2022 was the year of group exercise classes and outdoor workouts with friends, but what fitness trends can we expect in the future? The new year will bring with it a whole new string of fitness trends. Over the last few years, we’ve seen people embrace health and wellness more than ever before, and this year the fitness industry has no signs of slowing down. So, what can we expect to be the hottest (and sweatiest) workouts for next year? Here are a few fitness trends to look out for in 2023, just in time for you to make those fitness New Year’s resolutions.
The 12-3-30 workout
If you’re gauging trends but what’s hot on social media, then the 12-3-30 workout takes the top spot as the fitness trend that has seen the biggest rise in searches as we reach the end of 2022. The trend coming out on top won’t be a surprise to many social media fans, with the workout trending on TikTok after creator Lauren Giraldo revealed that she sets her treadmill to a 12% incline, and walks at a pace of 3 miles (4.8km) per hour, for 30 minutes.
Personal trainers and fitness experts agree that walking is already a fantastic cardiovascular activity, and adding the incline creates a bigger increase in heart rate — improving cardiovascular health and endurance. This workout is also much gentler on the joints than running or jogging, making it an excellent choice for different age groups and fitness levels. It is recommended that anyone suffering from lower back pain or extremely tight calves avoids working at an incline on a treadmill, but for those who it is suitable for, avoid holding onto the handles so you can straighten your body and make this more challenging.
The 12-3-30 workout is also great for those who experience gym anxiety as you can walk through the door and hop straight onto a treadmill, and build up your confidence in the gym. Better yet, because this workout doesn’t require much gym equipment, it’s easy to emulate at home. You can invest in your own treadmill and exercise in the comfort of your own or create your own version of the fitness trend outside with a good pair of running shoes and a fairly decent uphill near your home.
Recovery is king:
While 2023 is bound to be the year many people start a new fitness journey, this year fitness fanatics and newbies will continue to place a greater focus on recovery. Expect sports recovery massage and stretching to become the new black as everyone from Crossfitters to runners starts to focus on including recovery time and practices into their fitness routine.
PriceCheck tip: You don’t have to set the world alight and run the next Comrades to get in shape in 2023. Start small and grab some light weights to get those limbs moving.
Sports massage guns and foam rollers will be an essential part of any gym bag in 2022. What’s more, recovery gels and creams will see a further uptick in popularity. Look for CBD-infused recovery sports products to help maximise your recovery time and treat tired muscles.
Keeping track
There’s no slowing down in the growth of the wearable tech space. With the advent of Fitbit and Apple Watch, wearables, like smartwatches and fitness trackers have evolved from the early years of simple step counters, to now include temperature tracking, pulse oximetry and blood oxygen sensors, and continuous glucose monitors. Other innovations include heart rate variability, ECGs, respiratory rate, and sleep patterns, all making the type of data that could once only be measured at a high-performance medical facility, available to anyone at home.
If you’re serious about your health goals this year, then investing in a good fitness tracker or smart fitness watch is the way to go.
Group training classes
When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, accountability is key, and people are finding accountability and companionship in the group training setting. Forget visiting a packed gym, in 2023 fitness fundis are looking for training opportunities in group training classes with small numbers. Whether it’s HIIT or yoga, training with others in more intimate groups is a big thing in fitness for the New Year. With group class studios popping all over the place, it’s easier than ever before to take advantage of all the benefits that come with a group workout, like more endorphins and greater motivation, and a more controlled environment.
Group training like F45 and Crossfit ranked as the second fastest-growing fitness trend, thanks to a recent resurgence in popularity. High-intensity functional training like F45 and strength training-focused workouts like Crossfit use a group training setting that has created a community of like-minded fitness aficionados across the world.
Other group training fitness trends also include some more niche workout trends, like twerking classes, while more traditional practices have also seen a return to form, with pilates and yoga seeing a resurgence.
Of course, if you’re going to be training with a group this year, then you will need to get kitted out in the best gym gear. Invest in workout gear and gym shoes that can keep up with your newfound fitness obsession. Or, treat yourself to a new yoga mat to ensure you get the best out of your practice in 2023.
