I was reading an article the other day on BHG 360 in regards to fitness trends and injuries, most specifically HIIT like CrossFit and I must say it made quite a few good points, but I also think there is a gray area.

First, I don’t think you can pigeonhole HIIT to just fitness trends like CrossFit and P90X. I think you can turn any exercise you do into a HIIT workout. Just simple sprints and then walking is a HIIT work. However, what the article is getting at is the risk for injury with HIIT and if it will lead to a decline in the trend. I agree it will. However, I think every trend will decline. There are always new trends coming out. I mean, remember when step aerobics was huge!? And who can forget the iconic Richard Simmons Sweating to the Oldies? Trends come and go. Everyone is always looking for the next best thing.

Soaring up the chart is body weight training. Yes, yes, yes! Personally, for me I think this is the way to go. It’s my preference for many reasons. Now, I’m not a medical professional, but with any type of exercise there is possibility for injury. Heck you can hurt yourself just opening a jar. I just feel that your risk is definitely lower and you can still get amazing results. It’s a win. It’s the do-anywhere workout. At home, the office, a hotel while traveling, or in your backyard. Being a busy, working mom, this is what speaks to me most. You only need yourself. No weights. No gym membership fees. I think it marries well with the new clean-eating diets that are now so popular. Eliminating processed foods and getting back to “natural” living.

I think the key thing is knowing your body. What it can accomplish and what it can’t (just yet anyway). Add a few more reps or a few more miles. Still push yourself, but don’t over do it. I can’t get behind the “push through the pain” mentality associated with CrossFit, HIIT type trends. I definitely agree that it’s the increase of injuries that will lead to it’s decline.

What are your current favorite fitness trends? What have you tried in the past and no longer do?