Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA, Vice President, Worldwide Sports Performance and Fitness

Are you excited about the next year? There are so many fitness trends to try! Last year, we saw cross training styles based on functional exercises gain momentum. Athletic Body Conditioning –a combination of body weight training, weightlifting, and choreographed movements using simple equipment– was also quite popular.

So what exercise trends will the next year bring? As you start to gear up for a fit and healthy 2019, stay on trend with the following hot fitness styles and programs:

1. Fitness at Your Fingertips

Innovation is the key in the technology world, and fitness applications are the path of the future for 2019 and beyond.

We will be seeing a wider range of fitness apps. Many of them will be goal-specific, rather than just tracking your performance.

Apps will also focus on essential yet overlooked parts of a training routine, such as recovery. Recovery is essential for the body to adapt to the stress of exercise. It allows muscles to repair, rebuild, and strengthen.

Don’t be fooled into thinking fitness apps are just a whim. According to this study, the use of exercise apps is associated with increased levels of physical activity and improved health outcomes.

2. Fitness Communities for Everyone

Being part of a fitness-focused community goes a long way. It can make you feel more committed to your training goals, and more enthusiastic about it too. Social support, guidance, and encouragement are key elements to lead a fit life.

One way to find exercise friends is through a nutrition or fitness club operated by an Herbalife Nutrition independent distributor. At these clubs, invited customers enjoy healthy meal-replacement protein shakes while benefiting from a supportive community of people who provide encouragement and guidance to achieve their weight and fitness goals.

In 2019, it will be much easier to track the accomplishments of your fitness community. To some extent, we can thank wearables for that.

Fitness wearable products enable data to be exchanged between a network and the device. Therefore, you can share stats like burned calories, steps taken, miles you ran, etc.

Plus, being able to share your fitness progress is a great way to stay accountable and motivated.

3. Combined Exercises for Better Results

The fusion of blended fitness formats will continue well into 2019. As instructors and fitness club owners strive to get people excited and engaged, we will see combo classes rising in popularity.

Common fitness trends will include strength training mixed with cardio, stretching with cycling, and Pilates with athletic conditioning, just to name a few.

Different types of workouts produce different results. There are four main kinds of training. See the list below and be creative about combining them to maximize your fitness:

Aerobic exercise - Running, swimming or dancing. These are the kind of activities that work your cardiovascular system.
Strength exercise - Weightlifting, push-ups, and crunches. This sort of training works your muscles by using resistance.
Balance exercise - Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates. Especially important for older adults, these exercises can also help to reduce injury risk. If you sprain your ankle, you need to retrain your balance in order to avoid reinjury.
Flexibility exercise - There are two types: static stretching and dynamic stretching. Both can improve the range of motion at your joints, thus preventing injuries.

As 2019 approaches, make sure to plan ahead and make time in your schedule to get involved in whatever fitness trend excites you the most. Remember that commitment to a fit lifestyle begins by enjoying your training, so keep it fun!


Please consult a doctor if you have medical conditions that would compromise your ability to exercise.