Fitness Odds – 2016’s Training Trend of the Year

Here comes that word that some of us don’t like hearing: fitness.

No matter where you’re at on the giant spectrum of health, there is something you can do to improve your physical fitness. Whether you’re training for a marathon, triathlon, or sitting-at-your-desk-athon, there are fitness trends out there that might be exactly what your doctor would order if you ever went for that damn check-up!

Below are a few traditional, trendy, and experimental workouts that will “pump you up,” along with the odds (and some fun side props) of them being named the fitness trend of the year in 2016.

If none of these interest you, we can always go back to the Marky Mark Workout and his “fly hunnies.” 

Odds on being the most popular workout of 2016

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training): 11/9

This very popular training method is a great way to burn fat, improve endurance, and build strength. By alternating between quick, intense bursts of exercise and short, active recovery periods, you increase both your aerobic and anaerobic endurance.

This type of workout keeps your heart rate up and burns a ton of fat in a short period of time. It also increases your metabolism which helps you burn more calories throughout the day. Mixed martial arts fighters swear by HIIT training as it helps them prepare their body for quick bursts of action.

Odds on you wishing this trend would end and Tae Bo makes a comeback: 4/1

PHA (Peripheral Heart Action Training): 7/3

This is an alternative to HIIT training where you keep your blood circulating throughout your workout. It allows you to burn fat, build muscle, and boost your cardio all at the same time.

All you do is pick six low intensity exercises that alternate between lower and upper body, and knock out 15 reps before moving onto the next exercise without taking a break. Although this training doesn’t seem like it will build a lot of muscle, it does. PHA is recognised for providing bigger biceps and a rock-solid core. It also sends rookies running for the nearest puke bucket.

Odds that you’ll make a b-line for a bucket after a workout: 2/3

Body Weight Training: 9/1

Body weight training is a trend but it’s nothing new. Training with your own body weight has been around since the beginning of time. I’m pretty sure cavemen invented push-ups and Romans did their share of crunches.

These exercises require no equipment and don’t cost you a cent. Just because you’re not using free weights doesn’t mean you can’t build big muscles or tone things up. Studies have shown that simple exercises like crunches and side jacknives are far more effective to get that six pack you have always wanted than traditional weight training.

So now you can get that beach body that you’ve always wanted without leaving the comforts of your mom’s basement. There are lots of great body weight exercises you can find on the Google machine.

Odds that you will do these exercises at home in just your underwear: 1/3

Functional Fitness: 11/1

We all have plenty of excuses on why we don’t want to exercise. I can give you my personal top-five. However, doing a few simple movements every day will improve your quality of life. This is why functional fitness has become a pillar in the workout community. You never know when you will pull a muscle when reaching for that remote control.

These exercises will train your muscles to work together in order to prepare them for daily activities like picking up grocery bags, walking up stairs, or throwing your children (into a swimming pool, of course).

By simulating common movements you do at home, work, or play, you’ll lessen the chance of injuring yourself doing the real-deal. These types of easy exercises work various muscle groups in the upper and lower body and also emphasise core stability.

Odds this will keep you from pulling a muscle when reaching for that bag of chips: 3/2

Intergalactic Spinning (Immersive Fitness): 19/1

When some people spin, their minds go off to an alternate universe of focus and they’re locked in “the zone.” Well, now you can trip to light fantastic with a more immersive experience.

Intergalactic spinning is taking off in the UK and slowly becoming a thing here in North America. You’ll sync up your peddling to the music while staring at a large wall of CGI graphics. It’s a fully immersive, futuristic LSD trip that will hopefully help you forget about how tiring and painful spinning actually is.

Odds that you will get the munchies afterwards: 1/1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZeqFuBdrj0&width=420&height=315

POUND: 60/1

The drummer in any band is kind of weird. You can look at this new fitness trend in a similar fashion. POUND (yes, all caps) gets participants to a pound out a drum beat while doing high-octane exercises that are a mix of yoga and pilates.

This is considered a full-body workout that keys on cardio, conditioning, and strength training. We can laugh, but if it gets people doing something physically active and fun, then drum away. “Thank you New York!” *throws drum sticks at crowd*

Odds that this workout will lead to you replacing Lars Ulrich in Metallica: 99/1

Photo Credit: Full Gain YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMe1XmYd9To)