The last few years have seen an explosion of fitness trends that have taken the country by storm. The Colombian dance fitness craze Zumba is one example of a recent popular trend, as is anti-gravity Yoga, the P90X extreme workout system and the core strength and conditioning program Crossfit. The video game world even threw its hat in the exercise ring in the form of Wii Fitness, which allows whole families to get in shape at home.

And while it’s certainly possible these workout routines will remain popular for years to come, there are always new trends on the horizon. So now it’s time to look towards the future of the health and fitness world. With that in mind, here are some expected fitness trends that are likely to take hold in 2013.

 

PLYOMETRICS

What was once an exercise expressly used by athletes, plyometric training is now being utilized by aging fitness aficionados as an alternative to weight training. As fitness experts begin to understand more and more about how the body ages, they are increasingly moving towards plyometrics as a way to build body mass. This is because plyometric exercise is a routine that utilizes a light load and quick movements, which isn’t as brutal on an aging body as weight training. Look for this to increase in popularity in 2013.

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS

The idea of functional training has been popular for some time, but look for this trend to continue to grow through the coming year. That’s because personalized fitness routines involving such things as bodyweight exercises, conditioning ropes and tire-flipping can benefit those with their everyday activities. Not only that, but functional fitness also reduces the rate of injury caused by other high-intensity workout routines such as Crossfit.

BODYWEIGHT WORKOUTS

As mentioned above, bodyweight training is all the rage and will continue to be so in 2013. That’s because bodyweight exercises are simple and require no machinery. Thus they can be performed anywhere. More and more fitness experts are moving away from workout equipment as they realize that the mere strength of one’s body is sufficient to complete effective workout routines.

STRENGTH TRAINING FOR WOMEN

The days of the weight room being occupied solely by male behemoths is gone. Many modern women are refusing to be intimidated by rigorous weight training and are jumping right in alongside the guys. That’s because women are increasingly seeing the benefits in heavy strength training as a way to burn fat and tone muscle. Overall, more can be accomplished with a solid weight-training routine than hours of cardio, and even more women will be aware of this in 2013.

KIDS’ FITNESS

It’s no secret that the childhood obesity rate in the United States is bad, and it’s only getting worse. In fact, obesity rates for both children and adults in the U.S. have tripled in the past 30 years. For many parents, the situation has reached critical mass, and it’s time to take action. Look for more and more parents to get their kids (and often themselves) involved in structured, supervised physical activity geared towards keeping body weight in control. In fact, gyms everywhere are increasingly offering training and physical fitness programs geared towards children, and will continue to do so throughout the coming year.

These are just a few of the fitness trends experts are predicting will take hold or increase in popularity in 2013. But if the past is any indicator, expect some surprises and unexpected fitness trends to take hold in the coming months.

Bradley Jackson believes that the most effective way to lose weight and gain proper nutrition is through correct diet and exercise. Planned meals, right crossfit shoes for training, and unwavering determination will result in a healthier living.