Derrick Broadaway Discusses Emerging Trends in Fitness: From HIIT to Mindfulness

Derrick Broadaway is keen on the emerging trends that are reshaping the fitness industry. From the rigorous intensity of HIIT workouts to the transformative potential of mindful movement, Derrick Broadaway DDS navigates this dynamic landscape with valuable insight. Below, a discussion of these latest developments poised to redefine how we approach health and well-being.

Every year, there are seemingly endless new ways to get fit. And for every trend that sticks around (aerobics, CrossFit), there are plenty that will forever be fads (the vibrating belt, the Shake Weight).

While 39% of Americans hold gym memberships, year after year many are tempted to try the latest crazes. In 2023, the fitness industry is estimated to hit $216 billion in revenue.

Derrick Broadaway DDS notes that some fitness approaches will always be in style, but here's what's in style right now.

Derrick Broadaway on High Intensity Intervals

High-intensity interval training has become a bonafide phenomenon and it's simply centered around pushing the heart rate up as high and often as possible. Whether with a group at the gym or on one's own, popular 30-minute HIIT classes offer an engaging mix of cardio techniques and a whole lot of calorie-burning.

It's fast (exercises are done in 30-second to 3-minute spurts), but fun. Despite the intensity, a study in Plos One found that 92% of subjects enjoyed HIIT more than continuous exercise which was more moderate in intensity.

Derrick Broadaway says that in addition to being a solid cardio workout, HIIT can also help build muscle and there are numerous exercise options to choose from, including stationary biking, running outdoors, and weightlifting. Another bonus: Often, equipment isn't required.

Online or Hybrid Gym Memberships

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the shape of the fitness industry, with most gyms small and large closed, as well as personal training appointments and group activities put on hold for years or even permanently. And while online gym memberships are not necessarily new, it's a trend that has skyrocketed in recent years.

Derrick Broadaway DDS explains that the convenience is part of the appeal, but it helps that there are more online workout options available than ever catering to all types of people, needs, and preferred workout experiences. Gyms are capitalizing on the trend by offering lower-cost hybrid memberships that combine unlimited online workouts and group sessions with a set number of in-person gym visits a week or month.

VR and AR Integration

Working out in the Metaverse? Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) workouts continue to be the rage for more immersive and cutting-edge fitness experiences. With releases such as Apple's VR headset, it's a high-tech alternative that has gone mainstream. Virtual reality fitness games tap into competitive motivation but also offer support and comradery with those on similar fitness journeys.

Derrick Broadaway explains that many AR- and VR-integrated fitness offerings are also tailored to those with limited mobility. VR headsets such as FitXR provide the option of a virtual fitness coach, while Supernatural has live-action coaches capable of one-on-one assistance. Products like AR contact lenses amplify workouts by showing individual health stats and progress displays.

There's a little bit of everything available from a slew of AR and VR fitness apps, such as hiking mountings through The Climb app to busting music notes with Beat Saber. Thanks to technology, people can work out with hundreds of spots around the world as virtual backdrops.

Wearable Technology

Derrick Broadaway says that speaking of technology, fitness and activity trackers consistently top lists of fitness trends thanks to new features and widening ranges of styles. Smartwatches and other trackers can do everything from monitoring calories, sleep time, and heart rate to offering advice on how to reach specific fitness goals in a set amount of time.

Today's wearable fitness technology is impressively capable of tracking body temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Some can even double as electrocardiogram tools.

Mindfulness

According to Fitbit, interest in various mindfulness techniques such as meditation grew by a mind-boggling 2,900% in 2020. While many mindfulness approaches began thousands of years old, modern mindfulness also has staying power as a calming way to address anxiety, stress, depression, or general unease.

The so-called mindful movement in fitness carefully combines physical work with mental focus, breathing, and body awareness that can improve overall health but also flexibility, strength, and posture.

Derrick Broadaway DDS notes that meditative exercises, including Pilates, barre, tai chi, and yoga, have immeasurable physical and mental health benefits, can be done at a gym, with a group, or on one's own, and can be adapted to any fitness level and goal.

A 2022 survey found that 78% of Americans cite their emotional and mental well-being as their top reason for exercising, higher than those who said their physical well-being was the biggest concern (76%).