Research released in the second half of this year has also advocated the benefits of strength training, with one study by researchers at the University of Iowa finding that a total of 1 to 59 minutes of resistance training per week, split over either one, two, or three sessions, was associated with a 40 to 70% reduced risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event.
HOME WORKOUTS GO HIGH TECH
The trend for home workouts is growing, and moving on from simply following videos on YouTube. 2018 has seen high tech releases such as the smart Mirror, which streams live real-time workouts straight into your home. Users train in front of the Mirror, taking part in class workouts or one-to-one sessions with your own personal trainer. The QAIO Flex offers a similar service, allowing users to link the mirror up to their smartphone to access workout applications, then watch them on the smart touch display screen. And currently being funded on Indiegogo, the Hydrow by CREW is an indoor rowing machine which uses new technology to broadcast live workouts to its screen, giving users the experience of being out on the water in the comfort of their own home.
YOGA GETS A COLOURFUL UPDATE
The trend for yoga shows no signs of slowing down. It is still in ACSM’s top 10 fitness predictions for 2019, coming in as the seventh biggest trend for next year after also being ranked at number 7 in last year’s survey. So after beer yoga, goat yoga, and the popularity of yoga wheels, what can we expect for 2019? In addition to the continuing popularity of traditional yoga practices, 2019 will also see a growth in Chroma Yoga, which combines yoga with light colour therapy, sound frequencies and aromatherapy for a more immersive, multisensory experience. Look out for it in a class near you soon.