Nicole Brar

Fitness Instructor & Nutritionist

Top 3 Fitness Trends for 2024

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It’s the beginning of a new year, and everyone is trying to achieve their fitness goals in 2024. Meanwhile, some exciting new trends have emerged in the fitness world.

If you want to switch up your fitness routine, why not try incorporating one of these trends into your own workout?

Fitness trends 2024

Let’s take a look at the top 2024 fitness trends:

Fitness Trends For The New Year

Sustainability

Sustainability when it comes to fitness has two different meanings.

As the world becomes more and more concerned about the effects of climate change, fitness enthusiasts are looking for more sustainable workout routines. This can include:

  • Opting for more sustainable workout clothes, such as shopping second hand or using environmentally friendly fabrics
  • Using less electrical equipment like treadmills and opting to walk in nature instead
  • Using second-hand and re-usable equipment
  • Plogging, a combination of jogging and picking up litter

Sustainability also means that people are more conscious about workouts they can stick to over the long term. People are focusing less on intense, grueling workouts. People have a lot of motivation for these kinds of workouts at the beginning, but they don’t stick to them in the long-term.

You want an exercise routine you can sustain over a long period of time. For example, if running 7 days a week is too intense for you, try the hot girl walk trend instead.

Holistic Wellness

More and more people now understand that exercise isn’t just about losing weight or sculpting your body to perfection. Exercise should support and improve all areas of your life. Some ways to incorporate this include:

  • Functional fitness: These exercises build strength and endurance for activities you encounter in every day life, such as lifting groceries, climbing stairs, walking, etc.
  • Yoga & Mindfulness: Yoga classes can be an intense workout, but it doesn’t always have to be – both kinds are okay! This is all about connecting your mind and body together and improving mental health.
  • Outdoor Exercise: Spending time in nature has proven benefits for our emotional well-being. Why not kill two birds with one stone and get your fitness on in nature?

Technology

With so many technological advancements these days, it’s no wonder they are making their way to the fitness world. During the pandemic, many people turned to virtual workouts instead of going to the gym. This trend hasn’t stopped, and we’re seeing virtual reality play a bigger role in home workouts.

People also want more data from their workouts so they can optimize their exercise routine. We’re now seeing a huge increase in people using wearable technology and fitness trackers.

How To Know If Virtual Reality Fitness Is Right for You

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It’s the new year, which means everyone is trying to reach their fitness goals right now. However, this far into the year is when many people start to fall off the bandwagon. Don’t let yourself be one of those people!

vr fitness

If you’ve been trying the same old fitness routine year after year, and still aren’t sticking with it or seeing results – it might be time to try something new. Trust me, I understand how many barriers there are to reaching your fitness goals. Why not make it a little bit easier with virtual fitness? 

Here’s how to know if virtual fitness is right for you:

3 Signs You Should Switch To Virtual Fitness

Virtual fitness (or VR fitness) simply refers to exercise programs that are delivered digitally. This can be through your computer, apps on your phone, or your TV. Like many things these days, it is completely remote, which means it is way more flexible than going to the gym.

Still not convinced? Let’s get into the signs you should make the switch:

1. You feel insecure at the gym

The gym should be a place that empowers everyone who goes there, but I know this isn’t always the case. If you aren’t feeling your best, you might feel self-conscious exercising in front of others. Women often tell me they aren’t comfortable at the gym unless it is female-only, and not everyone lives near a women’s gym. 

You can skip all of the insecurity by just exercising in the comfort of your own home!

2. You struggle to motivate yourself

Exercising at home is great, but that often means exercising by yourself. This is a real problem for people who struggle with motivation. Going to an exercise class or having a workout buddy can help motivate you to work out because it makes you accountable to someone else. 

With virtual fitness, you get the benefits of staying at home while also having others to hold you to your exercise. 

3. You want an affordable, convenient option

Going to the gym is not always convenient or affordable. Gym memberships can be costly, especially if you want to hire a personal trainer for more in-depth guidance. Not everyone lives near a gym or has the time to go enough to make the money worth it. Life gets bust, and when it does, fitness is usually the first thing people put on the backburner.

With virtual fitness, it is much easier and more cost-effective to fit your exercise into your lifestyle. You essentially get to bring your fitness classes and personal trainer into your home without paying the premium! 

How Do Mini Goals Help A Physical Fitness Program?

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How do mini goals help a physical fitness program

Do you struggle to stay on track with your big fitness goals? What if I told you it could be a little bit easier?

Today, let’s explore a key concept in achieving fitness success: mini fitness goals. For many, embarking on a fitness journey can be daunting, especially when faced with large, long-term objectives.

This is where setting mini goals for fitness becomes a game changer.

What is a Mini Fitness Goal?

A mini fitness goal is a small, achievable target set within a short time frame. Your goals should be specific, measurable, realistic, and time-bound. They serve as stepping stones toward larger fitness aspirations, making the journey more manageable and less overwhelming.

3 Tips to Set Mini Fitness Goals

  1. Be Specific and Measurable: Instead of a vague goal like “get fit,” aim for something concrete, like “increase upper body strength.” This makes tracking progress and achieving the goal more feasible.
  2. Choose a Realistic Time Frame: Set short term goals you can accomplish within a few weeks or a month. This helps maintain motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
  3. Align with Your Long-Term Fitness Vision: Ensure your mini goals contribute to your overall fitness goal. Whether it’s weight loss, running a 5k race, or improving fitness level, each mini goal should be a relevant step in that direction.

Examples of Mini Fitness Goals

  • Lose 1% Body Fat in 30 Days: A focused and realistic goal that contributes to a larger weight loss plan.
  • Jog Three Times a Week: This is a great starting point for someone aiming to run a 5k race.
  • Add One More Day of Strength Training to Your Routine: For those looking to enhance muscle tone and overall body strength.

Remember, the key to achieving good fitness goals is consistency and perseverance. As a personal trainer, I encourage you to celebrate each small victory along the way. These mini goals are not just milestones. They are powerful motivators that keep you on track in the long run.

How To Read A Nutrition Label

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how to read a nutrition label

Are you looking to revamp your nutrition goals in the new year? Today I’m going to help you get a head start.

Today we’re diving into a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy diet: understanding how to read a nutrition label. These labels can be a confusing maze of numbers and terms, but don’t worry! I’m here to guide you through it, step by step.

Let’s empower ourselves with knowledge to make healthier food choices.

5 Tips To Help You Understand Nutrition Labels

1. Serving Size and Calories Per Serving

Begin with the basics: look at the serving size and calories per serving. This is the foundation for understanding nutrition information.

Remember, the nutrients listed are based on one serving. If you consume more or less, you need to adjust the calculations accordingly. Keep in mind your activity level, as this influences how many calories you should consume daily.

2. Percent Daily Value (%DV)

The %DV helps you determine if a nutrient in a serving of food contributes a lot or a little to your total daily diet. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 2,000 calories a day as a general guide.

If the %DV is 20% or more, it’s high in that nutrient; 5% or less is low. This is especially helpful for nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

3. Understanding Total Sugar and Nutrients

Pay attention to total sugar, including added sugars. Excessive sugar intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.

Also, scrutinize the nutrient per serving. It’s not just about calories but the quality of these calories. Choose foods rich in nutrients that contribute positively to your health.

4. Watch Out for Trans Fats

Trans fats are a no-go for a healthy diet. These fats can increase bad cholesterol levels, affecting your heart health. Bans on trans fats already exist in California and New York, as well as some European nations.

Ensure the food and beverage choices you make are free from trans fats for a healthier lifestyle.

5. The Ingredient List is Key

Lastly, the ingredient list reveals the true contents of what you’re eating. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Look for whole foods and be wary of long lists filled with unpronounceable ingredients. This is where you’ll also find information on allergens.

Conclusion: Eating Healthier in 2024

Remember, understanding the food label is a powerful tool in managing a healthy diet. It helps you compare foods, understand nutrients in one serving, and align your diet with the United States’ nutritional standards. By learning how to properly read a nutrition label, you’re taking an essential step towards a healthier you!

Stay informed, stay healthy, and always feel free to reach out for more tips on healthy living!

5 Tips For Staying Motivated On Your Fitness Journey

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As a fitness instructor and nutritionist, I know how challenging it can be to stay motivated on your fitness journey. It’s easy to start strong, but maintaining that motivation for the long term can be tough. That’s why I’m here to share my top 5 tips for staying motivated on your fitness journey.

woman wearing athletic clothing chopping a pear in her kitchen next to a bowl of fruit

How To Stay Motivated To Exercise: 5 Tips

Set achievable goals

Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated, but it’s important to make sure they are achievable. Start with small goals that you know you can accomplish, and then gradually increase the difficulty. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you stay motivated.

Find a workout buddy

Working out with a friend is not only more fun, but it can also help you stay accountable. When you have someone to exercise with, you’re less likely to skip a workout or make excuses. Plus, you can cheer each other on and celebrate your progress together.

Mix it up

Doing the same workout every day can get boring quickly, so it’s important to mix it up. Try new exercises or workouts to keep things interesting and challenge your body in new ways. You can also try different types of fitness classes or workout programs, like VR Fitness classes, to keep things fresh.

Track your progress

Keeping track of your progress can be incredibly motivating. Use a fitness app or journal to record your workouts, track your progress, and set new goals. Seeing how far you’ve come can be a powerful motivator to keep going.

Reward yourself

Finally, don’t forget to reward yourself for your hard work. Treat yourself to a massage, a new workout outfit, or a healthy meal after hitting a major milestone. Celebrating your accomplishments can help you stay motivated and on track.

Conclusion: Finding Motivation

Staying motivated on your fitness journey can be challenging, but by setting achievable goals, finding a workout buddy, mixing up your workouts, tracking your progress, and rewarding yourself, you can stay motivated for the long term. Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination. Keep pushing yourself and enjoy the ride!