Personal trainer and wellness guru Avelino Cortes gives us the lowdown on fitness trends to get excited for in 2020
Trends come and go. We’re constantly chasing what is hot and what is not, and while many workout trends have remained consistent of late (yoga and pilates will always be in style), a number of the fitness trends for 2020 point towards innovation. From new types of classes and tech driven trends to using genetics to inform workouts, here are some fitness trends to watch out for next year.
1. GROUP TRAINING
While it’s not a new trend, 2020 will see group training catapult to the next level. It’s the social aspect of group training that is the primary appeal. Apps like ClassPass, AppySport and the newly launched Switch & Co. in Hong Kong provide consumers with access to different gyms, studios, and wellness venues which sees the trend evolve further, expanding the range of new classes for members to explore.
Check out some of our fave independent fitness studios in Hong Kong that offer group classes.
2. HYBRID FITNESS
Hybrid fitness classes have been trendy for a while and will continue to grow as the industry searches for new and creative ways to move and sweat. Think Yogalates (Yoga + Pilates) or Allegro Fit (Pilates & HIIT) – workouts allowing you to experience the best of both worlds, achieving a serious calorie burn whilst simultaneously lengthening and strengthening your muscles. It may seem like a novelty but it’s a great option for people who are strapped for time and want a little more of a dynamic sweat.
3. TECHNOLOGY
Data and personalisation are here to stay and the right tools can make us all stronger and faster than ever. Apps and wearables have revolutionised the industry and the chances are we have only seen the tip of the iceberg. With constantly evolving technology and business innovation we can expect group classes to utilise tech even further to increase user experience. A good example of this in Hong Kong is The Trip, a virtual spin class from Les Mills offered at Pure Fitness in California Tower, where a video of futuristic landscapes is projected onto the wall, taking the rider into a virtual riding course, complete with moving objects and soundtrack.
4. HOME TRAINING
On the flip side, technology is completely transforming home workouts too – with everything from expert-led total-body workout apps to live-streamed fitness classes gaining momentum this year.
When you think of home fitness, you probably think of celebrity endorsed aerobics DVDs, but the future of home exercising is much more complex. Think tech-centric gym equipment like the Peloton, which is designed to be your all-in-one go-to for the home gym; and Kara Smart Fitness, a full-length fitness mirror that works as a personal trainer – this is personal training on a whole new level. Home fitness allows users to pick and choose whatever class they want at whatever time they want.
5. DNA TESTING
With today’s advancements, you can customise your fitness to your precise biology. DNA testing kits for fitness have become a new movement in the health and wellness world. In Hong Kong, Circle DNA is helping everyone from hardcore gym rats to casual gym-goers get a better grasp of their genetic makeup and how it relates to their own performance and proficiencies. With DNA testing, you can learn what hormones are preventing you from burning fat, as well as a variety of details about your physiology that influence your fitness level. You will then get workout suggestions to help you overcome whatever has been holding you back.
6. PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE
With all things health and fitness comes talk of nutrition and what we should or shouldn’t be eating. Sustainability has become a key issue in recent years, extending throughout all industries. In past years, consumers have been offered vegan or vegetarian alternatives, with both health and conservation in mind. We are now shifting towards a different term: plant-based.
Numerous athletes openly follow a plant-based lifestyle, with the example of a recent controversial documentary “The Game Changers”. The film follows celebrities who are powering their performances with plants. Opinions are split over the messaging with some saying that the cited evidence the film presents is limited – it may seem like an hour and a half advertisement for vegan living but we predict this trend will be around for a while!
And just in case you want to get on board, here’s our list of best vegan restaurants in Hong Kong and our guide to the tastiest vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong.
