as people take the basic concepts and build them up into programs that are uniquely suited for their goals/needs. I guess that’s more a fitness “brand” [rather than trend/style] prediction, but it’s all I’ve got today!
I HOPE that heavy lifting [think the core compound lifts and Oly lifts in a 5×5 scheme] and TRX/bodyweight/gymnastics style training pick up speed….and if not, then I hope I can find a couple training partners! 🙂 Maybe that’ll be a 2014- find more fitness-minded friends haha 😛
xo
I have had the Fitbit One for a year and absolutely love it. I’m a professor and it’s nice to be able to wear it to work without my students asking me about it. I also really like that I can wear it even when I’m dressed up, like going out around town or dancing. It has a pretty impressive battery life and usually lasts about a week between charges. The steps seem pretty accurate, and I have several friends that have one and it’s fun to race them and see how they’re doing. The stair stats really do motivate me to take the elevator less. Works great with MyFitnessPal, too.
I also have the Fitbit Aria scale, and it wirelessly syncs with fitbit so I never have to enter my weight. It measures body fat, and there have been a few months where my weight doesn’t change but my body fat does, which makes it so much more motivating to keep going.
I am also looking into getting the Basis watch to wear only when I work out because it has a heart rate monitor and measures other stats like sweat. I don’t like how big it is though, so I’m planning to keep wearing the fitbit either way.
Just curious how a scale measures body fat? I think that’s totally awesome! Would love one! Just curious how is it accurate?? Thanks in advance!
Have you heard of Bokwa? One of my Zumba instructors swears it is more fun than Zumba and burns more calories. She is doing quite a few classes at her studio in place of Zumba now. I haven’t tried it yet but would like to. I’m not sure about Zumba going away anytime soon, though.
What would all the gyms put in it’s place? It will be interesting to see… 🙂
I definitely agree that barre will still be hot this year. I want to give it a shot but barre studio classes are so expensive! 🙁
I aboslutely love my fitbit one – I even get annoyed when I need to charge it!
I definitely still love my Polar HRM for when I am working out. Feel a little like a walking tech shop though, fitbit, ipod, HRM… Sometimes even ipad if I am doing cardio!
I just got a Fitbit Flex and love it so far! It’s fun to see how far into the day I hit 10,000 steps (~5mi) and since I will be working from home starting very soon, it will help me remember to move around when I’m home all day. Side note: I wore the fitbit to a new years dance music festival (rave?) and the first night it logged about 13,000 steps just at the show. I guess I danced a LOT!
Why is Pilates on the cold list?? 🙁
I love it!!!
…That could be because I am a Pilates and Yoga instructor.. at least I’m half hot?? Ha 😉 But I honestly think it’s an amazing low impact high result work out and recommend it to so many people.
I actually think Bikram is still pretty popular.. and Barre is great but not as accessible so I’m not sure how hot it will get outside of large cities!
Love this list. I’m definitely getting myself a fitness tracker this year and may even try Crossfit. Totally agree that ab classes are on the way out. I really think 15 minutes of HIIT can do just as much good for the core and burn a bajillion more calories than tummy time on the mat!
I have the fitbit force and I love it. My 7 year old son also loves to see if we can get 10,000 steps (team effort!) and we go on way more walks together. It motivates me to move way more and as a nurse, shows me how much I move while working which is fun.
As a runner and non-fitness professional, I may not know much, but this is the first Fitness Trend prediction I have EVER read that seems to reflect my impressions of what is going on in the fitness world and what the people I know are interested in.
Love it!
Have you ever tried SoulCycle or any of the similar cycling workout imitators?? I feel like these type classes are becoming HUGELY popular all over the country! I personally am obsessed with SoulCycle and would love to hear your thoughts (or maybe a whole post?!) on the subject!
What a fun list! I agree with all of those (and ultimately agree that you should just do what you love). 🙂
The biggest “cold” one I agree with is Bikram. I think his behaviors outside the studio have turned a lot of people off of the practice. And I agree with what you said about some people getting bored and some loving knowing what to expect.
very cool post!
In New York City I’ve definitely noticed a decline in Zumba, I think it kind of hit it’s peak and will now die-down much like step (although there’s still a handful of gyms where step is alive and kicking).
It also seems like a spin studio has opened up on every block, similar to yoga in Manhattan. I personally don’t see how the city can sustain all of these spin studios since at the end of the day it’s a bike, you ride on it, and there’s only so many other options. That said, I still love a sweaty sweaty spin class.
I think the big thing is going to be the increase of “functional fitness” type of classes and HIIT here in NYC. There’s already a handful of studios here thriving with classes centered around circuits / tabata/ HIIT, I imagine they will only continue to grow since there’s a decent amount of variety when using kettle bells, TRX and body weight.
I totally agree with your hot and cold lists. Zumba does seem to be on its way out. Seems like my gym is focusing more on HIIT classes and Tabata style formats. Shorter class times with higher intensity workouts- which as a busy mom I absolutely love!
I am very curious about the Fitbit. But I am debating between that and the Alpha Mio strapless heartrate monitor. Seems excessive to have both. I would love a device that combines both a heart rate monitor and a fitness tracker. Any reviews you could do on the blog would be so helpful!
Hi, Gina! What are your thoughts in terms of how accurate something like a fitbit is for calories burned as opposed to a heart rate monitor? I would assume that a heart rate monitor would be more accurate simply because tools like the fitbit simply calculate calories off of your actual steps as opposed to the intensity.
I totally agree with Barre being at the top of your hot list! And i understand why! its such a unique workout and gives you a great burn!!
as far as fitness trackers – I’m a huge fan! I got a nike fuel band a couple years ago when they first came out and loved it but it did stop working multiple times and i had to send it into nike to get new ones. Nike was always great about helping me out though.
I just got a jawbone up for christmas and have to say i think it is much more useful than other trackers I’ve used. I love the sleep cycle vibrating alarm feature and that it syncs with myfitnesspal!
Love the camel toe on that prancerize clip!!! lol I’ve been using the fitbit force as well and really like it. My favorite function is the sleep tracking. It shows how many minutes I was asleep, restless, and awake during the night. I love to see how I do each night. I also love that it connects to sparkpeople. I agree that HIIT will grow a lot this year. Everyone wants fast and furious workouts.
I love Barre, but I wish that it wasn’t so expensive to take in a studio! I have a Barre3 DVD, and that’s good for now. I started taking Zumba five years ago, and I have to agree that I’m starting to get bored with it — but I mainly think it’s because I still belong to the same gym and the routines haven’t changed much. It’s still fun to go to every once in a while, though!
I totally agree with your hot list although I can’t exactly vouch for it because I live in a very small town and the extent of our fitness classes are hot yoga and spin haha.
I started Pure Barre last summer and it changed my life. On the one hand I’m excited for it to gain popularity, but I have to say, I love smaller classes 🙂 Either way, I’ll be sticking with it!
I totally agree with this list- except Pilates! It’s been around forever, and there’s nothing quite like it- I think it’s still quite popular here in LA. Yoga is my favorite, and always will be for it’s mind + body focus. I agree that barre and spinning are becoming huge, but I’m not yet a fan.
Zumba til I die!!! Great post!
I totally agree with your list. I live in Indiana though and you don’t see many creative classes around. We will probably never phase out boot camp and ab classes. 🙂
I have a fitbit that I wear everyday and I love it. Of course since it’s so small I already washed it. But I emailed the company and they sent me a new one for free no questions asked. You can’t beat customer service like that!
I have the Fitbit Flex & I love it. I work 12 hr night shifts so it is very interesting to see my steps, calories burned & my sleep pattern…and how it varies. I also love that I can switch the wristband out for other colors. My fave is the lime green. 🙂
So sad to hear about Zumba. It’s a hard sell, though – I think most gyms have gone Les Mills or BTS, so Zumba (and all the associated classes) can’t get the audience because they aren’t finding a big enough audience and profit. And instructors like me and my mentor – offering in non-gym locations – have it tough because the Zumba instructor market is pretty saturated at this point, and you have to be great to keep people coming and keep them inspired. I think she and I are doing a pretty good job, but we’ll see what 2014 says!
I live in a small Tx town so Zumba is just barely starting to lose it’s force here. It’s still going pretty strong. I’ll be in til the last song plays, though. Love it. Also, we have certified ladies who do it for free here so as long as they are here, lots of ladies will too. I’m a HUGE ReFit fan as well. If they do a cert class here, I’m ALL over it. 🙂
I would have to agree with that quote…don’t hate me!
Typically I see women in their mid 30’s to 50’s who do Zumba. They are looking for something upbeat since they have been off the fitness bandwagon for so long. It’s just not trendy.
I think the driving force in the fitness world is becoming stronger with people who are attempting to be top notch fit. It’s becoming a snowball effect of “clean eaters” and “power lifters” with the CrossFit and TRX type workouts. This is so trendy and people are realizing it is so effective to target multiple muscle groups at once. These consumers are dropping boat loads of money to invest in their health because they aren’t newbies. They can see the value in owning 26 pair of Nikes and expensive gym memberships.
Therefore, I think Zumba will fade out because the crowd that I see attending is more of a beginner level and middle age group. It’s not as cool as the “younger” and trendy workouts that are happening NOW or starting to emerge.
I hope that makes sense and I don’t sound snotty!
Hey Kayla,
As an “old” lady in my 50’s, I can tell you that I’ve belonged to gyms and worked out my entire life so it’s really not accurate to say “we” have been off the fitness bandwagon for a long time. When Zumba came around, it was something new and different and I fell in love with it. Many of us “old” people have been gym rats our entire lives and just found something new and different we liked. I see age ranges from 20’s – 70’s in ALL of the classes that I attend – Body Pump, Zumba, HIIT, Kickboxing, Pilates, Yoga…etc. We are nowhere near beginners just starting to work out. Many of us have been at it for decades!
Happy New Year! 🙂
Great blog and I love how you’re not afraid to admit that the Zumba theory might be true. Shows you’re secure in your abilities! Love your blog : )