High intensity training, functional fitness and training for older adults expected to be most popular
TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Functional Fitness and Older Adult Training programs are predicted to be the most effective fitness trends in 2015, and have the greatest impact on the health, fitness and wellness of Canadians, according to nearly 2,000 fitness professionals who responded to the first national Canadian Fitness Professionals (canfitpro) fitness trends survey.
"High intensity interval training, which includes periods of intense exercise followed by durations of rest, was voted the number one most effective trend because this approach to training generates significant and noticeable results when it comes to heart health, reduced body fat and addressing the risk of many chronic diseases," said Rod Macdonald, vice president of canfitpro. "Functional fitness came in a close second because it links directly to our lifestyles as Canadians. It includes natural body movements like squats and deadlifts that help us prepare for the rigours of daily life – things like shovelling snow or carrying groceries. It's no surprise that fitness for older adults came third. This area is increasingly popular because of the aging-but-active Baby Boomers."
Here is a rundown of the Top 10 Canadian Fitness Trends for 2015:
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Characterized by very intense periods of exercise, followed by durations of rest, HIIT training has been gaining popularity for the significant benefits it generates in a shorter time than steady-state cardio. As Canadians become increasingly busy, they cite 'not enough time' as an excuse for not exercising. HIIT addresses that time crunch. Examples of HIIT include elements of CrossFit along with classes like Jillian Michaels BODYSHRED.
- Functional fitness
Functional fitness refers to exercising using movements that prepare you for the activities of daily life. Functional fitness uses multiple muscle groups versus one specific muscle group at a time. Balance-challenging movements also make up a significant portion of a proper functional fitness regimen. Fitness programs like Les Mills BODYPUMP and Lebert Equalizer are based on functional fitness exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, rows, plank (aka hover) and push-ups.
- Older adult training
According to Statistics Canada, citizens over the age of 65 will make up 25% of Canada's population by 2036. This is generating demand for programs to help older-adults maintain their quality of life. Fitness professionals are seeking education and training to enable them to deliver safe and effective programs for older adults. Many fitness classes, like Newbody, offer a safe, age-friendly workout for people of all ages.
- Working out with certified and experienced fitness professionals
Fitness professionals are continuously specializing and expanding the services and programs they provide, while consumers are seeking experts who are certified and knowledgeable. Canadians can now assess the credentials of registered fitness professionals in their area using repscanada, the Canadian Register of Exercise and Fitness Professionals. The site currently lists 20,700+ fitness professionals and is an excellent tool to connect qualified fitness experts with fitness enthusiasts looking for guidance and support in their workouts. This guidance helps people achieve faster results and provides encouragement in a safe and fun environment.
- Personal training
Working with a personal trainer is recognized as one of the most effective ways to achieve health and fitness goals. Trainers work with fitness consumers at all levels to create customized fitness plans and provide one-on-one motivational coaching to reach fitness
goals.
- Body weight training
Using the weight of your own body to create resistance is growing in popularity among fitness professionals and consumers alike. This form of exercise builds strength, muscle and burns fat. TRX and YogaFit are examples of training systems in which enable people utilize their own body weight for an effective workout.
- Express workouts (20 minutes or less)
In an express workout, participants do multiple exercises in a short time to generate maximum results. This is the perfect workout for those on-the-go. Providing the ultimate convenience, an express workout typically lasts 20 minutes or less. GoodLife Fitness offers a 20-minute total body circuit called the FitFix .
- Nutrition education programs
Nutrition education programs, like canfitpro's Nutrition & Weight Loss Certification, are an important component of any fitness routine and are designed to help people track and plan what they eat and drink to become healthier. Nutrition is a key component when trying to lose or manage weight, gain muscle or simply improve quality of life.
- Bootcamps
Designed for all fitness levels, Bootcamp classes increase your cardio fitness, strength and agility while simultaneously burning fat. Unlike working one-on-one with a personal trainer, Bootcamps such as MYBootcamp from GoodLife Fitness or Tommy Europe's SHRED Bootcamp take place in a group setting with a fun, challenging and motivating atmosphere.
- Circuit training
Circuit training is a form of body conditioning that uses resistance training, using high-intensity aerobics. It's fast paced, moving from one exercise to another with short rest intervals. It builds strength, endurance and muscle definition while improving cardiovascular fitness.
Media/Photo Opportunities
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- Photos and videos of each trend available upon request
- On camera examples of each trend available upon request
About canfitpro
canfitpro is the largest provider of education in the Canadian fitness industry. Founded in 1993, canfitpro delivers accessible, quality education, certifications, conferences, trade shows, and membership services. canfitpro's over 100,000 members include some of the world's finest fitness professionals, health club operators, industry suppliers, and fitness enthusiasts. For more info visit www.canfitpro.com
Facts about canfitpro:
- canfitpro is Canada's largest certification organization for fitness professionals.
- canfitpro offers education for both fitness professionals and fitness consumers.
- canfitpro hosts more than 14 fitness conferences across Canada annually.
- The canfitpro International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show is the largest combined fitness conference and trade show in the world with over 15,000 delegates and visitors.
Image with caption: "Fitness Expert Tommy Europe leads participants in a HIIT workout during the 2014 canfitpro fitness conference in Toronto. High Intensity Interval Training was listed as the number one most effective trend for 2015. (CNW Group/Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (canfitpro))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141209_C5480_PHOTO_EN_9223.jpg
Image with caption: "Participants squat with weight plates during a special Les Mills BodyPump class. Squats, lunges, deadlifts, rows, planks (aka hover) and push-ups are functional fitness exercises that encourage muscles to work together. Functional fitness was number two on canfitpro’s Top 10 most effective fitness trends for 2015. (CNW Group/Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (canfitpro))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141209_C5480_PHOTO_EN_9224.jpg
Image with caption: "High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Functional Fitness and Older Adult Training programs are predicted to be the most effective fitness trends in 2015 according to nearly 2,000 fitness professionals who responded to the first national Canadian Fitness Professionals (canfitpro) fitness trends survey. (CNW Group/Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (canfitpro))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141209_C5480_PHOTO_EN_9225.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (canfitpro)
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