Smart Fitters probably already know the punchline to this one.
While our training at The Smart Fit Method may be on the cutting-edge of fitness technology, we don’t like to call ourselves trendy. You don’t need fancy sneakers, Vuori leggings, or colorful exercise bands to benefit from an optimized, functional strength workout in a single, 20 minute session. You won’t need an influencer to sell you the benefits of better hormones, stronger muscles, and an improved cardiovascular system.
Trendy implies newness, fashion, and popularity. What it does not imply is results. A trendy workout may be what everyone is talking about, but will it help you improve where it counts?
We’re certainly shiny and new, and we’re growing more and more popular every day, but unlike the rest of the trendy and new fitness methods on the market, only The Smart Fit Method will get you the results you need to live better for longer - and not injure you or break the bank in the process.
Let’s break down some popular fitness trends and discuss which ones are worth your time - and which you should skip.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - Worth it!
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a workout technique that alternates between short bursts of intense exercise and periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise.
In HIIT workouts, participants push themselves to maximum effort for 20 seconds to a few minutes and rest for a few minutes, then repeat the intense sprint. HIIT sessions alternate these intervals of high intensity and recovery multiple times in order to form a complete workout.
One of the main benefits of HIIT is that it can create an afterburn effect, increasing your metabolic rate even after the workout is finished. This means you can continue to burn calories for hours after completing the workout. They are also quick to complete, meaning you don’t have to spend hours working out.
On Smart Ride, we complete a high-intensity sprint session in only 8 minutes and 40 seconds thanks to Carol bike technology. Touted as the “exercise for people who don’t like exercise”, Smart Ride gets the pain over with in record time, ensuring you’re reaping optimized benefits without wasting time.
Functional Fitness - Worth it!
Functional fitness is a training approach designed to improve the body's ability to perform everyday activities efficiently and safely. Unlike traditional workouts that may isolate specific muscle groups, functional fitness emphasizes exercises that mimic real-life movements. This type of training focuses on developing strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility, making it applicable to daily tasks such as lifting, bending, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries.
Functional fitness is an exercise modality using compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups. Examples include squats, lunges, and push-ups. By training the body in a way that reflects real-world challenges, functional fitness improves performance in everyday activities and reduces the risk of injury.
Functional fitness is an absolute must because it is a holistic approach to fitness and wellness. Not only will you become stronger doing the essentials but you’ll build critical core strength which improves balance and prevents falls. At The Smart Fit Method, we’re lucky enough to be training with ARX adaptive resistance technology. Our functional fitness strength training modality allows you to lift to your maximum potential, and the AI-driven motors adapt to the user’s fitness level, meaning you’ll never be over- or under-loaded.
Group Fitness Classes - Skip it!
Classes like yoga, spin, and boot camps may foster community and motivation among participants, but do they do anything else? While group fitness classes can offer a sense of community and motivation, there are several downsides to consider.
One of the main drawbacks to group fitness classes is the instructor cannot cater to everyone's needs, leaving many feeling overwhelmed or lost. Beginners might struggle to keep up with their more experienced classmates and feel self-conscious, leading to frustration and a negative workout experience.
Many group fitness classes follow a standardized routine that may become repetitive over time, too, and stagnate as the program fails to evolve and adapt to the participant’s needs. Not to mention the potential for injury if the instructor is not available to help because he or she is busy watching the other 30 members of their class.
Finally, scheduling and availability can be significant barriers. Group classes often have limited time slots, making it difficult for those with busy schedules to find a convenient option. Additionally, classes can fill up quickly, leaving participants unable to attend their preferred sessions.
At The Smart Fit Method, we’re a boutique-style longevity studio experience, which means you pay less than the cost of a group yoga session but you’re getting: hands-on personal training, adaptable workouts, and the ability to schedule those personalized workouts to fit your schedule.
Your training needs to fit your life because if it doesn’t, you won’t commit. Group classes might be fun, but they’re far from the best option when it comes to seeing real, lasting results.
Online and Virtual Workouts- Skip it!
In 2020, virtual workouts became one of the few options available for those looking to stay in shape under quarantine. Even after, many people like the convenience a video can offer, especially when they can still have a live consultation with a trainer. But what value are they actually getting?
Online workouts require self-discipline and accountability. At home, it’s easy to skip sessions and procrastinate. This lack of accountability can lead to diminished results. What’s worse, the classes you do attend may not be led by a professional. An inability to ask questions or receive modifications will result in injury.
While online workout courses have become increasingly popular for their convenience and accessibility, you need to consider these drawbacks as well as some others.
One major issue in class-style online fitness is the lack of personal interaction and immediate feedback. Participants often miss out on the ability to ask questions or receive real-time corrections on their form since many of these courses are pre-recorded, which can lead to improper technique and increased risk of injury. Without an instructor present to provide encouragement or modifications, some individuals may struggle to stay motivated or may even give up entirely.
A similar concern is the authenticity of the instructor. Because anyone can design and record videos and upload them online, the quality of online courses - particularly cheap or free ones - can vary widely, with some lacking professional instruction or well-structured programming.
Be careful of who you trust online. The fitness industry doe not have a governing body regulating it like healthcare does, but just like healthcare, how you approach fitness should be done scientifically and with caution in order to optimize health and prevent injuries.
Exploring popular fitness trends that work at The Smart Fit Method
Trendy doesn’t have to be a bad thing when the trend is backed by science. Cold plunge and cold workouts are an excellent example of this. The cutting-edge is only valuable when it is proven to be worth the hype - like we are.
Book a free consultation with a personal trainer at The Smart Fit Method to get expert help from real fitness professionals and see what high-tech personal training can do for your life.
