Low-impact exercise to dominate fitness trends in 2019

Fitness programmes designed to actively assist in recovery and build awareness in the body will emerge as a key fitness trend next year, says research by artificial intelligence technology company Nextatlas.

It predicts a shift from the aesthetic side of keeping fit to a more holistic approach, with the industry likely to focus on low-impact exercise in combination with a building a healthy mind through keeping fit.

Citing a gradual move away from high-intensity workouts throughout 2018, Nextatlas predicts the rise of fitness trends such as low-impact steady state (LISS) and high-intensity low-impact training (HILIT).

Similarly, barre workouts that incorporate ballet-inspired exercises using isometric movements to build core strength will increase in popularity.

In the wider wellness industry, Nextatlas says we’re likely to see more wellness festivals spring up around the world, bringing together all manner of products and services under the increasingly broad wellness umbrella.

One such product is smart clothing, also predicted to see a sharp uptake in 2019. The term covers items such as clothing made from self-regulating materials that adapt to temperature to keep the wearer comfortable during exercise, along with wearable tech like biometric measurement devices.

Mario Coletti, UK managing director of Nextatlas commented: “Low-impact exercise and a focus on recovery will play a critical role in workouts in 2019, particularly through modern classes, such as Barre.

“Unsurprisingly, the uptake of technology in sport and fitness will also increase next year. This aligns with the broader movement we are seeing in ‘science-backed’ health and beauty. People want to understand how their bodies function and how to get the most out of their workouts; the adoption of smart clothing in the fitness sector will enable this on a much broader scale.”