If you’re looking for new ways to bounce back from the negative physical effects of pandemic induced lockdowns and restrictions, it’s worth looking into some of the latest fitness trends in Australia for 2021.
With Australia relatively free of COVID-19 and the limitations on physical activity relaxed, it’s time to re-establish some fitness goals and ways to strengthen our mental health.
Maybe you need some new inspiration to spur your fitness mindset and recapture that old energy? Maybe your routine has changed and you want to shake up your go-to workouts? Let’s check out the latest fitness trends in Australia for 2021 to regain some fresh motivation in fitness.
High intensity interval training
High intensity interval training (also known as HIIT) is a fantastic full body workout which compliments those who work from home or have less time to pursue more involved fitness trends.
If you have a spare 20 minutes in your workday, high intensity interval training should be part of your fitness arsenal.
What does it involve?
- A HIIT workout is an explosive form of interval training not to be confused with circuit training or interval training.
- The hallmark of a true bout of HIIT is that you are going for broke, hitting your maximum output for very short periods of time – say 20 seconds.
- You need to couple your 20 second explosive workouts with 3:1 recovery times, so 20 second workout, 60 second break.
- HIIT is a method that works well with a variety of pre-established workout routines that favour speed.
- Find a workout routine or circuit that works for you and apply the high intensity method to it.
What works with high intensity interval training?
- cardio routines
- kettlebell circuits
- bodyweight exercises like push ups, sit ups and pull ups
- squats and burpees
Outdoor Activities
You may already have some favourite outdoor activities or outdoor fitness regime, but there’s nothing like trying a new fitness trend to light a fresh fire in your belly and expand your fitness horizons.
Proper hiking
By pushing your running or walking routine into a proper hiking expedition, you not only receive the cardio and fitness benefits of a regular walk, you’ll get a significant mental health boost from the great outdoors.
Not only does a long hike mean more exposure to the healing benefits of nature, the exploratory aspects of finding a new patch of wilderness will stimulate confidence and self-satisfaction.
Rock climbing and canyoning
With proper training and a careful approach, getting into rock climbing and canyoning is a truly adventurous way to engage your mind, body, and surroundings.
To being with, do some professional courses, join a club and take it slowly at a gym to build up your strength. The full body workout coupled with mental health gains is a ridiculously beneficial combination.
Outdoor fitness
Outdoor fitness classes and workouts are all the rage this year. Check your local area for outdoor fitness classes and opportunities to get out of the house and pursue your fitness goals with others or a personal trainer.
Group training
I bet you’ve seen them. Those groups of sweaty locals doing burpee sets, whipping battle ropes, dropping for push ups, and marching kettlebells around your local park.
Why don’t you join them? Group training is an excellent way to push past motivation issues, meet new people and keep on top of your fitness goals. Even if you have a great home gym set-up or a personal trainer, working out with others provides a social aspect to training that we all need.
Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and Pilates have continued to explode as a fitness trend in Australia. We can’t get enough of those downward facing dogs. There’s no doubt a local park near you is hosting a regular outdoor yoga or Pilates class.
Not only does it come with significant mental health benefits, it woks on balance, core development and delivers a whole body workout without the impact of a regular gym or home gym workout.
Wearable tech
The wearable tech industry has been on a tear of late. We’re now spoiled for choice when it comes to wearable fitness tracking devices. If you’re serious about attaining your fitness goals, it’s time to invest in some wearable tech.
Many wearable fitness tracking devices can now monitor and track:
- sleep quality
- steps
- heart rate
- body temperature
- goal setting
- blood oxygen
- calorie counting
What are you waiting for? We’ve never had so many avenues for physical activity as we do now, so grab hold of one of the new fitness trends in Australia for 2021, reset some fitness goals and work on your mental health while you’re at it.