Lauren wakes up in time for Stage 1 of the Tour de France. She chooses an instructor, scans her competition – the fellow cyclists – and within seconds, she’s riding. After an intense 45-minute workout, miles are logged, calories counted, points earned and she almost earns the coveted yellow jersey. All this from the comfort of her own living room.

Does just such fitness technology exist? It does. Maybe not to that detail, but the ability to log into a live cycling class, choose a route and instructor, and interact with the class is here. Trends like this and many others are entering the fitness and nutrition world fast and strong.

Fitness and nutrition trends that are growing now will be around more than just this year, probably several years to come. From several online magazines including the 11th annual ACSM Health & Fitness Journal’s survey of 1800 fitness professionals, I’ve grouped below some of these trends with some local Clay County flare:

1) Wearable fitness technology and tracking apps

I’ll assume you already do this, or know someone who does. But wearable fitness technology and fitness apps are here to stay. These include smart watches (Garmin, FitBit, Apple, Samsung), heart rate monitors, GPS tracking devices and activity tracking apps. Want to count your daily steps, track your heart rate during a workout, or compute your calorie count for the day? There’s an app or device for that.

2) DIY social media workouts from YouTube to Instagram

Don’t have time, money, and/or the convenience of a local gym? Just do it yourself in your home or garage. Thousands of online fitness workouts are at your fingertips. YouTube alone has over 10 million video channels dedicated to just fitness: full body workouts to fast 30-minute high-intensity interval training. Don’t have time for that? Then grab your device and jump over to Instagram for even quicker, how-to clips with simple keyword searches.

3) Themed runs whether for fun or endurance

Running doesn’t have to be boring. Even the most dedicated runner needs a little variation. Here in our area are runs like Seamark Mudder, Color Me Rad 5K and Easter Keg Hunt. Or, how about running through bubbles, bouncing off obstacles, or being chased by zombies? Maybe you want something more enduring, choose 904’s Fittest competition, the Donna 26.2, the Spartan race in Palm Coast, the Hammerhead sprint triathlon at Camp Blanding, or the Angry Tortoise trail run in northwest Jacksonville.

4) Hiring individual customized coaching and nutritionists

With more organizations offering fitness and nutrition certificates, the demand for one-on-one coaching is increasing and consumers know it. Competitive pricing, flexible hours, and customized body and nutrition plans give people more options than ever before. They want both educated and experienced professionals; ones with personal testimonies and visible results. Social media or websites like CoachUp and NSCA, offer hundreds of fit and “hungry” experts in the surrounding area.

5) Group fitness whether functional or specialized

Still in the fitness movement are group classes in strength or body-weight training, yoga, pilates, cycling, HIIT – high intensity interval training – dance and boot camps. Recently added to the mix in group fitness are team competitions and challenges where you can earn points that accumulate to a reward.

6) “JERF”ing, just eat real food

Eating real food is a real trend. Health conscious people are going back to food the way it was intended: simple, clean and fresh. Of course, this include fruits, veggies, whole grains as well as wild caught seafood, meats, unseasoned nuts and seeds, water, natural juices and natural sugars.

7) Meal prepping delivery

Why buy a low-calorie frozen meal high in sodium, when you can have it delivered fresh, balanced in fats, proteins and carbohydrates. You can have prepared dinners, or all your meals pre-made for the week. In the area, or online, are Fit Meals Prep, SuperFit Foods, Kathy’s Table, and Hello Fresh.

8) Fusion (mixed) fitness activities indoors and outdoors

And last, people want variety. Being stuck in just one setting or scene can get boring. Mixed fitness options with indoor and/or outdoor components might include indoor rock climbing (Jacksonville), Velocity Air Sports (obstacle course), stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), Crossfit-on-the-Road and the like.

Throughout the year, I’ll expand on some of these fitness and nutrition trends focused in our area. But for now, take some time to look at what interests you and get into the FitLife!

You’ve Responded! Thank you.

Over the past several weeks, I received many personal success stories from YOU, the Clay County resident. I’m excited to hear, see, and share your story with our community. Contact me at bernie.rom828@gmail.com. Tag/follow me on Instagram @berni3trirun. Facebook Clay Today Newspaper. Instagram @claytodaynewspaper #claytoday #claytodayfitness