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as you scroll online looking for the newest and hottest wellness trends to try, remember that health is a science, not a trend.
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daily, we are inundated with trends. from the latest “chef-approved” kitchen gadgets to the newest #tiktokmademebuyit skincare products, trends impact all industries, and the fitness industry, in particular, is no stranger to the comings and goings of fitness trends.
as you scroll online looking for the newest and hottest wellness trends to try, remember that health is a science, not a trend. before you jump on the next fitness fad, buyer beware. or as the cool kids say, let me deinfluence you.
more than two in five canadians (44 per cent) typically get their news or information from social media accounts unaffiliated with government, scientific or news organizations, according to statistics canada’s 2023 survey series on people and their communities (sspc), leaving ample room for misleading wellness narratives and fitness advice from people lacking any credentials. layer on the growing accessibility and affordability of glp-1s, and it’s no surprise the health and fitness landscape is increasingly shaped, not by experts, but by trending content.
why trending workouts aren’t always worth following
what happens when we are constantly hopping onto the newest fitness microtrend? three things: we compromise consistency, lose focus on the ultimate objective and spend lots of money on activities, classes, products or gadgets that may be ineffective.
you cannot make substantial improvements to your physical and mental health by chasing fads. consistency in fitness is crucial for achieving the long-term physical health benefits associated with exercise. with a sustained exercise routine, we improve our cardiovascular health, gain strength and increase endurance because our bodies adapt to a gradual increase in stress—progressive overload—a necessary state for improving strength and performance. with a consistent fitness routine, not only do we see physical rewards such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved body composition and physical function, but also mental health benefits such as reduced risk of depression, anxiety and stress, improved brain health and sleep quality, and increased energy.
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without the consistency of an evidence-based exercise routine, it’s challenging to track progress. as we know, results—whether physical or mental—are crucial to any fitness journey because of how our brains react to accountability. when you see or feel results, you feel motivated, determined and even excited to carry on. luckily for us, today we have technology at our fingertips to make tracking these results even easier. wearable heart rate monitors, inbody scanners and performance data provide a novel understanding of our approach to exercise and demonstrate that people’s exercise plans are actually working to improve their health over time.
high-impact cardio and targeted strength training
the most effective and efficient form of exercise for a longer, more vibrant life is high-impact cardio combined with targeted strength training, alternating cycles of higher-intensity work followed by lower-intensity work. and there’s science to prove it.
a 2020 university of montana study found that an eight-week commercial group fitness program—using heart-rate monitoring to guide intermittent high-intensity, multimodal training—significantly improved aerobic fitness in healthy, untrained adults. while more research is always valuable, the findings were striking: in just a short period, participants attending two prescribed hybrid fitness classes per week saw reduced cardiovascular risk, improved body composition and physical function, better sleep and brain health and notable mental-health benefits, including reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
with consistency, participants experience a profound boost in vitality from every angle. studios including orangetheory fitness, which blend full-body strength training and heart-pumping cardio with expert coaching and heart-rate monitoring technology, lay the foundation for long-term health and are proven to build muscle and burn fat. this isn’t a trend—it’s a fact.
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health and wellness extend far beyond physical appearance, and true well-being is built on a foundation of consistent, purposeful fitness. starting or restarting an exercise routine is not only commendable but truly life-changing. as nike says, “do it.” but before being influenced by the latest fitness trends of 2026, remember that your health is a science, and consistency is key to a longer, healthier life.
for information on fitness techniques, nutrition plans, and your overall health, look to certified professionals and make sure the source is scientifically backed and evidence-based. find something that fits your schedule, excites you, motivates you and most importantly, empowers you to be in it for the long haul.
blake macdonald is the president at orangetheory fitness canada.
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