Top Fitness Tips and Trends for 2014

Out of the 45% of Americans who make New Year’s Resolutions, almost half of those are related to self-improvement, fitness and weight loss. The sad truth however is that only 8% of those people are actually successful.

SWEAT Fitness is Philadelphia’s premier fitness club with 8 convenient locations and the city’s best instructors and trainers. The team at SWEAT is determined to help members achieve fitness goals and have predicted 2014 fitness trends that are not only fun and interesting - they work!  Additionally, they have come up with five tips for those new to the gym scene to make their resolutions a reality.

2014 TRENDS:

Personal Training: Personal Training is at the top of the list of fitness trends for 2014. This isn’t your traditional one-on-one, 60-minute session. These 30-minute sessions are growing in popularity and are often referred to as “Mini Personal Training Sessions.” Small group sessions or functional fitness classes taught to groups of 10 or less by your personal trainer are also a budding trend. These sessions are affordable and convenient for those who want to be in and out of the gym while still accomplishing something – everyone has 30 minutes!

Interval Training: Again we see the appeal of spending less time in the gym with impressive results. Interval training, which is always trending at SWEAT, is at the top of the list again for 2014. Interval training involves extremely challenging exercises, alternated by moderate intensity and short exercises, and, if you’re lucky, a short rest. You get it all – bodyweight exercises, weight training, endurance, cardio and stretching. In a short period of time you get limitless benefits.

Real Weight Loss: This is always the goal on a lot of people’s lists for the New Year. However, 2014 is the time to be accountable and stop with the quick fixes. Weight loss takes time and work and there is no better time to start than right now. Increasing your cardio isn’t the only solution to drop those stubborn pounds. Surround yourself with people who eat healthy and keep a food journal - if you bite it, you write it. This is a vital step to reflecting on bad habits and teaching yourself to correct them – it’s about changing your lifestyle.

Group Classes: Try something new! Males and females of every age and fitness level can benefit from group classes. The camaraderie and accountability achieved in a class is unmatched in solo workouts. SWEAT offers an unbelievable variety of unique classes – including the newest group trend of blended classes such as, “Cycle and Sculpt” and “Boxing Blend.” Combining the best exercises from multiple disciplines is a great way to challenge your body and keep the muscles guessing!

Aquatics: This isn’t your grandmother’s pool workout. Modern aquatic workouts are challenging yet low impact, which decreases stress on joints while improving overall strength and sculpting every party of the body.

5 Tips for Gym Newbies:

1. Convenience: Choose a gym close to your home or office. Consider signing up with a friend or partner so you can be gym buddies and hold yourselves accountable. Also be certain to develop a realistic gym schedule. Don't vow to be at a Wednesday morning 5 am cycling class if you aren't a morning person - set yourself up for success!

2. Prepare: Be sure to set up a tour of your new facility and, if your budget allows for it, schedule some personal training sessions. Most gyms offer at least one PT session for free. This will familiarize you with your gym and give you a go-to workout to help you reach your goals. Be sure to also wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel. A lot of gyms don't have towel service (unless of course you are a member of SWEAT, which provides towel service at all of their locations). Also bring any mental distractions to help you get through you workout i.e. music, magazines, books etc. 

3. Look Seasoned: There are some standard rules of etiquette to follow while at the gym. Be sure to limit your time on cardio machines, especially when there is a wait - 30 minutes is a good rule of thumb. When you are done with the treadmill - or any machine - wipe it down. You might be thrilled with the sweat pouring out of you but chances are, the person using the machine after you isn't. 

4. Relax: This is not the time to be intimidated. A lot of people are new to the gym, especially this time of year. If something like a new class makes you nervous show up early. This way you can set up and ask the instructor any questions before the class begins. SWEAT helps new members break into classes by informing the instructor a newbie is only planning on staying for the first 10 minutes of the class. That way, if they need to leave there is nothing to be embarrassed about, its expected, and if they decide to stick it out - all the better!

5. Feedback: Make the most of your membership. If your club is missing a favorite class, piece of equipment or something is not up to par, let them know. Your happiness and fitness journey should be their number one goal.

“The most important trend and tip for 2014 is to do it for yourself,” says SWEAT Fitness President Tracy Shannon. “2014 is the year to not only set goals but to be realistic and achieve them! Make your wellness a priority.”

SWEAT Fitness is Philadelphia’s destination for making your New Year’s resolution stick. Members receive unlimited access to 8 city and suburban locations and unique group classes. For more information on how to get access to the city’s top fitness facilities and professionals visit their website at www.sweatfitness.com and sign up for a free trial.