Before we flip the calender to a new year, lets think back on the hottest trends in fitness for 2012! The Huffington Post can happily cash in their bets from 2011 because their predictions fell right on target with how this year panned out. But they aren’t the only ones clapping their hands, Kern and I take no shame in tooting our own horns and with good reason!
Top 5 fitness trends of 2012: #1 Health Professionals
For now the 6th year in a row certified health professionals are holding it down with the number one spot for fitness trends of 2012! Where’s our proof? Welp, the U.S. Department of Labor’s report from earlier this year estimates a 29% growth in employment opportunities in the fitness industry between 2009 and 2018. What does this mean for you? Now is the time to jump on the band wagon if health and wellness is your calling.
Top 5 fitness trends of 2012: #2 Interactive Fitness
Remember the olden days of relying purely on gym machines for training? This is now becoming taboo. Not only was this style boring and repetitive, it has proven to be less effective then other training styles that have continued to emerge and grow in popularity in 2012. People are gravitating towards the one on one attention, high energy classes and fitness instructors that serve as living proof that how they train their body works. In 2012 Group X classes were the main selling factor for people holding onto their gym memberships. From Zumba to Cycling to Barre to Crossfit all bases were covered. You could go to the gym and whip out your cardio and strength workout all in the same visit in back-to-back classes as long as you got to your gym early because these classes were in demand.
Personalized coaching continues to be a top choice in 2012 because people enjoy having someone to motivate them and hold them accountable to their workouts. It’s also appealing to have someone designing your workouts for you around your specific personal goals. DVD’s haven’t phased out just yet, if anything they’ve made a come back! P90x, Insanity and now the new Asylum Workout have not only a supreme marketing tactic backing them, there’s also a science behind their madness, which keeps people coming back for more.
Many of you may have heard of Body Rock, an in home workout movement, which many of our workouts are inspired by. With the internet so accessible and YouTube being part of the mainstream online workout programs have some of the largest fan base. It’s convenient with no money down and like with our 6 minute No Wimps Allowed Sand bag Workout, it’s time efficient. Each of these training approaches that took the forefront in 2012 have shown that strength training isn’t a one way street. You can tone up and loose weight by moving the body through various different planes of motion and by making your workout more dynamic. Machines aren’t necessarily bad if you know how to use them properly, but they are limiting.
Top 5 fitness trends of 2012: #3 Weight loss through diet and exercise
The Huffington Post’s predicted health trends for 2012 takes another spot in our top 5 list! Although this idea of a “quick fix” weight loss strategy may never die out as long as drug companies and advertisers continue to paint this illusionist picture in people’s heads top brands like P90X are now adopting a nutritional component to their program. Personal trainers and other fitness experts are branding themselves as lifestyle coaches by advising their clients on both proper exercise technique and nutrition to gain optimal results. People are coming to terms with the fact that diet and exercise work hand in hand so without one the plan fails.
Top 5 fitness trends of 2012: #4 A crossover to light weight sneakers
In 2012 less has proven to be more in the case of running shoes. It used to be, at least when I was in school, that we were taught to believe that the more cushion and support you had in your shoe the less likelihood of injury. Now with the launching of Nike Free Runs and even Skechers GoRun the Vibram FiveFingers barefoot shoes are bringing sexy back. They may be a fashion fail when it comes to style, but in performance they are becoming a main attraction.
Top 5 fitness trends of 2012: #5 Heat tech clothing
I heart Uniqlo, partially because I love the way it sounds, but more importantly for their bargain deals! When I stumbled upon their new Heat Tech line I became obsessed. Nobody likes working out outdoors in the winter when you’re forced to wear mounds of layers to keep warm. This lightweight easy wear clothing line actually produces heat to keep your body temperature up all day long. It’s like wearing a second skin! You’ll never go cold again. Genius idea if you ask me!
Our top highlights from 2012: #1 Relaunching of our blog
2012 was a proud year for us too, although we wish it would have slowed down a little so we had more time to take it all in! This year we tidied up some loose ends in the design and layout of our blog and then totally revamped it! We wanted to make you feel at home, literally! Our workouts are filmed mostly right in our living room. Not only have we invited you into our home, but also into our personal lives with our thoughts. Although we’re pretty darn happy with the turnout and hope you are too, we aren’t entirely done yet. Keep an eye out for more exciting changes and new brand extensions in 2013!
Our top highlights from 2012: #2 Becoming a FitFluential, Sweat Pink and Activewear USA Ambassador
Up until 2012 Kern and I were personal trainers who occasionally blogged. It has been our involvement as brand ambassadors that really sparked our interest in social media. We are completely blown away by the number of relationships we’ve developed by way of social media. In one year we were fortunate enough to work and connect with so many brands and many individuals like you. We love offering you guys free products to try and getting your tips and feedback because we learn from you too!
Our top highlights from 2012: #3 The big move
Life is always so much more enjoyable when you have the space to maneuver as you please. For the first time this year Kern and I live in an apartment that actually feel pretty close to a house. It’s amazing what a difference having a full kitchen and closet space makes. We’re so excited about all the extra space because this also means better quality workout videos for you guys! Now we can actually move and jump around without knocking things over. In account of our enormous space we also have another surprise to add, which we aren’t going to announce here. We’ll let our next video do the speaking for us; )
Our top highlights from 2012: #4 Trip to South Africa
This was always a dream of mine and I was so blessed in 2012 to have the opportunity to fulfill it, not once, but twice! Not sure if I announced to you guys when I went there for my second adventure! As you know I went in January for 2 months, and I actually ended up switching modeling agencies while I was there and going back again in May of this year. So now I’ve been there long enough that I can tell you anything you need to know about Capetown, SA! If you love traveling, don’t sit on it. Most people don’t realize how inexpensive it is to travel to the other side of the globe! A trip to Paris takes the same amount of time to fly to Cali, which would you choose?! Kern and I definitely plan to do a lot more traveling together in the new year!
Advice for 2013
2012 was a great year, but I’m already busy making my visionary board for 2013! Aside from big plans for new accomplishments there are a few areas I would like to brush up on!
(Combine half a banana and 2 Tbsp of honey for an instant face lift!)
1. Better than 2012: More natural products- It’s scary how much we depend on convenience. You can find a product on the store shelves or even online for anything and most of the time these products have not been on the market long enough to really reveal any negative health effects. But a lot of the harmful carcinogens and other toxic chemicals are all listed in the fine print on the label if we just took the time to read it. In 2013 lets both take more of the natural route whenever we can! Our do it yourself board is a good place to start for alternatives to healthy living.
2. Better than 2012: Day of rest- Yep, this one I was terrible at in 2012, but I’m going to work on it! The goal for me, and should be for you, is to unplug myself from anything that is classified as work at least once a week! This means putting your email alert on mute and turning off the computer to make time for family and friends. I’m guilty of always needing to feel like I’m being productive, but QT (quality time) is important for maintaining the health of your relationships as well as your own emotional well-being. Sometimes we just need to put our brain power to rest!
3. Better than 2012: Hydrate more- Drinking water is accessible just about anywhere, but so often I don’t hydrate myself enough! The body can go days without food, but water is a daily necessity. Not only does water keep your skin glowing, it is vital to how your body functions. How do you know if you’re drinking enough? Look at the color of your pee. If you’re hydrated enough it should be light in color. Feeling thirsty is another sign of dehydration so keep your water bottle with you at all times! I was especially terrible with this in 2012, but I’m going to change this in the new year!
4. Get more Zzzzzs- Aside from stress, lack of sleep is a contributing factor in speeding up the aging process. Nobody wants to look holder than they actually are so make sure you’re averaging at least 6-7 hours of sleep a night. Right now, I probably average about 5! Quality of sleep is also important so the earlier you tuck yourself in for the night the more rested you will feel in the am.
5. Better than 2012: Stress less- Naturally I have a tendency to feel anxious. Some stress is good stress to have because it keeps you focused and can get your endorphins pumping for that healthy adrenaline rush! But, when you’re loosing sleep over the stress in your life or are constantly on edge it’s probably not a good thing. My goal as I say goodbye to 2012 and embrace a new year is to live more in the moment. Don’t waste your time stressing about what hasn’t even happened yet or what happened last month. If it’s not in the present, it shouldn’t be a major concern.
What were some healthy trends that you saw in 2012?
How do you plan to make 2013 your best year yet?
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I really saw social media and fitness EXPLODED this year! I’m loving this trend as it motivates me and helps keep me accountable. Fitfluential and Sweat Pink have helped me connect with others interested in fitness, and learn about new brands. For 2013 I have a few goals, with one of them being to run my first marathon.
Ali recently posted..4 Ways to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions (really)
First marathon!? I need to be tag-teaming with you b/c that is another goal of mine. It’s just making time for the training that gets brutal for me, but it can and will be done! We did our first half-marathon a couple years back, which I think has become my new favorite race distance! I recommend the Philadelphia half if you ever get the chance! Social media is on FIRE I tell ya! It’s exciting and scary at the same time for me. In 2013 as I mentioned I vow to make a stronger separation between work and family as this year my phone and computer screen have gotten more than enough of my time and attention. I think if we can create more balance it puts us all in the perfect harmony!
Ooo, can’t wait to see your video about your next surprise! My goal this year is to consistently exercise. Happy New Year!
Kareen recently posted..Merry Christmas!
Hi Kareen. Consistency is something most of us struggle with, but if you put yourself in the right head space and prioritize more personal time it can be done! Exercise has become part of the foundation of Kern and I’s relationship because it’s such a big part of who we are, that can be you too! We promise this surprise won’t disappoint, it’s just that in this case visuals justify better than words as you’ll soon see! Sending you smiles and lots of good energy for a healthy and happy 2013!
In regards to trend #1, have you seen that Nike now has a XBox 360 interactive trainer program? Apparently the program can actually tell if your form is correct(or not) and make suggestions. That just blows my mind. I hope this doesn’t put trainers like you and I out of a job someday.
Maybe we should start writing programs for Nike!
Whatttt, get out?! No I did not hear about it, but it’s so funny you say that because I was actually just in Game Stop yesterday looking at Xbox games for my little brother! There’s still nothing like having a trainer face to face, but it does make you think. I will have to check this out for myself and see how it really measures up