FITNESS TRENDS have come a long way. These days, the usual yoga, running and weightlifting are practically passé, having given way to fitness crazes that are nothing like what’s been seen or done before.

The latest fads in the fitness spotlight have caught a growing number of people’s attention for either integrating a number of different workouts and exercises or focusing on intensity and getting maximum results in a limited amount of time.

As a result, these new fitness innovations—along with their supporting technology—have secured a loyal following, but not without garnering some skeptics and critics along the way. With all these fitness flavors-of-the-month cropping up, the question that needs to be asked is what differentiates them from the existing pool of methods to get in shape.

NEW REGIMENS. CrossFit, TRX and HIIT are some of the latest fitness trends to reach the Metro. PHOTOS FROM CROSSFIT MANILA.

In with the new

Of these new fitness trends, perhaps one of the most popular is CrossFit. A brand in itself, CrossFit was founded in 2000 by Greg Glassman, a personal trainer-turned-business mogul. With its beginnings in Glassman’s unorthodox training techniques, the program has since become recognized worldwide.

Essentially, CrossFit is a mix of aerobics, gymnastics and Olympic weight lifting, all performed at high-intensity with various time durations. This varied mix of workouts is precisely what makes the CrossFit workout optimal. CrossFit found its way to the Philippine fairly recently, but it is gradually catching on with both athletes and non-athletes alike.

Another new trend in the field of fitness is Suspension Training, founded by former United States Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick. The workout program is also popularly known as TRX, which is actually the brand of training equipment used for the workout.

Suspension Training is unique in that it uses ropes with the goal of having to work against one’s body weight. This, in turn, translates to the development of one’s core, making it a popular choice among athletes. “It’s part of my training,” comments interdisciplinary studies junior and former Blue Trackster Paulo de Leon. “It’s harder than it looks.”

Completing the trinity of new fitness trends is the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Much like the other workouts, HIIT sessions typically feature various exercises done in various repetitions at high-intensities. However, given that it is high-intensity, sessions normally only last for half an hour. This makes HIIT a popular choice for athletes and non-athletes alike, especially those who do not have that much time to spend on working out. “A lot of my former teammates do it. It helps them with their training,” shares de Leon.

There’s no question that these three new workouts have proven to be popular, and so question that now needs to be raised is whether or not they truly deliver.

Two sides to a coin

Despite their popularity, these new fitness trends do not escape the scrutiny of doubters and detractors.

CrossFit, for one, is no stranger to critics. While it has earned recognition as a good way to increase strength and tone the body, one of its most stinging criticisms is the fact that it is quite dangerous. For instance, renowned CrossFit enthusiast Kevin Ogar recently severed his spinal cord during an event, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

However, its supporters claim that it is all in the technique. “CrossFit is dangerous when done improperly, or without a well-trained coach,” wrote Sandra Walker, a CrossFit advocate, in a Huffington Post article.

LJ Wassmer, a CrossFit enthusiast and sports science major in the University of Santo Tomas said, “I think all the hate [about CrossFit] is unwarranted. People should go try it out first before saying anything.” While Walker’s and Wassmer’s input is valid, the recent news of Ogar’s injury will only give the critics more ammunition.

Likewise, Suspension Training also gets its fair share of scrutiny because of the risks it involves. In fact, some experts believe that it may not be suitable for people who are not already fit to begin with. Majority of the workouts involve the core muscles, and if they are not strong, the tendency is that the person will use the wrong muscles to carry out the exercises.

In an article that appeared in the New York Times, Walter Thompson, a professor of kinesiology at Georgia State University, said, “My impression is that this would be effective for a small group of highly fit men and women.” He added, “I see potential for muscular, skeletal and joint injuries. Particularly hyperextension of wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles and knees.”

Its supporters, though, argue that one can tailor a workout to one’s specifications. “You can adjust depending on your fitness level so I do believe everyone can do it,” argues de Leon.

HIIT also faces the same criticisms as Suspension Training in that it is dangerous for those who are not already moderately fit. Moreover, the science behind the supposed benefits of high-intensity training have been questioned, with critics arguing that it is not as effective as HIIT claims.

Despite the criticism that these workouts get, they do not seem to have had much bearing on their popularity yet.

Fifteen minutes of fame?

Their rapid rise in popularity may have been labeling them simply as passing fads, but unlike frozen yogurt and milk tea, these trends are lifestyles in themselves. As such, it’s likely that these workouts have staying power.

The relative practicality of TRX, for instance, is a key point in its longevity. “A lot of people are saying that TRX is just a fad and will die out quickly,” shares de Leon. “But I think it’s pretty practical since I can bring the gear anywhere I want.”

All in all, it remains to be seen whether these new fitness trends will stand the test of time. But there’s no question that their functionality and practicality have put these workouts off to a good start.