Fitness trends deserve a little skepticism.
Besides, it’s easy to find companies that promise miracle results by showing super-fit people using their product for minutes a day. Just because something gets attention doesn’t mean it works.
Yet that doesn’t mean you should exercise the same way you did 30 years ago.
With the science of exercise having advanced over the decades, people over 50 will achieve better results and have a more enjoyable exercise experience by utilizing some of the newer trends in fitness.
1. Wearables can help you monitor your health and fitness
If you look at any list of fitness trends, wearables will likely be at the top. For those unfamiliar with the term, wearables refer to any device that tracks your activities, such as a smartwatch, Fitbit tracker, heart-rate monitors and others.
Fitness tracking devices are expected to grow much more rapidly than other health-related devices.The ability to monitor your sleep and heart rate is already available on many devices, but some are predicting that it’s just the start, with blood pressure and illness tracking to follow in the years to come.
Nowadays, the technology is quite impressive, and it can make a huge difference in maintaining your fitness regime. Being able to track your workouts accurately can be motivating, and the costs have decreased significantly.Wearables can provide all kinds of valuable data as well as online coaching and other resources to help you create an exercise plan for less than $100.
2. GET OUTSIDE
Due to the limited options indoors in 2020, it is not surprising that people spent more time exercising outdoors. However, it turns out many people actually liked the change.
According to one study, almost 40 percent of people surveyed planned to give up gym memberships and focus on exercising at home or outdoors instead.Many people decided to leave the gym because they realized there are a number of resources nearby such as bike trails, sports courts, and hiking trails.
If you’re exercising with a group, outdoor exercise provides a social outlet as well as a way of getting exercise outside rather than on a treadmill or stationary bike.Running groups and tennis clubs provide you with the chance to meet like-minded individuals and motivate you to work out.You don’t have to choose between indoor or outdoor workouts: You can mix them up as you please.
3. HIRE SOME HELP
As the year comes to a close, many people are looking for help getting back on track. Since 2020 has been a year with a more sedentary vibe, people are seeking the help of experts.There has been an increase in demand for personal trainers and nutritionists in recent years. Even if you are already exercising, a trainer can help set specific goals, recommend training plans, and motivate you.
4. INCREASE YOUR FLEXIBILITY
It’s hard not to notice an increasing number of classes focusing on flexibility, such as yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi.As we age, we lose flexibility as well. Thankfully, like with muscle loss, you can slow the loss.Running and cycling are examples of repetitive exercises that may lead to overuse injuries. A flexible body can help prevent these injuries.
Beginner classes are welcoming to everyone, and you can make a big difference even if many of the moves seem impossible.
If you exercise at home, you may want to invest in inexpensive resistance bands, as they can help you increase your mobility and engage muscles that are otherwise inactive.