6 fitness trends you need to try ASAP

Treadmill not cutting it? Feeling a little unenthused by the whole repetitive shebang? It’s time to ditch those stale workouts and switch up your training regimen.

We chat to exercise physiologist and Fitbit Ambassador Drew Harrisberg about how to spice up your fitness routine with some of this year’s hottest fitness trends. Put these on your must-try list and get ready to sweat it out!

#1 / Fitbit Cardio Tennis 

Looking to try something a little different? Fitbit Cardio Tennis could be for you. It’s a high-energy trainer-led session that combines tennis drills with cardiovascular exercises (as well as a killer soundtrack) for a full-body aerobic workout – and no, you don’t have to be good at tennis to play.

“The beauty about this workout is that it takes one of the key step-limiting variables out of the equation – skill level,” says Harrisberg. “You don’t have to be a professional to get involved. In fact, you can participate and enjoy the activity as a complete beginner.” 

A typical workout lasts for about one hour and you can expect to complete about 6000 steps. Yep. All you have to do is head to cardiotennis.com.au to find your nearest Fitbit Cardio Tennis Club and sign up for a class. They provide a coach and the equipment needed for your workout. Your coach is trained to mix up the activities to cater for all skill and fitness levels – so while it’s great for beginners, more experienced players will also get a kick out of it.

“During this workout, you can expect to burn around 400 to 500 calories per hour of tennis, which equates to approximately 1680 to 2100 kilojoules. It’s important to keep in mind that your energy expenditure will be elevated in the hours following your workout. Basically, your rate of fat burning will be elevated after the workout is finished.” The workout that keeps on giving – we like it!

#2 / High Intensity Interval Training

HIIT sessions have remained a firm favourite for good reason. Involving short bursts of energy followed by a short rest and recovery break, Harrisberg says these workouts are hard, fast and effective.

“The beauty about this form of training is that the intensity is all relative to yourself. The idea is to rapidly elevate your heart rate in short bursts and then repeat the action,” explains Harrisberg.

What’s more, you can do these workouts at home and you can easily complete them with no equipment. “All you need to do, for example, is sprint-repeats upward on a hill, a flight of stairs, on a beach or at the park,” says Harrisberg. “HIIT can be done solo, with a partner or as a group. If you lack self-motivation, then group HIIT training can help lift your overall intensity.”

With benefits including fat burning, muscle gain and endorphin release, it’s no wonder it continues to top the list as one of the most popular workouts.

#3 / Group training

No matter what your fitness level, if you’re looking for that extra little kick of motivation (and want to meet new people), group classes have you covered. 

Classes like F45, CrossFit, boxing and boot camps are still hugely popular and offer a broad range of body benefits including increased strength and cardio fitness.

“They’re a wonderful way to meet people and become part of a community. They also provide a motivational environment to help reach your goals and push you to your limits,” says Harrisberg.

“All equipment is provided by the gym or boot camp instructor, including barbells, dumbbells, sleds, battle ropes, kettlebells, tires and skipping ropes. Most forms of group training require a membership and although workouts vary from gym to gym, you can expect a session to last around 45 to 60 minutes.”

#4 / Obstacle courses

Heard of Tough Mudder? Obstacle course races are rising in popularity and they’re making even marathons look easy (kinda, not really). Racing through mud, climbing ropes and crawling under barbed wire not only make you feel like a total boss, but are also a great way to challenge your strength.

“Obstacle courses including Tough Mudder, Spartan Races and Ninja Warrior are great for training,” says Harrisberg.

“These activities aren’t just physically challenging, but they require huge amounts of mental strength, patience, endurance and teamwork. Those who have tried them before are often hooked for life. They require a base level of endurance and mental grit - but in saying that, it's not a race unless you want it to be! “ 

If you’re looking to simply complete a course or just see how far you can get, Harrisberg recommends training within a team in the lead up to the event in order to get the most enjoyment out of the course and to increase your chances of reaching the finishing line. Warning: it’s not for the faint-hearted.

#5 / Calisthenics

Calisthenics (or bodyweight training, for us mortals) involves relying on your own natural weight to condition and tone your body. It’s becoming increasingly popular due to its versatile and seemingly-endless training options.

“There’s something incredibly empowering about being able to do a quality workout anytime, anywhere, with just your bodyweight,” says Harrisberg.

While no equipment or gym membership is necessary (you use your body as your gym!), Harrisberg advises that accessories like gymnastics rings or a TRX Suspension Trainer (those black and yellow straps you may have seen hanging around your gym!) can be beneficial. The workout usually lasts for around 45 to 60 minutes and can be performed solo, with a workout partner or as a group.

“Calisthenics is highly functional as it teaches your body functional movement patterns required for life. It’s also a great way to correct any muscle imbalances, increase muscle tone, burn fat and overall improve your core strength.”

#6 / Aerial yoga

If you’re looking for a fun and different way to workout - and being upside-down doesn't make you queasy – aerial yoga could be right up your alley.

This gravity-defying workout involves performing a range of stretches and traditional yoga poses while you are suspended from a hammock (just search #AerialYoga on Instagram – it’s pretty impressive).

Classes usually range from 45 to 90 minutes and the workout styles will generally differ from relaxing to very strenuous, depending on your experience.

Want more workout inspo? Why not try weights training: Here’s everything you need to know about incorporating weights into your workout.

What do you think of these fitness trends? Have you tried any of these workouts before? Let us know in the comments below.

Main image credit: @karliekloss