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Yearender 2017: Couch potato? Watch out for for the hottest fitness trends of 2018

Delhi, IndiaWritten By: Sparshita SaxenaUpdated: Dec 30, 2017, 02:58 PM IST
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Move over Ashtanga, Hatha and Power yoga onto more dynamic and fun-filled regimes like Aerial Yoga. Photograph:(Others)

Fitness is elusive, there is no denying that fact. As the year rushes toward its end, most us would be shrugging at a long list of failed resolutions.

If you are one of those who promised to attain a whole new level of fitness this year but didn't even manage to get started with that morning walk, then step this way, please.

We spoke to some of the leading names in the world of fitness to bring to you a round up of the top fitness trends for 2018. 

Equipment-based training

"We are becoming busier by the day, nobody has the time to go to the gym, therefore the concept of self-training is something that will become increasingly popular. All you would require is one-mat space and some basic equipment. The idea is to be able to continue with your fitness routine anywhere, anytime," shared celebrity trainer Vinod Channa.

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Vinod is a well known Bollywood celebrity trainer and has worked extensively with actors like John Abraham and Ayushmann Khurrana. He is the man behind Anant Ambani's staggering weight loss. 

While the past few years focused greatly on bodyweight training, experts now bring to light the perennial issue of fitness plateaus.

"There is only so much you can do with your body. Your body, as well your fitness regime, demands new challenges. This is when you would need to include portable equipment to your fitness routine," noted Channa.

By equipment we don't necessarily mean those good old dumbells, barbells and rods -- the concept of new-age fitness is all about being able to break into a yoga posture whenever and wherever required, therefore, fancy fitness tools like medicine balls, TRX bands, resistance bands that can easily fit into your travel bag.

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Fitness will be more fun 

"More and more people are turning away from the conventional forms of exercising to the ones that are fun to practice and mix various forms together. In my opinion, fitness routines that are more engaging will become increasingly popular this year," NIKE Elevated trainer and celebrity fitness expert Shwetambari Shetty shared with WION.

Masala Bhangra, Zumba, Desi Jam Cardio, Mixed Martial Art (MMA) among others will gain momentum in 2018. 

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Yoga will be redefined

Unarguably, yoga has garnered massive attention among fitness enthusiasts.

The ancient technique is now being picked up by fitness experts and enthusiasts from all across the globe to arrive at interesting and newer forms of exercises. 

Marrying yoga postures with dance moves or other fitness routines have now paved way for some newer fitness routines. 

The coming year will see modified versions of the conventional yogic practice like never before.

Move over Ashtanga, Hatha and Power yoga onto more dynamic and fun-filled regimes like Acro Yoga, Aerial Yoga and Buti Yoga. 

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Functional training and distant cousins

A functional training class will require you to train so as to mimic any strenuous, real-life event like rowing a boat, climbing a hill, chopping a log of wood among others. 

"All types of exercises involve functionality of the body. Core strength and flexibility is important -- if these two areas are not strong, you will not be able to reap benefits from the training regime. High-intensity interval training has been around for quite some time now, it will become more popular in the years to come. Calisthenics and Animal Flow is also luring more and more fitness enthusiasts," shared Gaurav Sharma, Manager, Anytime Fitness studio, Jangpura, Delhi. 

Running

Probably the most inexpensive and easiest of all exercises, running has gained huge momentum over the years and is only growing more popular by the day.

More and more running events and marathons are now being conducted with low registration fee, no-age bar and shorter distances. 

Running has a long list of benefits, not only does it help in losing weight and gaining stamina, but also fortifies muscles, boosts core strength, strengthens bones, beats stress, uplifts mood and amplifies lung capacity. 

"You cannot ignore the significance of cardio and running is one of the best ways to work up your heart. You cannot make your body work in isolation, a balance between cardio and resistance training is must to enhance your fitness and keep fit," concluded Gaurav.

All in all, the coming year promises newer, more exciting forms of exercises. Let this year be all about a fitter, healthier you.

For those who shrink from the idea of going to the gym and lifting weights, there is a sea of exciting fitness programmes that are exciting and fun to undertake.

Fitness needs dedication and consistency, you need to be at it and not give up.

Find out what kind of activity interests you the most and take up the challenge; once you've found what gets your adrenaline rushing, fitness becomes fun.