Fitness is changing. In 2019 we have seen exercise becoming more inclusive and varied. This is great news for those of us who hate sweaty gyms, long runs and protein shakes.
Below are three ways that fitness has evolved in 2019
Workouts are short and intense.
Convenience is a key trend in all areas of our lives. We order more take-aways, binge boxsets on streaming websites and have music on-demand on all of our devices.
The trend for convenience has also had its effect on how we exercise. 10k runs and 90-minute gym sessions are out. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is in.
On average, a HIIT workout will last 20 minutes in duration.
A 20 minute HIIT session has been shown to yield the same cardiovascular and muscular benefits as a 60-minute session at moderate intensity.
This is because HIIT leads to excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. As a result, even when your session is finished, your metabolism will continue to burn fuel at a higher than normal rate.
Further adding to the convenience factor is the fact that most HIIT sessions require no equipment. In fact, some of the best work out videos can be found on Youtube and performed at home.
So, if you are short on time and want to get active, consider trying high-intensity interval training.
HIIT is popular with those who want to:
- Build muscle
- Increase V02 Max
- Save time
CBD has been accepted within mainstream sports
Previously, using ‘Cannabis’ and ‘Athletes’ in the same sentence would sound like an oxymoron. However, last year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances. As a result, CBD has been adopted into nutrition programmes.
CBD is just one of the 120+ compounds in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike its recreational cousin, THC, CBH has no psychoactive properties and will not get you ‘high’.
CBD is said to focus the mind and improve concentration. This makes the compound a great choice for golfers where the ability to focus is important. In fact, Bubba Watson, a PGA Tour competitor is now an ambassador of the brand, CBDmd.
Due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has also been adopted by athletes who play contact sports. It has become widely adopted by professional rugby players in the UK. Two players from the leading club, The Saracens have even started their own brand.
We spoke to Cara, from dank!, a CBD vape oil company, based in London about this growing trend and she agreed: “Our fastest-growing demographics are fitness fanatics. CBD helps to reduce inflammation after heavy workouts which means you can train longer and recover quicker!”
CBD is great for those who want to
- Reduce their recovery period after training
- Promote restful sleep
- Reduce the pain from DOMs.
Yoga is for now everybody
Yoga has long suffered from the stereotype of being for only for hippies. However, we’re not becoming far more knowledgeable on its numerous health benefits and the wider public are fitting yoga flows into their weekly schedules.
There is a yoga flow for everybody, regardless of your age, sex or fitness levels. Professional athletes use yoga for recovery, over 50s can use it to improve mobility whilst young professionals are likely to complete a flow to destress after a hard day’s work.
Furthermore, yoga isn’t just for improving flexibility, mobility and strength. It can also promote inner bliss and well-being. What more do you want?!
Yoga is popular with those who:
- Reliever stress
- Increase mobility
- Increase flexibility
