Firstlantic Healthcare. So, this is the year. The year that you get in shape. The year that you have more energy. The year that you live a happier and more satisfying life. But, how do you get there? Well, FirstLantic is here to help. We have pulled together a list of the hottest fitness trends to make this your healthiest year ever. Are you ready to get started?

 

Trend 1 – Wearable devices

In case you haven’t been paying attention, wearable devices are becoming even smarter and can help you stick to a plan. You can track calories, activity levels, your blood pressure and more all through a device you can wear on your wrist like a FitBit or a SmartWatch. But if you don’t want to invest in a new gizmo, you can accomplish most of the same things by downloading a few apps on your phone.

 

Trend 2 – Shorter workouts

Yes, you read that right. Shorter workouts with the right level of intensity can accomplish as much as longer workouts. Shorter workouts (30 minutes or less) often are better for your body because there is less prolonged impact and it also can be better for your psyche as well. Longer workouts can actually trigger the stress hormone, Cortisol, and can also temporarily slow your metabolism. As an added benefit, you might actually be able to stick to a routine if less time is required.

 

Trend 3 – Smart homes

Can’t sleep – maybe your mattress can help, if it’s a smart mattress that is. New devices in the home are making it easier than ever to make better choices. Can’t figure out the best healthy meal, just ask your refrigerator. This may seem vaguely reminiscent of Star Trek, but this is no longer fiction. But if you are not ready to make a huge investment, then consider spending $30 to $50 for an Amazon Echo Dot or a Google Home Mini.

 

Trend 4 – Paying attention to hormones

As any woman knows, hormones can wreak havoc on your emotional and physical well-being. It can affect everything from your sleep patterns to your moods to your heart health. As a result, more research is being conducted to really understand hormonal effects on women through every life stage. And testing is becoming cheaper and more convenient with home testing options from companies like EverlyWell and FLO Living and LetsGetChecked. The key is to make sure to discuss the results with your doctor to ensure that you don’t go down a rabbit hole of self-diagnosed treatments.

 

Trend 5 – Yoga

Yoga is certainly not a new phenomenon, but the benefits are real and are becoming even more apparent with continued research. Some of the better-known outcomes are reduced stress, improved sleep quality and better digestion. But studies show that yoga can also rewire your brain. It encourages the release of a neurotransmitter that allows you to relax and can even counteract depression in some people. There are many different types of yoga to try but this beginner’s guide can help you select the right one for you.

 

Trend 6 – MCT Oil

MCT Oil and its’ known benefits have been around for a while – in fact, it first gained popularity around 2008. However, with more people believing in the benefits of a keto diet (where you burn fat instead of carbs for fuel), MCT oil has had a resurgence. MCT oil contains medium-length chains of fats called triglycerides most commonly found in coconut oil. However, MCT oil has a much higher concentration of beneficial fatty acids than coconut oil. These acids are commonly considered “good” forms of fat, which can do everything from boost the metabolism to improve the strength of the immune system. With the resurgence of MCT, more products are now coming ready to drink with the oil already added such as lattes and smoothies. Soon you will see it popping up as an ingredient in snack bars as well.

 

The reality is that fitness trends come and go, so the most important thing is to find something that works for you. Start out small and stick to it. Walking a few more steps a day or eating less fried foods or taking a walk in a park can all be solid first steps to living healthier and happier. Whatever you do, it is up to you. But as Nike’s tagline says, “just do it.” For you and your family!

 

Check out our blog on healthy eating >

 

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