Welcome to 2020 - is everybody ready to start the year off fresh and make some wholesale changes to their lifestyle? Whilst I don't make resolutions per se, I do tend to write down a set of goals I endeavour to aim towards by the years end. Some may be as simple as trying to eat some more vegetables in my diet! Remember if you decide that you want to make significant changes, you need to set small goals and make them achievable. Making drastic and sudden changes is rarely maintainable so keep it simple! On that note, I thought it would be timely to look ahead and discuss what are the top health and fitness trends for 2020? Below is s brief synopsis of what to expect this year...….. (source glofox.com)

1. Group Training: Whilst group training has been steadily gaining popularity over time, this year will see it go to the next level! Consumers enjoy the engaging social aspects of group training as well as the motivation that ensues. As we become more time poor, there has also been a shift away from self-paced training as it often doesn't reep the same benefits as a guided group training session. People are also more cognisant of technique and so are relying on instructors to guide them through correct form.
2. Yoga HIIT: Fusion classes have gained popularity over time. These formats merge popular workouts into a more condensed routine. Yoga HIIT is a combination of quick bursts of HIIT peppered with dynamic yoga poses. At Change It Up, several of our instructors have done basic yoga courses which is why you often see yoga style cool downs at the end of your workouts. This is a great way to stretch after a dynamic HIIT class because lets be honest - who goes home and stretches? :) 
3. Functional Training: In recent years, CrossFit made a massive impact on the fitness industry. In 2020 however, there will be a shift in focus - instead of how much weight, or how many reps we complete, the importance will be on how we perform all the movements and learning proper technique through functional training. Functional training is essentially using the muscles we use most for everyday tasks. This allows our bodies to continue functioning at their best for as long as possible. You will notice we have altered our timetable and have more of a focus of functional classes that combine both cardio and strength in a fun and challenging workout. We see these classes as a great platform to maintain a good level of fitness across multiple principles of training. Keep an eye out for more of these down the track......
4. At-home workouts: Work out apps including expert led total body workouts that are live streamed are gaining popularity. You can sign up to programs that give you guided exercise and nutrition that you can do in your own home. 2020 is set to see these evolve further! At change It Up we love the face to face format of group exercise and the hands on techinique in classes such as yoga. It's also an added bonus to go and grab a coffee afterwards..... :) 
5. Mindful workouts: For a lot of people (including Lou and I!) exercise is their go-to stress reliever. Physical activity has the power to relieve anxiety and reduce stress levels in the body. Mindfulness practice provides many of the same benefits and people are now using both practices to help their symptoms. Fitness will evolve and there will be an emphasis on what happens before and after working out as well as during. The time we spend to recover is just as important as the training - this includes our sleep, stress levels, state of mind as well as nutrition. 2020 will see a bigger emphasis on holistic wellbeing. At Change It Up, we very much believe in this which is why we collaborate with Naturopaths at Gisborne Health to help advise us on best practice. We believe fitness is far bigger than muscle gains........
6. Nutrition: Sustainabilty has become a key issue in recent years and the world is transitioning into plant-based territory. It is thought that by 2040 only 40% of the global population will be eating meat! 35% will be consuming lab-grown meat and 25% will be consuming vegan replacements. Whilst plant-based used to refer to an entirely vegan diet, it is now more diverse and promotes plenty of vegetables and healthy choices but spares the consumer harsher vegan and vegetarian alternatives. It's seen as a soft nudge to eat more vegetables not a caution to stop eating meat entirely.
7. Intuitive eating: we wrote a blog about this recently as it gained a lot of popularity in 2019. Intuitive eating encourages people to make food choices without experiencing guilt or an ethical dilemma. It promotes eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're full; not seeing food as "good" or "bad"; letting go of rules; and enjoying your food. This movement is becoming the "anti-diet" and I love it! Social media is encouraging this approach so look our for more on this topic in 2020!
8. Apps:  Advancing technology and innovation though app development has transformed the fitness industry and will continue to do so this year. From wearables to virtual reality, there will be more fun gadgets coming at you in 2020! Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and heart rate monitors ranked in the top three trends every year since 2016! More companies are now experimenting with technology and it is predicted that by 2023 the worldwide smart fitness wear market will hit $4.5 billion! Do you track your fitness?
9. DNA testing and Genome mapping: DNA testing kits for fitness have become a new movement in the health and wellness world, With DNA testing you can learn what hormones are preventing you from burning fat as well as a variety of details about your physiology that influence your fitness level. I personally haven't heard much about this but wow - fitness is really evolving!

Well there you have it - some of the top trends that you will see in 2020. A little bit of insight into what to expect and some things for you to keep an eye out for...……. We look forward to seeing you all back in action soon!