The need for novelty — do you have fitness ADD?

Do you feel like you have attention deficit disorder when it comes to your workouts? You know, as if you want try something new all the time – at first you fall in love with a fitness program because it’s fun and, well, new,  and in a few months (weeks?) you’re thinking, ‘Been there, done that, NEXT!’?

I do this too. When I lived overseas and didn’t have regular gym access, I accumulated well over 100 fitness DVDs (and even more VHS tapes … sigh). I have tried almost every program out there: Turbo Fire, P-90X, Insanity, The Firm, Cathe Friedrich, Slim in 6, Lotte Berke, and a whole bunch of others. I’ve also purchased my share of online programs, and then some.

Now that I have gym access, I stick with the basics for my own workouts because they work for me (although every month I switch the exercises I do), but I add a little dash of something-something  every once in a while just to stay fresh.

Why do we do this? I think it’s human nature. The fashion industry might be the only area that is more prone to fads than fitness. What’s new and cool is constantly changing. It drives me a little crazy, honestly.

I know when we add new exercise programs at my gym, there is a big hurrah at the start, and then numbers begin to dwindle as the novelty wears off.

I’m always wondering: What do people want? What I know works – do I give them that? Or do I keep switching things up to keep them interested and happy? I’m not big on gimmicks, but if it keeps people moving and healthy, then … well, why not?

Just this morning I was researching new programs and I stumbled across a newspaper article from 2003 (predicting the popularity of boot camps – a spot-on assessment!) quoting the director of the American Council on Exercise saying that fitness gimmicks aren’t bad, as long as people start slowly when they begin new exercise regimens.

Let me go on record with my OWN prediction for what’s on the horizon: I think the more-harder-faster fitness trend is going to crest (if it hasn’t already), and we’re going to see a rise in more deliberate, precise mind-body workouts. Not necessarily yoga, but something yoga-ish. With maybe a splash of cardio on the side.

So, enquiring minds must know: What’s been your favorite fitness trend? What kind of program would grab your attention now? If you’re too shy to answer here, send me a Facebook message! I’m genuinely curious.

Wendy Watkins

About Wendy Watkins

Wendy Watkins is a Bangor-based personal trainer, fitness coach, studio owner, and writer/editor. She is the author of The Complete Idiots Guide to Losing 20 Pounds in 2 Months. Visit her website at thrivebangor.com.