Top Ten Health and Fitness Tips for 2019

Yes, fitness and health tips and trends change from year-to-year in a manner similar to how car companies generate new models every year.  New tips and trends generally mean new things to purchase and new classes to enroll in…capitalism at its finest.  However, these new tips and trends offer a change from the monotony of what came before and advances in knowledge and technology usually make the new tips and trends more effective methods to achieve better health.

So, here’s what’s new in the fields of health and fitness for 2019, and while all these tips and trends might not be for you, hopefully one piques your curiosity and interest.  Also, while young people tend to dominate the fields of health and fitness, each of the below tips and trends can be adjusted to fit your age and fitness level.

• • Yep, that’s it, HIIT or high intensity interval training.  It’s the new big thing in health and fitness and I suspect it’s because it emphasizes exercise of a short duration; generally, 15 to 30 minutes.  It works like this: get on the stationary bike or treadmill, warm up for a few minutes, then go like hell for a few minutes, then rest with a slow cadence for a few minutes and repeat for 20 minutes with a cool down to conclude.

• Sleep. Not just hours of, but quality as well.  Sleep monitoring is the big thing for 2019 and there are sleep monitors (and sleep coaches!) out there to assist you.  Quality sleep has been linked to weight reduction, increased energy levels, mental wellbeing and improved muscle recovery.  So start monitoring your sleep and figuring out how to improve its quality today.
• Yoga is big again. And not just plain old yoga with “downward facing dog” and “warrior” poses, but power, restorative, and hot yoga; yogilates as well.  And why shouldn’t the centuries old practice be big again.  It’s known as a low impact exercise that improves both strength and flexibility.

• • Streaming No, not exercising in a river, but exercising in front of a screen with others, live. It allows you to join a group workout wherever and whenever you like through services like ClassPass Live and Our Body Electric.  Or just buy a Peleton.
  • Bodyweight Like Yoga, what’s old is new again.  This simply refers to using your own bodyweight (and gravity) for strength training.  Rather than using dumbbells and machines, simply do sets of push-ups, pull-ups, squats, planks, etc. to improve muscle mass.

• Outdoor Like yoga and bodyweight training, what’s old is new again.  The only difference here being that, like most other activities, it’s recommended that hiking, biking, walking be done with a group.
• Recovery after exercise, such as a steam, massage, or foam roller to release tight muscles and rush oxygenated blood to your muscles. This helps get you ready for tomorrow’s activities.
• Wellness festivals are popping up everywhere. Wellness festivals tend to be a combination of music, healthy eating, and workouts (or you can just get advice about them).  Some of the largest are LoveFit, Sweatlife, Soul Circus and FloVibe.  Again, the trend for group wellness can be seen here.
• Group activities, no matter what you’re into with regards to health and fitness, it’s better together. And no matter what you’re into, chances are you can find a group to do it with, whether it’s a live or virtual group.
• Apps that assist you with your health and/or fitness. They can serve to remind you, inspire you, provide information, track workouts and food consumption, locate healthy recipes, or serve as a virtual personal trainer.  Here are just a few: Lifesum, Intent, Sincey, and Bolt.

Come on, there must be something that appeals to you…just a little?  If so, check it out and don’t be afraid to adjust it to your ability level.  Now, get going! (just remember to start slow).