Optimizing ourselves has become the trend of the decade ­– a part of our daily life as much as updating to the latest Smartphone version. And with a tough 2022 in the rearview mirror, perhaps the need to reboot is even greater than before. We’ve looked at the latest health and fitness trends of the year and assembled our very own wellness recipe for 2023.

Realistic resolutions that you’ll actually want to stick to. Here’s to better health and fitness habits in 2023.  

Text: Josefin Barsom

Low-intensity workouts 

Low-intensity workouts entail Pilates, yoga, swimming, running, and brisk walks. These types of exercises are low impact, meaning you use up to 40-50% of your maximum heart rate. The best part of low-intensity exercise is that you can do it at a comfortable pace, in a way that feels gentle and safe on the body, slowly but surely building up strength, mobility, and stress release. 

Barre all the way

Barre, or Les Milles Barre if you so please, is a ballet-inspired workout that combines cardio and strength with a small range of movements, to help you shape and tone the body. Props may include the classic ballet dancing pole, free weights, and yoga mat. The perks of this newfound workout trend are that it entails gracious movements and repetition that help you build form, endurance, posture, and flexibility.

Digital Detox 

Put your phone on airplane mode or simply mute your Social Media notifications for some undisturbed me-time. Doing a digital detox doesn’t mean you have to go cold turkey. It’s about changing small habits, like removing your phone from the bedroom when you sleep, keeping a no-phone policy at the dinner table, or limiting your daily social media usage. Little steps to become more present in your life and get back in touch with reality. 

12-3-30

Coming to you live from TikTok this viral workout trend has given the treadmill a rebrand. Set it to a 12 percent incline, 3.0 speed, and walk for 30 minutes. The steep angle is a great way to ramp up your regular walking session. The gravity and resistance will make your muscles work extra hard, especially the back legs and glutes. 

Mood journaling

This is not your regular diary. The purpose of the mood journal is to log your daily moods and emotions to recognize patterns and potential triggers. When you identify and define your emotions and what causes them, it becomes easier to take mindful steps toward self-reflection and clarity. Take a well-chosen pause during the day to scribble down your thoughts and feelings, or simply list down 5 things that you’re grateful for that day. 10-15 minutes three times a week will be a guaranteed mood booster. 

Jazzercise

The ’80s are making a comeback, although with a slight rebrand. Some 40 years ago, the classic Jazzercise consisted of a beat-pumping jazz-inspired aerobics program with lots of colorful tights and onesies. Today It's a high-intensity dance party that fuses cardio, strength, Pilates, hip-hop, yoga, and kickboxing. A fitness regime that will not only spark your mood but get you results fast. 

Cold showers

It is said that the adrenaline hit of a cold morning shower comes with a load of health benefits. A quick 1-2 min pick-me-up might be just what you need to start the day. With proven rewards such as reducing inflammation, lowering stress levels, and decreasing fatigue. It is also said to boost your Immune system, mental health, and general alertness. 

The Great Outdoors

The call for green pastures and tranquil nature has been on a steady rise since early 2020, and it’s only getting bigger. Be it day-long hikes, nature excursions, or hiring a camping van for a couple of months. The benefit of outdoor workouts is that you get two birds with one stone – movement and fresh air.