The start of a new year can be a time to hit reset and rethink our priorities for the 12 months ahead. But don’t worry, we’re not here to push the “New Year, New You” narrative.
As women, society places stacks of pressure on us to look and act a certain way. Research backs this up, showing that Australian women spend a whopping $15 billion each year on grooming, while men spend just $7 billion.
Journalist Tracey Spicer delivered an eye-opening TEDx talk about this exact topic, revealing that women spend the equivalent of 10 full working days per year just to get ready for work. Imagine what you could do with an extra two working weeks back in your diary?
This pressure extends beyond makeup and heels and can have a direct impact on our body image, too. Especially at this time of year, the rhetoric around women’s diet and fitness routine can be focused on size, weight and unlocking our “dream summer body”.
But that’s not going to fly on our watch. Instead, we want you to see movement as a way to feel your best (rather than hit a certain dress size). So, we’ve rounded up five fun fitness trends we can’t wait to try in 2022 to help you reframe how you approach fitness this year.
Fitness trend 1: Mind-body fitness
Think working out is just about breaking a sweat? Think again. In 2022, one of the trends we’re most excited about is fitness classes that bring mental, emotional and physical wellbeing together.
Essentially, the mind-body fitness trend is all about workouts that offer both a great fitness-boosting experience and a wellness component. Whether it’s mindfulness, mindset-coaching or goal-setting exercises, these holistic wellbeing programs are designed to help us feel our best (inside and out).
We’re big fans of KAAIAA, a fitness philosophy founded by Leah Simmons (a certified Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, Kundalini Yoga Teacher, and mum to two gorgeous children).
This revolutionary fitness program helps people unlock courage, strength and transform their lives across four pillars of health (mental, physical, emotional and spiritual). Expect to feel strong, clear, focused and calmer after one of these powerful classes.
Fitness trend 2: Trampoline cardio classes
Ready to channel your inner kid? Get ready for trampoline cardio classes, a fun and dynamic new fitness trend that’s just hit Australian shores.
After rising to popularity in the US (thanks to luxe trampoline fitness studios such as NYC’s the ness), trampolining is set to become one of the must-try cardio classes of 2022.
Each workout is fast-paced, high-energy and low impact, guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.
The best bit? You can do it all from home by grabbing an affordable trampoline from Amazon, Decathlon, Rebel Sport or Myer and signing up to a virtual studio (like Carve It Bounce).
Fitness trend 3: Surfing
Hitting the surf is nothing new, but in 2022 this water sport is set to be more popular than ever before. It makes sense considering surfing was officially named as an Olympic sport at the Tokyo 2020 games.
There are stacks of beginner-friendly surf schools dotted across the country to help you master the basics and hit the waves with confidence. Get ready to test your core strength and coordination!
And if you’re looking for a more relaxing water sport, why not try Stand-up Paddle boarding Yoga! There are plenty of classes run across Australia, including Flow mOcean based out of Manly in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Fitness trend 4: Ballet-inspired workouts
Channel your inner dancer and build strength, mobility and flexibility with a ballet-inspired workout. Blending together cardio and strength exercises, these barre and ballet-inspired classes will help you feel longer and stronger with every move.
Barre Body offers a stack of online barre and ballet-inspired workouts (with new classes added every week) as well as in-person sessions from their studios based in Sydney, Melbourne and Byron Bay.
Fitness trend 5: Virtual fitness studios
Lockdowns might be over (for the time being) but more of us are choosing to workout at home than ever before. So, our fitness trends for 2022 guide wouldn’t be complete with a few of our favourite at-home workout programs.
For everything from meditation classes to HIIT sessions and even a running coaching program, hit download on the Keep It Cleaner app. There’s even a stack of delicious recipes to browse and whip up at home too!
Plus, SWEAT is another handy virtual workout app with classes from Pilates to strength training and everything in between. There’s new classes added all the time and a range of different trainers to choose from, too.
And that’s a wrap! When it comes to staying fit and feeling your best in 2022, it’s important to find movement that feels good for you. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a quick stretch before bed or a fun new fitness class, make 2022 the year you make fitness about how you feel on the inside, too.
