If you're anything like me, you're heading into the new year with a plan to make some changes to better your life [1] (whatever form that may take). Personally, I just want to have a fitness routine in 2019, because I've seriously been slacking since having to leave my beloved U-Jam Fitness classes [2] behind when I left California.
As I look ahead to what's likely to become popular — or grow even bigger — in 2019, I'm getting excited to find a new workout that will be perfect for me. There are a lot of emerging trends that we already believe will be huge, like newer and cooler on-demand workout classes, but I'm personally excited to try a class devoted entirely to the rowing machine [3].
For more ideas on workouts to try in 2019, keep reading.
Functional Training
Functional training classes — like those offered at the increasingly popular studio F45 [5] — are designed to help you move better in your everyday life, but there's more to them than that. Functional training can also improve your performance during other workouts [6] by building your endurance, strengthening your heart, and protecting your joints.
Cold Workouts
As fitness trends go, we've moved from one extreme to another [7]. Cold workouts are popping up in studios like Brrrn [8] in New York City, which offers class environments ranging from 45 to 60 degrees. For most people, the cooler temperatures are bearable, and if you're willing to give them a try, they may even reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles [9].
Assisted Stretching
Stretching is an important part of any workout routine [10], and now you can have an entire session devoted to it. Studios like Motion Stretch [11] and Stretch*d [12] offer assisted stretching appointments, during which a trained professional helps tackle your problem areas [13], relaxing tight muscles ahead of your next workout.
Rowing
The rowing machine burns a ridiculous amount of calories [14] — because it works every part of your body [15] — and at studios like CityRow [16] and Row House [17], you can do an entire class based around this effective machine.
Megaformer Pilates
It's Meghan Markle's favorite workout [18], and that's just one reason the Megaformer has grown in popularity [19]. The Pilates-based classes — offered at studios like Lagree Fitness [20] and SLT [21] — are low-impact and high-intensity, designed to strengthen, lengthen, and tone your muscles. (That's where SLT gets its name.)
Virtual Classes
Sometimes you just can't make it to a workout class. Fortunately, the virtual and on-demand workouts that were popular in 2018 will be even more prevalent in 2019, thanks to new innovations like Peloton [22] and The Mirror [23] and perennial favorites like Beachbody [24].
Boxing
Boxing workouts aren't going away anytime soon, so if you haven't tried a class [25], 2019 is the time to do it. You'll find them at gyms like Rumble, Title Boxing Club, and Equinox [26]. Plus, there are a ton of great workouts you can do from your living room [27].
