2014 saw the rise of some fitness programs that swept our fitnation. There was a huge surge in team based functional training with one big player taking a stronghold in the movement. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and tabata were both relatively obscure training protocols until they both hit the big leagues in 2014. So what about 2015?? What should we expect to see?
Wearable tech
In recent years social media has given the everyday person access to a plethora of training styles, meal ideas, knowledge and motivation. This has empowered us with a greater, deeper understanding of health and fitness than ever before. Unfortunately with this comes confusion. One publication swears by a certain training protocol, or particular nutrition plan, whilst another completely conflicts the others point of view.
So who is correct??? The answer: neither, both, a mix of the two – or several. Fortunately 2015 is the year where we begin to grasp a much greater understanding of our individual needs, and what is happening “under the bonnet.” Welcoming to the age of wearable tech.
Don’t get me wrong, devices such as heart rate monitors have been around for years, but usually reserved for the professionals/athletes who know how to use them and assess their performance. Wearable tech provides simple, attractive interfaces that make the process easy for anyone to assess information. Not only can you monitor your performance and improve it with precise information on your efforts, but your wearable tech motivates you with friendly reminders and rewards to keep the fitness dream alive.
You can track anything from the number of steps taken in a day, how many km you have run, how fast you are running them, your working heart rate, resting heart rate, heart rate recovery, the calories you consume, the macronutrient breakdown of those calories, and the list goes on. Google is currently developing a contact lens that will monitor your blood sugar in real time. This isn’t just fantastic for diabetics, but can give anyone an indication of how a particular food affects their blood sugar – which influences insulin production, ultimately influencing fat storage. For example, you might discover that potatoes don’t raise your blood sugar as much as the average would suggest. Meaning… you can add additional potatoes to your diet! Very cool stuff in this department.
Exercise regimes
So a few years ago it was cross-fit sweeping the world, then came functional training. I
think in 2015 we will see a mainstream push toward strength training. Strength training has been the go-to style of training for most trainers when looking to alter a client’s physique. The stigma behind lifting weights, especially with women – is deteriorating. The greater population once considered weightlifting as a regime reserved for bodybuilders and ‘posers.’ If you wanted a 6 pack then loads of cardio was the way. That stigma is disappearing and more and more men (and especially women) are hitting the weights to get their desired physique. With the added benefits of increased strength, improved posture, improved metabolism, less body fat, and improved heart health, I can see why. So with people’s view of strength training changing I’m expecting to see the waiting line migrate from the treadmill to the squat rack.
Gym chains offering more, demanding less
24/7 gyms have taken over in the last few years and given people a no BS, cheap alternative to big gyms like Fitness First. At this cheaper rate it is great for those who are motivated and know what they’re doing. For the rest of us, it can be daunting and the 
membership goes untouched. Larger chains like Fitness First are capitalizing on this and enticing members back with a “one-stop” shop for members.
Physios and chiros are making a move ‘in-house’ and can easily discuss client needs and training specifics with their clients PT – providing that ‘holistic’ physical approach. Improved and more varied classes, with a likely return of classic 80’s style aerobics, and possibly treadmill classes (this used to be quite popular – like an indoor running club). Improvements or additions to wellness options such as aromatherapy rooms, hydro pools, saunas and so forth. Finally, Gone are the days of long contracts that were impossible to get out of, even with a death certificate (I have heard of this happening to a poor widow trying to cancel her late husbands gym membership!). Expect to see some people getting back into the 80’s spirit with some good old-fashioned Aerobics… Oz style!! Ladies, grab your leg warmers.
Group Training on the rise?
As a PT myself I would hope that personal training isn’t dead… otherwise I’m spending my days browsing the classifieds for work. In all seriousness, I think personal training will always have its place but more and more people are seeing the value in having a 
professional guide them. The problem is personal training is a luxury and not very affordable for most.
I believe that 2015 is the year to see personal training become more affordable, where people are trained individually within a small group. Think of it like a combination of the best aspects of personal training, with the best of group exercise. It is far more cost effective, personalized programs, attention to form and within a fun and social setting.
It just so happens that BodyTech could sense the above trend on the horizon and early last year started its very own Personalized Small Group Training. If this is of interest to you, please click here for more information. Or simply contact us below with your interest. x[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][contact-form-7 id=”958″ title=”Contact form 2″][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
So welcome in 2015 and get your training game on!!
Stay healthy Sydney,
The BodyTech Team.
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