Originally published on ALL4WOMEN
Bizarre fitness trends come and go, as starlets like the Kardashians champion them on social media. This year we look forward to bidding a few fitness fads farewell and embracing trends that offer real benefits.
3 Foolish fitness fads
Here are a few dubious lifestyle trends to say good riddance to in 2017:
1. Waist-training
Are we back in the 16th century? Waist-trainers mimic the corset that women wore in the 1500s, but despite the comeback, they are in no way more comfortable.
We should’ve seen the red flag for the mere fact that these body trainers can restrict breathing and cause acid reflux. Unfortunately, there is no shortcut to the desired hourglass figure that these body trainers supposedly help to achieve.
2. Cupping
This is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts cups on the patients’ back to create suction.
Other than the strange marks this procedure leaves behind, it doesn’t guarantee muscle healing and shouldn’t be viewed as a miracle cure for injuries or clotted blood. It is debatable whether this technique is worth the eerie marks it leaves on your back.
3. Sauna suits
This method of heavy sweating has been used by boxers for fast weight loss before bouts. However, it doesn’t speak for the potentially dangerous health implications of this method.
“Excessive sweating leads to electrolyte imbalances in your body. Sweating in a sauna suit can lead to dehydration, kidney failure and even death,” says Pierre Louw, owner of the fitness directory My Health and Fitness.
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3 Fitness trends worth trying
Not all new trends are bad. The following trends are proving to be more than just a fad.
1. Body weight training
The truth is not everyone can afford to exercise at the hippest gym in town. However, everybody needs to do exercise and body weight training could be the answer.
It’s free and doesn’t require any equipment. Body weight training has also been found to help one build lean muscle mass, promote healthier blood cholesterol levels and lower stress levels.
2. Wearable tech
Wearable technology might not be imperative for all, but it can make a big difference…especially in the life of someone who is unaware that they have heart condition. The data collected by these wearables can predict potentially fatal health events.
3. Group training
The shift from one-on-one training to group training was bound to happen sooner or later. This alternative is not only more affordable, but also a lot more fun ( three is a party, right?).
“On some days we need the added motivation, and in these cases it’s refreshing to have more than one person to help you through the different workouts,” says Louw.
What works for one person might not work for another. But remember to have fun and never compromise your health.
Sources: Netdoctor.co.uk, Webmd.com, Livestrong.com, Draxe.com, Medicomhealth.com, Genesisfitness.com