Fit Check

Sweating for that summer bod? We turn to Raleigh trainer JoJo Polk to find out what’s hot—and what’s not—on the local fitness scene.

TRENDING

The Great Outdoors

Whether it’s hitting the pickleball court or heading to Lake Johnson for a little SUP action, exercising alfresco is the way to go. “People are biking and running again now that they can get outside and get some fresh air,” says JoJo Polk, a personal trainer at the new FX Fitness located within Raleigh Iron Works. “All things outdoors are trending.” Go on, soak in that vitamin D—your body will thank you.

Futuristic Wearable Tech

Wearable tech has become an essential part of our workout culture thanks to OGs like Orangetheory Fitness. But now, Triangle newcomers such as OHM Fitness and Body20 are introducing even more high-tech experiences: think bodysuits designed with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to deliver the benefits of an intense two-hour workout in one quick low-impact session. Notes Polk, a former AFL athlete, “That’s the sports world finally starting to meet the fitness world.” Science rules!  

Stability Training

While mobility training has taken TikTok by storm, Polk adds that stability training is also on the rise. “People are working on their balance and their core—and when I say core, I don’t just mean an ab workout,” the fitspert explains. “Everything has to work together, so you have to strengthen everything at once. … You’ve got to work your lower back, your glutes, your hamstrings, your quads.” And even though balance may seem natural, Polk says it actually requires constant practice, especially as people age. “The more you do it, the more comfortable you get with it and the stronger you feel.” 

Mind, Body and Soul

If you’ve taken a Hot Girl Walk at any point in the past year, then you already know that mental health is the latest fitness craze (and certainly one we can all get behind). “I think that has always been important, but nowadays it’s taking the forefront,” says Polk. “The mind controls the body, and once you figure that out, the body can do what it’s supposed to because it’s in a good state.” Plus, more studios are jumping on the holistic health bandwagon, offering everything from meditation and breathwork classes to on-site physical therapists, nutritionists and massage therapists for nourishment inside and out. “That’s all part of wellness,” Polk continues. “We think that wellness is just working out and getting fit, but it is training the mind and calming the mind.” 

FADING

At-Home Virtual Exercise

With the pandemic now in our rearview, at-home virtual workouts are being replaced by IRL classes. “Even Peloton has taken a big hit,” says Polk. “A lot of people want to engage again, they want to feel like we are normal again, so they are venturing back out.” However, many are still opting for hybrid workouts that combine online instruction with visits to a brick-and-mortar studio. “We don’t need them anymore, but I think they will always have a place,” Polk says of virtual sessions. “In case anything happens again, you can always go online.” 

Old-School Pilates

Time to roll up those mats. Pilates is once again booming, but this ain’t your mama’s version of the full-body exercise. From the 3-2-8 method to wall Pilates, the new workout that has every fit-fluencer buzzing provides myriad ways to experiment. “Even places like FlowCORPS and Mega that have the Reformers—a lot of people are moving toward that,” Polk says of the trendy variation involving a machine that focuses on core strength and proper muscle engagement. Talk about a big flex.

Big-Box Gyms

Bye-bye, big box. “[They] are not as trendy as they used to be,” Polk reveals. Instead, there’s been an explosion in small-group fitness boutiques that offer camaraderie as well as clear, personalized instruction. “A lot of people don’t want to go and not know what they’re doing, so they are taking more classes or doing more of a personal studio type,” Polk continues. “At some point in your day, you just want to go and be told what to do and just let that person take over for a little bit.” (It’s me, hi.)

Lengthy Sessions

Forget sweating it out for hours at a time—shorter, optimized workouts and even workout “stacking,” are the next big thing. And the popularity of HIIT, which involves short bursts of vigorous exercise, has certainly helped drive this shift. The most important thing is to simply move your body, even if it’s only in 10- or 20-minute chunks. “Whether it’s a walk, whether it’s a jog, whether it’s Pilates or another workout, just make sure you’re moving every day,” says Polk. “If you can do that, you’re already winning.”