A fitness craze is not something new. In the last couple of decades, people have become more and more interested in keeping fit and healthy. And since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have all gotten more concerned about our physical and mental health. In this article, we will look at different reasons for the growing amount of exercise devotees and how the workout craze affects our diet and health.
Examples of Fitness Craze
Health and fitness trends have significantly changed over the past few decades. For instance, a lot of 80s and 90s exercise did not require any equipment. People were into step aerobics, tae bo, spinning, inline skating and 8-minute videos.
Naturally enough, in the last couple of years, there has been a growing interest in powerful pilates, yoga, quick-fire workouts, etc. Other fitness trends of 2021 include hiking, outdoor fitness, eye yoga, cardio drumming, etc.
Positive Effects of Fitness Craze
Whether you are into the latest fitness craze or you prefer another type of physical activity, one thing is for certain. Fitness is an integral component of the body’s energy balance.
It is no secret that physical activity, diet and sleep are the top 3 gateways to maintaining your health. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to all of them.
When you build the habit to be physically active on a daily basis, it gets easier for you to lose weight and cope with stress. Since exercise also releases endorphins, it can help you overcome comfort eating. And once you start exercising and eating healthier, you will be able to boost your immune system, resist the effects of aging and lower your risk for heart disease.
The Dark Side of Being a Fitness Snob
Naturally enough, the exercise craze can also have negative effects on your general well-being. It is not uncommon for women to get obsessed with fitness as a result of insecurities, poor body image and low self-esteem. Other people need to feel part of a community so badly, that they turn the gym into more than a place to train. Last, but not least, social media influencers often promote idealized body styles and trigger obsessions for fitness in vulnerable populations.
To sum up, any workout craze is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can inspire you to take proper care of yourself physically and mentally. Moreover, it can help you surround yourself with pro-active and like-minded people who lead a healthy lifestyle.
Nevertheless, the fitness craze can have a negative impact on you and your life if you go to extremes. So, make sure you take up some sort of physical activity. Also, pay attention to what you eat. Yet, do not allow your passion for healthy living to turn into an obsession.
