3 New Fitness Trends to Try in 2014

by Jessica Remitz

As you shrug off that holiday food hangover and get back into the gym, consider breaking out of your traditional routine and trying something new for 2014. Get our favorite picks for new fitness trends to try from Paula Procida, Personal Trainer at CLAY Health Club + Spa in Manhattan, below.

Combination Classes

Classes that combine different forms of exercise—think 40 minutes of spinning and 20 minutes of yoga—are being offered at many gyms nationwide in the hopes of giving participants a more balanced workout, Procida said.

“A balanced program that includes strength training and cardio administered from a fitness program can be combined with more innovative workout as a supplement,” she said. “Any activity is going to benefit your health.”

Soulcycle, Pop Pilates, Physique 57, and CrossFit are just a few combination classes designed to provide participants with a total body workout that includes both strength training exercises and cardio training.  Procida also recommends one on one training sessions to provide you with personalized attention and a workout plan designed for you.

Fitness On-The-Go

Between packed schedules and hectic routines, people are more time-crunched than ever. This year, on-the-go options like fitness apps and online coaches are ideal for travelers or those with a fast pace lifestyle. These outlets provide workouts can be completed on the go or in a hotel room with minimum equipment, Procida said. The routines are easy to download or view online and allow you to store activity to track your fitness progress as you go. Using fitness apps can also help you personalize workouts for your individual needs.

“The demand for a more balanced, well-rounded workout has trainers creating programs that look at people as individuals,” Procida said. “These are programs that will meet the person’s specific goal and is usually focused more on health and well being.”

Try MyFitnessPal or Endomondo sports tracker to get started.

Innovative Workouts

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, unique classes like underwater spinning and indoor ski classes are among some of the trends popping up as we enter the new year, Procida said. These classes promise you the “bang for your buck” while keeping you entertained and are typically found in bigger cities and certain small, boutique environments.

“It’s nice to step outside your comfort zone from time to time and push your own limits,” Procida said. “By mixing it up and trying something new, not only do we keep ourselves from getting bored, we keep our bodies challenged. When we return to an old program after trying something new, we will more often than not come back with fresh insight and something new to the table.”

As you venture out into new activities, it’s important to do your research and find the workout that fits your fitness goals and health level. Procida recommends moving slowly to integrate new movement and being realistic about where your current fitness level is.

“Going from only doing restorative yoga for years to taking CrossFit five times a week may not be the way to go,” she said.