Sears announced the 2013 Fit 15 list of must-have fitness gear and trends from a panel of 15 certified fitness professionals with more than 150 years of combined experience. The first-ever list promises the “New Year’s hottest fitness apparel, accessories, gear and equipment from top brands, including Everlast, NordicTrack, Sole, STOTT Pilates and more.”
“Our FitStudio advisory board members selected the items on our Fit 15 list based on the biggest fitness trends we expect to see in 2013, like an increase in Boomers working out at home and the use of technology to get and stay fit,” said Hugo Malan, senior vice president and president, Fitness, Sporting Goods and Toys at Sears Holdings Corp. “We are pleased to share this trend list to help individuals create and accomplish their 2013 fitness goals.”
From running shoes and kettlebells to treadmills and weights, the Fit 15 list includes:
- FitStudio.com
- Masala Bhangra Hollywood Bollywood Dance Workout DVD
- Weider Kettlebell Set
- NordicTrack Deluxe Speed Jump Rope
- Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
- NordicTrack C1750 Pro Treadmill
- LifeSpan Fitness Desktop Treadmill
- NordicTrack Folding Mini Trampoline
- Everlast® Women’s Streamline Fitness Hoodie
- New Balance Women’s Athletic Shoes
- Sole E35 Elliptical
- SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands
- STOTT PILATES® SPX Reformer Package
- NordicTrack E 14.5 Elliptical Machine
- Weider PowerSwitch 100 lb. Weight Set
2013 Fitness Trend: Your Next Personal Trainer will be Online
Customized, in-person fitness guidance is no longer a must-have. Expert advice is now available with the touch of a button. Apps, social media channels and specialized websites like FitStudio.com offer workout programs, diet and nutrition advice and community forums to arm people with the tools they need to live a fit life.
2013 Fitness Trend: What’s New is Now
In 2012, dancing as part of a cardiovascular exercise exploded onto the fitness scene in the form of Zumba. This year’s new moves come from Masala Bhangra, a high energy Indian-style dance workout. Ethnic dance workouts are flirty, fun and different than standard cardiovascular exercise. Additionally, kettlebells are making a comeback and quickly becoming one of the most popular pieces of gear because they activate dozens of muscles at once during use. They are extremely versatile, deliver results and take up minimal space.
2013 Fitness Trend: Beat Boredom, Stay Motivated with Technology
Traditionally treadmills have cup holders and cooling fans, but now many come complete with touchscreens, Internet browsing capabilities and options to adjust the firmness of the walking/running surface to simulate the feel of running outside. This type of technology is motivating more people to get on the treadmill or elliptical, according to Andrea Metcalf, author of “Naked Fitness” and FitStudio advisory board member.
“Our goal is to avoid having your treadmill or elliptical be used for hanging laundry rather than working out. Some treadmills have iFit technology built-in so you can workout with elite trainers, or draw your own route with Google Maps and take on the terrain as your incline and decline adjust automatically to any route in the world,” said Metcalf.
Fitness gadgets are also something people are continuing to utilize as part of a workout to help navigate, monitor heart rate and calculate speed and distance traveled.
2013 Fitness Trend: Multi-Task to Stay on Track
It is tough to fit a workout into a busy schedule and easy to make excuses to skip a workout when other obligations fill the day. Desk treadmills are being utilized more in the workplace and at home, allowing working professionals to walk while they work. Kids are also spending more time than ever playing on computers or with video games, which does not keep them very active at home, according to Alejandro Chaban, Univision and Telemundo personality, and author of “F rom Fatty to Hottie.” By incorporating a workout into playtime with gear like a mini trampoline, kids and adults can have fun and exercise at the same time.
2013 Fitness Trend: Look the Part
There is an increasing trend for wearing brightly colored fitness apparel that can be worn to the gym, out to lunch and even to work, according to Lisa Johnson, Pilates instructor and FitStudio advisory board member.
“More and more I am seeing my clients integrate their athletic apparel into what they wear to work. I call it athletic chic and I think we will continue to see this trend throughout 2013,” said Johnson.
2013 Fitness Trend: Bring the Gym Home, Space Optional
There are plenty of alternatives to staying fit at home when larger pieces of fitness equipment are not an option because of space constraints. Resistance bands and dumbbells are easy to store and are perfect for building muscle. Jump ropes are making a comeback with the increased interest in mixed martial arts-inspired workouts and they can be stored nearly anywhere.
With the popularity of specialty workouts and the lean results they produce, people are now bringing commercial-grade equipment like Pilates reformers home, according to Rie Sakamoto, instructor trainer, Merrithew Health & Fitness.
For more information on the Fit 15, visit www.sears.com/fit15, and to become a FitStudio member, visit www.fitstudio.com. To browse the eFitness digital catalog, visit www.sears.com/GetFit. For the latest Sears fitness news and tips, “Like” the brand on Facebook and “Follow” it on Twitter.
