Growing numbers of Irish people are taking their health and fitness seriously, with gym and fitness center membership on the up over the last year. It is a trend predicted to continue into 2018.
As we begin a new year, we spoke to health and fitness expert Steven Madden from Club Vitae in Clayton Hotel Cork City on health and fitness trends in 2018. His top three predictions have something for everyone, from Ireland’s fittest family to those of us starting out on the road to better health and wellbeing:
- Adventure Racing (Triathlon & Duathlon Distance races)
With more and more people taking part in either full or half marathon distance races, people are looking for the next leap to motivate themselves. Steven says, “adventure racing can be as simple as a trail run through a forest to distance running up hills, mountains with biking, swimming or kayaking intertwined in the race.” Some well-known Irish adventure races include Quest Glendalough in Leinster, Sea to Summit in Connacht or the SCAR in Munster.
2. Low Intense Interval Training
For those of us looking to stay fit in a gentler way, LIIT or low intensive interval training will still burn the same calories as a solid HIIT (high intensive interval training) session, but will take an extra 30-40 minutes to complete. It can be as easy as taking a walk.
“While you still need to incorporate intervals, the intensity isn’t as brutal as a HIIT session,” Steven says. Perfect if you are getting back into fitness in the new year or have joint problems.
3. Smarter recovery
With some of us working out every day the intensity can take its toll on your body so faster recovery and healing is on the rise. “Foam rolling was a massive area in 2017 with the roller itself taking on new forms shapes and sizes,” adds fitness expert Steven.
Cryotherapy and saunas aren’t new, but it is an area of constant study and improvement. They work to detoxify, cleanse and heal the body. If you are looking to recover quickly, Steven believes, “saunas are the ultimate recovery session, known as ‘hyper thermic conditioning’ which can also increase muscle mass and endurance with the bonus of weight loss, stress relief and a good boost to your immune system.”
Don’t forget to check with your doctor before making any major changes to your fitness routine. Once you do, let us know which of these you are planning to try in 2018?