5 new ways you’ll work out in 2020

Mindful running, kick-biking, naked workouts (not what you think) or gin yoga anyone? Welcome to the fitness trends heading your way.

Forget hot yoga, kick boxing and functional fitness – it’s time to explore new ways to reach your fitness goals.

Personal trainer The Fit Pharmacist Holly Louise predicts 2020 will bring a continued focus on technology, with apps and online coaching growing in number and popularity.

“Both apps and wearables have changed the fitness industry in recent years, but we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg,” she says.

“Advancing technology and access to more and more data will continue to influence how we exercise and understanding of health and wellness.

“We’re also seeing a move towards using exercise to improve mindfulness and mental health.”

Here’s just a taste of what to expect.

1. Gin Yoga

We’ve had dog yoga, aerial yoga and beer yoga, so it was only a matter of time before someone decided to mix spirits into the equation.

Manly Spirits Co. Distillery is one of a number of businesses across Australia combining gin and yin, following the success of this spin on the ancient practice overseas.

Venue manager Jess Desmond says gin not only helps loosen the muscles, allowing yogis to sink deeper into poses and stretches, but there’s also an additional benefit.

“Gin is flavoured with juniper berries, which are rich in antioxidants, so that’s appealing too,” Jess says.

“We started with classes every fortnight and are now scheduling them every week, they’re really popular.”

We’ll take ours with lime, thanks.

2. Yoga HIIT

While we’re on the subject of getting your yoga on, how about this for a yoga hybrid with a difference.

Combining quick bursts of high intensity interval training (or HIIT) with dynamic yoga poses, this time efficient workout lets you to achieve a serious calorie burn with all of the lengthening and strengthening of muscles that yoga provides.

Can’t find a class near you? Check out YouTube where there are plenty, and get your yoga HIIT on, all from the comfort of your own living room!

3. Mindful running

Like getting out and pounding the pavement?

If running rings your bell (and stats show around 4.9 million of us are converts), you’re probably living during the best time in history.

Not only are there a plethora of running apps like Couch-to-5k and Pacer to track your run, coach you, motivate you with music, there’s also a growing number of fun runs, charity races and adventure race events you can participate in.

Focus has now turned to combining running with meditation, led by books like Mindful Running: How Meditative Running can Improve Performance and Make you a Happier, More Fulfilled Person by lifelong runner Mackenzie L Harvey.

It’s all about concentrating on your posture, your breathing and your surroundings to create a more pressure free and pleasurable experience.

More quality than quantity? We’re in.

4. Kickbiking

And here it is. The perfect way for busy parents to get a workout, all while having fun with the kids. And great for calves, thighs, buttocks and our all-important core.

Kickbiking is really just a fancy name for adult scootering.

Developed in Finland as a way to keep Nordic athletes in top nick during the summer, kickbikes are a scooter-bicycle hybrid with a large front wheel, a smaller rear wheel and sturdy handlebars.

If age, weight, joint issues and other injuries mean running and cycling are tough – and you’re after an effective, low-impact workout – this could be worth checking out.

To get started, grab one of the kids’ scooters and give it go. Just go slowly to start with.

5. Naked workouts

Sorry to disappoint, but by naked we don’t mean swanning around the gym sans clothes.

We’re talking about leaving your tech behind. Just for an hour. Or so!

Yep, while there’s no doubt the fitness tech industry is booming and there are apps to record every little thing we do, as Holly says, there’s also a move to go tech-free.

“Fitness tech can be a double-edged sword. For some people, technology is the exact reason to get off the couch and into the gym, and for others it’s what makes them too obsessive,” The Fit Pharmacist says.

“Fitness technology can certainly be valuable, but if you are constantly checking your workout stats or trying to keep up with your notifications instead of focusing on your workout, you probably won’t experience the full benefits of exercise.

“The more distracted you are, the higher the chances are that your workout intensity will suffer, along with your results!”

Written by Liz McGrath.

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