The top fitness trends of 2019 are already out in full force. At the same time, while some are great opportunities to get in shape and stay that way, others aren’t quite as friendly as they seem. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, or you want to improve your health, it’s a good idea to try to reach your goals in the healthiest way possible.
But how do you know which among the top fitness trends will really help? How do you know which ones are more hype than fact? We’ve asked the experts and here is what they’ve said about the options you’re most likely to want to try this year.
Health, weight loss, fitness, and other forms of wellness apps are easily one of the top fitness trends this year. They have become increasingly popular over the last handful of years and today, about a third of us have at least one of them downloaded into our phones.
That said, all wellness apps are not created equal. A study conducted by VicHealth and Deakin University reviewed almost 350 applications in this category. They scored three quarters of them with a rating of 2.5 or less out of five. This means that the majority of health apps out there are a waste of your time and, in the case of premium apps, your money. Price had absolutely no bearing on how well the apps scored, with one $50 application scoring only 1.5 stars! The top of the list was made of free downloads.
To get the most out of these tools, find options that will let you track yourself, set your own goals, reward your achievements, and receive prompts and notifications.
Like apps, these devices are not all created equal. Also, like apps, a higher price doesn’t seem to give you a better fitness tracker. That being the case, how do you stay on top of these top fitness trends? Professional reviews including accuracy tests are a fantastic tip-off for knowing if you can trust the data you collect, whether the device is glitchy, and even if it is comfortable (and attractive to wear).
Among the top fitness trends this year is to sign up for non-traditional types of gym memberships. Instead of using the big box memberships for massive gyms with huge ranges of equipment, many boutique fitness studios have become all the rage. It’s vital to remember that just because a type of class is en vogue right now, it doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Make sure your instructor is properly qualified and the equipment is high quality and well maintained.
* This article is for informational purposes only and not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medications, supplements, diet, or exercise routine.