Every year there is a new fitness fad, as a result exercise classes around the world are adapting to meet the needs of the latest fitness regime. And, for some people it’s not just about losing weight — some people rely on exercise for arthritis pain relief and reducing stress levels. But, what are some of the strangest fitness fads that we’ve seen over the past decade?
Plog Today, Plogging Tomorrow,
A Scandinavian idea that has developed clean your local running paths while keeping fit. This fitness fad has seen stable growth sine its inception at the start of 2018. It’s a Scandinavian based trend that encourages people to pick up litter while out running — improving health and the environment.
The term ‘plogging’ comes from merging jogging and the Swedish phrase ‘plocka upp’ which means pick up. The exercise part comes from running with intermittent squatting and lunging so you can pick up rubbish from the ground. It is an effective calorie burner too — fitness app Lifesum estimates that a typical user will burn 288 calories from 30 minutes of plogging.
People are getting involved on social media too — showing images of them in running gear with plastic bags ready to fill with litter. Could we see this trend become widespread sometime soon?
Barefoot jogging for 2018
In 2010, a fitness trend was introduced that saw runners trading in their running shoes for a form of running ‘sock’.
Those who are fans of the fad say that running in trainers or running shoes can make you more prone to injury as it encourages running unnaturally. It’s also said that running barefoot strengthens the tiny muscles found in feet, ankles and legs which can also reduce the risk of injury.
Although some people still follow the trend, it’s not that popular anymore. Experts have said that switching to barefoot running without properly transitioning makes you prone to injuries. Only try this one if you’re willing to practise walking barefoot before running.
High-heel workouts – Stiletto Strutting
Predominantly performed by women over the past decade. Some of the pros of working out in high heels have been recognised. Research has suggested that even walking in high-heels (below three inches) can shape the calves and improve muscle tone and shape.
Lunging, squatting and lifting small weights while wearing high-heels can help make you health especially your balance can also be improved. It hasn’t been fully determined whether wearing high-heels for a workout can result in weight loss, but it can help you learn how to walk better in them.
Hot barre Fitness Classes
As times goes on there has been some strange fitness classes and the trend of ‘hot barre’ first took off in New York and Los Angeles.
This fad involves performing classical ballet moves in a room heated to 40 degrees. This trend took off in 2015 and has not looked back since. Advocates of the fad say that hot barre encourages you to gain a deeper stretch while helping you release toxins and feel detoxed. Then, as the body has to work hard to cool itself down, you can expect your metabolism to boost and number of burnt calories to increase.
Similar classes are popular today too such as ‘hot yoga’ where classic mindfulness movements are performed in a heated pod — a guaranteed sweat stimulator.
From barefoot jogging to working out in stilettos, who knows what the next strange fitness trend will be?
Sources
https://mashable.com/2018/02/13/plogging-fitness-trend/?europe=true#RFlZ5e3n0mq6
http://www.mandatory.com/living/1059872-twerking-fitness-classes-now-exist
https://footwearnews.com/2017/fashion/womens/high-heel-workouts-lose-weight-449703/