In recent years, the health and wellness space has become a playground for a variety of concepts spanning from fitness/nutrition applications, new studio concepts, diet/nutrition supplements, fitness gear, to fitness accessories and more! We've become exposed to interesting trends including technology as a support resource (health and wellness apps), boot camp-style workouts, high-intensity workouts, specialized workout studios (e.g., indoor cycling) and obstacle race challenge brands such as Civilian Military Combine and Mudderella.
With 2014 just around the corner, here's what I predict will be popular this upcoming year:
1. Combination classes: Many studios have been innovating by offering classes that are split into two or three different activities. For example, Studio 360 in Manhattan offers a 40/20 class which is 40 minutes cycling and 20 minutes yoga. Torque cycling offers a 30/30 class which is 30 minutes cycling and 30 minutes yoga. Pedal NYC offers a 30/30 class as well but instead of 30 minutes of yoga, it is 30 minutes of TRX.
2. CrossFit: The crossfit boxes are growing... like crazy! According to FitMapped, the New York metro area has 18 CrossFit boxes. High-intensity interval training is an ongoing trend for 2014 as predicted by the American College of Sports Medicine and these studios offer just that. Also to note, CrossFit-type programs provide training for obstacle challenges such as Spartan Race and Tough Mudder.
3. Fitness on-the-go: Maintaining your fitness routine when traveling just got easier. Whether you decide to download the Nike Training Club app, purchase a deck of cards from FitDeck, or pack a Fitkit with you, staying fit when you're away keeps getting easier!
4. Sweat-working: Yes, you heard right. Sweat-work instead of network. People are replacing the after-work happy hour sessions with sweat sessions, demonstrating that fitness is moving social. There isn't enough time in a day to grab that coffee AND a workout. As noted by this Bloomberg news article, "pre-dawn and afternoon classes are growing popular with bankers who want to bond without loading up on liquor and fatty foods."
5. Online Workouts: Several concepts have emerged in the past year providing users the ability to workout anywhere, anytime in a virtual manner. Companies such as Gymagogo and Daily Burn offer a variety of online fitness programming allowing fitness at home to become more popular. Brands that have brick and mortar studios are also offering online workout content, e.g., Physique 57.
With the new year around the corner, there's going to be plenty of ways for you to keep your health on track and a priority!