2022 Fitness trends might just come from the heart

It’s two weeks into the New Year and everyone knows what that means–New Year’s Resolution time. Many Americans will make some sort of decision related to health and wellness, especially with the ever-present COVID pandemic wreaking havoc in our lives. “New year, new me,” as the saying goes.

But in speaking with Scott Meier of Haystack Muay Thai and Maurice Henriques of REAL Training, “new me” seems like it’s extending beyond one’s physique.

“Sometimes people get caught up in all the results,” said Henriques, a former CU athlete who is also the head coach of the highly successful Niwot High School track and field team. “It’s not just about athletics, it’s about character development,...it’s about the process, to be able to have resilience as we work our way through [life].”

Both Haystack and REAL have a large focus on junior athletics–Meier is extremely proud of his kids’ programs and classes and REAL is a youth athletic club that trains athletes from all different sports. Meier and Henriques both recognize that their programs go beyond training the body–the lessons learned through their programs apply to life too.

“I just think the more places that people can go and feel great about themselves and feel normal and healthy, the better,” said Meier. “I enjoy martial arts and spreading the philosophy, and watching people change and grow.”

Sharing ideas of personal growth and character development through athletics has had to evolve in light of the pandemic. Meier explained that it’s been difficult having to close up shop and then open again, especially when people express varying degrees of comfort with regard to group workouts.

Henriques, in contrast, was happy to report that the pandemic allowed REAL to grow and reach out to other coaches across the state; since some of their training and competitions take place outside, they had fewer restrictions.

But that’s exactly what sport is about–resilience, adaptability. Whether it’s an individual or team sport, there’s always something out of the athlete’s control, and it’s up to the athlete to decide how they’re going to react. That’s ultimately what Meier and Henriques want to impress upon their clients. Both Haystack Muay Thai and REAL emphasize community and confidence; physical fitness and athletics are simply the means to do so.

While the pandemic has certainly changed how and where we move, we’re still moving; and there are plenty of programs such as Haystack Muay Thai and REAL that are here to help people along the way. It’s still early to say what the hot new fitness trend of 2022 will be, but in listening to Meier and Henriques, it’s pretty clear that it has just as much to do with heart as it does with getting the heart pumping.

For more information about Haystack Muay Thai and its programs, including its “Friends Try Free” introductory classes, please visit https://haystackmuaythai.com/ or follow them at @haystack_muaythai_kb on Instagram.

For more information about REAL training and its programs, please visit http://realtrainingcolorado.com/, or find them at @realtrainingcolorado on Instagram.