2020 FITNESS TRENDS

Every year for the last 14 years, the American College of Sports Medicine has canvased thousands of the world’s leading fitness professionals to determine health and fitness trends for the following year. In recent years the trends have been pretty consistent. In 2020, once again, the top three fitness trends are wearable fitness tracking technology, high-intensity interval training and group workouts. If you’re a savvy fitness enthusiast, chances are you’re well in tune with using trackers to maximize performance, you’ll have experienced the benefits of group fitness and you know about the transformative effects of high-intensity interval training. So what new trends should you be aware of?

We spoke to some of our fitness professionals to discover what trends they’re keen to embrace in 2020. Check out what they had to say…

BEN MAIN, LES MILLS TRAINER AND PRESENTER

What new activities are you keeping an eye on?

The digital space is growing fast and boutique places are still popping up – it’s interesting to see how they are trying to out-do one another. The rise of mindfulness and the concept of complete mind and body workouts is interesting and I am also very interested in HILIT (high-intensity low impact training). I’ve been seeing more inter-club fitness challenges starting up, especially overseas, which I think is cool. And there’s some really cool explosive training using equipment that I think is pretty rad.

What’s currently getting you out of bed in the morning?

At the moment, combination training – blending the five big exercises with a max-out component after each set. And to be honest, I'm loving walking. I’m always trying to go fast, so starting to slow things down to a basic walk feels incredible.

What new physical activities are you keen to try in 2020?

I’m really keen to try some yoga and give more to my body. I had a pretty big injury at the end of last year that I’m still battling with, but it’s taught me lots. I’m also definitely keen to test some of the new boutiques overseas.

What do you want to do more of?

Full body functional movements for sure. Sling work, and I’ve found a new love for kettlebell workouts. I am also really keen to expand my knowledge of trigger ball releasing and techniques to get the best movement out of each workout.

Is there any new fitness trend that’s surprised you?

Not really. I’ve done a lot of work overseas and seen some crazy things at conventions and events, so nothing surprises me that much. At least not at the moment.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to stay on top of fitness trends?

If you find something that you love, smash it! But stay open to other options. Variety is longevity.

ERIN MAW, FROM THE LES MILLS GRIT CREATIVE TEAM

What new activities are you keeping an eye on?

I’ve always got an eye out for the next HYPE concept. There are some great new boxing boutiques and yoga options and I love keeping on top of new HIIT workouts that pop up. I’m a big fan of functional workouts, and when I’m overseas I'm always scoping out what workouts are the new kids are on the block in each city.

What new physical activities are you keen to try in 2020?

Everything and anything! Whenever I travel I’m always keen to try the options that are unique to the country I’m in. Next time I’m near London I would like to try Louisa Drake Method and Gymbox.

What do you want to do more of?

For recovery and wellness, I want to do more yoga. For fitness, I want to do more running. I have some big running goals I'd like to tick off this year!

Is there any new fitness trend that’s surprised you?

I know many people enjoy working out at home, but the fact that people are doing The Mirror workout has really surprised me. I feel like there’s something a bit random about watching yourself in a mirror at home for an hour, but each to their own, haha!

Are there any other health initiatives that you’re keen to adopt?

I know I can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, so I plan to focus on making more sustainable choices, use my keep-cup more and recycle as much as possible. And I want to keep my social media use low. Last year I made a real effort cut my time on social media (it’s now less than one hour a day, which is substantially down on a few years ago). Cutting back has helped me stay focused on tasks and be less affected by the opinions of others. I am mentally and emotionally healthier from this decision.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to stay on top of fitness trends?

Exploring new options is never a bad thing. But my one piece of advice would be to check reviews and make sure the workouts you do are backed by science and research, so you can be confident that they are safe and effective. Educate yourself beforehand so you know what to expect.

DR JINGER GOTTSCHALL, KINESIOLOGIST AND LES MILLS RESEARCH CONSULTANT

What new activities are you keeping an eye on?

Recovery tracking using Heart Rate Variability (HRV). The majority of activity tracking devices are now updated with HRV features so that exercise enthusiasts can make smart decisions about training based on their recovery state.

What’s currently getting you out of bed in the morning?

I am still obsessed with high-intensity interval training and of course that means LES MILLS GRIT!

What new physical activities are you keen to try in 2020?

I am going to try an aqua cycling class (where the bike is underwater!) and a group trampoline class (give me some vertical jumps!). I also want to do more stretching. My goal is to use LES MILLS On Demand and incorporate a BODYBALANCE flexibility workout into my routine, two nights per week before I go to bed.

Is there any new fitness trend that’s surprised you?

After 25 years in the fitness industry, I am not really surprised by anything. I think it is fascinating to see all the new, innovative fitness trends. That said, I am surprised that more people are still not active with so many options!

Are there any other health initiatives that you’re keen to adopt?

I am currently obsessed with Acai bowls. The antioxidant-rich combos are a perfect post-workout meal, especially topped with a nut butter for added protein.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to stay on top of fitness trends?

Keep trying new classes, different instructors, and unique physical experiences. There are so many ways to remain active and continuing to find activities you enjoy will help you stay fit for life!

MARLON WOODS, LES MILLS PRESENTER

What new activities are you keeping an eye on?

I’ve been keeping an eye on boutique boxing gyms and HIIT workouts. I am very interested in the hype around them and there are a few here in Sydney that I have tried. I have also been getting my stretch on, going to a hot yoga studio doing some slow flow three times a week.

What new physical activities are you keen to try in 2020?

Mainly yoga. I’m wanting to work on more restorative workouts for longevity. I plan to focus more on mindfulness, presence of mind, intention, exercise and meditation.

Are there any other health initiatives that you’re keen to adopt?

Not at the moment. For me, this year is about sticking to the basics for me and being consistent.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to stay on top of fitness trends?

Be mindful of what YOU need. Everyone is different. What works for one may not work for two. Being aware of what your mind and body require to perform best is crucial.

BRYCE HASTINGS, LES MILLS HEAD OF RESEARCH

What new activities are you keeping an eye on?

I’m interested in the growth of the wellness market, and the idea of centers that specialize in assisting patients from medical care into fitness. I am also super interested in the emergence of ‘recovery’ as a fitness trend. This trend is surprising me – because I think we are getting it wrong. Most of the adult population aren’t training enough to need recovery from exercise. However, we all need recovery from life, which is a more holistic type of recovery. I think once we come to terms with this we can drive scientifically-based wellness initiatives to help people do better at life.

What new physical activities are you keen to try in 2020?

Goat yoga. Yes, it is a thing 😊

What do you want to do more of?

I want to focus on creating high quality education that helps people in the fitness industry make better decisions.

What do you want to do less of?

Read ridiculous health theories that aren’t true and help nobody.

Are there any other health initiatives that you’re keen to adopt?

I think we could all do with regular mindfulness training – who knew sitting still and breathing could be so powerful.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to stay on top of fitness trends?

There are no silver bullets. Find a sustainable level of activity you enjoy and makes you feel good and keep going.

DEE TJOENG, LES MILLS PRESENTER

What new activities are you keeping an eye on?

It's not an new innovation, but I've noticed a huge increase in the number of boutique gyms offering functional training classes – boxing, HIIT, battle ropes and kettlebells etc.

What’s currently getting you out of bed in the morning?

Running solo or Run Club, which is 60 minute workout that’s half floor work and half treadmill training. My favorite way to start my day is with a run, so anything running related, I’m in!

What new physical activities are you keen to try in 2020?

My goal for the year is to stretch more and practice more yoga. I've been doing hot yoga quite a bit lately and I am really keen to try aerial yoga when I am more confident in my yoga practice!

Is there any new fitness trend that’s surprised you?

I'm pretty surprised at the number of medi-clinics or cosmetic clinics that are offering things like slimming, cellulite or freezing treatments and promoting them as a new way to work out without having to work out! One of the best things about exercise is the mental benefit (of course there’s a long list of health benefits too!). I really hope these fads don't last long and people stick to the 'old fashioned' sweaty way – nothing beats it.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to stay on top of fitness trends?

Do your research! Don't just jump into a fitness trend purely because it's trending. It's great to try everything and be open to new fitness trends or initiatives but at the end of the day do whatever type of fitness makes you happy and feel good.

CHEAT SHEET: THE TOP 10 ACSM FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2020 AND HOW TO STAY ON TOP OF THEM

1. Wearable technology – learn about using trackers to maximize performance
2. High-intensity interval training – try LES MILLS GRIT or LES MILLS SPRINT
3. Group training – check out the LES MILLS workouts on offer at your club
4. Training with free weights – give one of the latest BODYPUMP or CXWORX workouts a go
5. Personal training – talk to your gym reception team
6. Exercise is medicine – read the latest health news from Fit Planet
7. Body weight training – learn how to make the most of bodyweight exercises here
8. Fitness programs for older adults – find out how indoor cycling can keep you youthful, the age-defying benefits of dance, and how lifting weights can improve bone density
9. Health and wellness coaching – sign up to get science-backed news and advice straight to your inbox
10. Training with certified fitness professionals – find a LES MILLS workout and you’ll be led by a highly trained professional.

You can view the full ACSM Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2020 here.

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