Every so often, a new fitness trend comes along. It sweeps gyms and exercise classes across the world as people look for more exciting ways to get fit. But, what are some of the strangest fitness fads that we’ve seen over the past decade?
People who plog
Plogging became popular at the start of 2018. It’s a Scandinavian based trend that encourages people to pick up litter while out running — improving health and the environment.
How did it get its name? The word ‘plogging’ comes from the word jogging and the Swedish phrase ‘plocka upp’ which means pick up. The exercise part comes from running with intermittent squatting and lunging so you can pick up rubbish from the ground. It is an effective calorie burner too — fitness app Lifesum estimates that a typical user will burn 288 calories from 30 minutes of plogging.
You can search the internet for ploggers and discover images of them in running gear with plastic bags ready to fill with litter. Could we see this trend become widespread sometime soon?
Workout shoes with a difference
Some people have been pleased to hear that wearing high-heels can be beneficial for their health! Research has suggested that even walking in high-heels (below three inches) can shape the calves and improve muscle tone and shape.
Through lunging, squatting and lifting small weights while wearing high-heels, balance can also be improved. It hasn’t been fully determined whether wearing high-heels for a workout can result in weight loss, but it can help you learn how to walk better in them.
Jogging without trainers
During 2010, jogging without trainers became a fad. It saw runners trading in their running shoes for a form of running ‘sock’.
People who enjoy running in this way, say that running in trainers or running shoes can make you more prone to injury as it encourages running with unnatural form. It’s also said that running barefoot strengthens the tiny muscles found in feet, ankles and legs which can also reduce the risk of injury.
The fad certainly isn’t as popular as it once was. Experts have said that switching to barefoot running without properly transitioning makes you prone to injuries. Only try this one if you’re willing to practise walking barefoot before running.
Practising hot barre
The trend of hot barre began in New York and Los Angeles.
What does it involve? It’s all about doing classical ballet moves in a room heated to 40 degrees and it took off around 2015. Advocates of the fad say that hot barre encourages you to gain a deeper stretch while helping you release toxins and feel detoxed. Then, as the body has to work hard to cool itself down, you can expect your metabolism to boost and number of burnt calories to increase.
Classes have begun off the back of this this trend too. You might’ve heard of ‘hot yoga’ where classic mindfulness movements are performed in a heated pod — a guaranteed sweat stimulator. For those experiencing shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal problems, yoga can be helpful.
Which crazy fad will be next? Will you get involved?
Danny White is a freelance writer who offers to ghostwrite, copywriting, and blogging services. He works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.
