Here's a list of the most popular trends that are ruling the fitness world for summer 2018, and they all have multiple benefits

Fitness trends come and go every year and, even though there is not a correct way for us to start moving, these trends can influence the way we work out. “More people want the athlete experience and that’s why we continue to see athletic-based training workouts”, says Pete McCall, former exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. 

Leer en español: ¿Cuáles son las 8 tendencias fitness para este verano?

Here's a list of the 8 fitness trends that, according to the SELF magazine and the annual survey from the American College of Sports Medicine, will continue to rule this year:

1. High-intensity interval training: these workouts activate the afterburn effect, meaning that, even when the exercise is over, our bodies will continue to burn fat and we will be able to see effects in a short period of time. 

2. Wearable technology: from activity trackers to heart rate monitors, these devices will give us interesting feedback about the way we move. Many estimate our steps, sleep, standing time, calories burned, and time spent working out. According to the ACSM, this type of technology is advancing rapidly and what we’ll see from this market in the next decade is a bit unpredictable.

3. Yoga: while exercising, some of us care more about the way we feel instead of the results, and it is well known that yoga can help relieve stress, boost our mental health, and improve our heart health. Also, it reinvents and refreshes itself every year, making it an attractive form of exercise for people. 

4. Strength training: strength training remains popular in all sectors of the health and fitness industry. It is used to gain or maintain muscle mass and helps us strengthen our bones, fry fat and keep our heart healthy.

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5. Functional fitness: “Functional fitness is defined as using strength training to improve balance, coordination, force, power, and endurance to enhance someone’s ability to perform activities of daily living,” the ACSM says. This kind of training helps us replicate the movements we do in our daily life so we feel strong outside the gym too. 

6. Personal training: personal trainers continue to be an important part of the professional staff of health and fitness centers. Though it can be quite expensive, personal training is amazing if you´re looking for one-on-one attention to achieve your fitness goals. 

7. Fitness programs for older adults: there is a growing market of older adults who are now retiring healthier than other generations. After all, staying active is a great way for people to maintain bone and muscle mass with age, in addition to overall health benefits. Fitness clubs are paying attention to this market and there has been an exponential growth in classes and fitness programs designed for retired people.

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8. Bodyweight training: there's no equipment and minimal space required, so bodyweight exercises are great for anytime, anywhere workouts. Most bodyweight exercises are accessible for any fitness level, and they're often easy to modify.

LatinAmerican Post | Luisa Fernanda Báez

Copy edited by Laura Rocha Rueda