Celebrity endorsements have a big impact on the popularity of health and fitness trends, reports Miles McKenzie in a 2016 survey, finding that fitness brands need to both forecast and project the behaviors of celebrities to ensure success. Some of the craziest fitness trends in recent years have included cycling karaoke, mermaid swimming, and electric runs (which end in a huge dance party), but those that last require consistency and proven efficiency. If you love knowing what celebrities are up to and feel inspired by their fitness choices, the following trends may be worth looking into.
Cyndi Crawford – Neck Exercises
Cyndi Crawford is an elite model, known for being a member of the ‘supermodel’ group – which also features Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Linda Evangelista. Crawford, who to this day is firmly focused on fitness, credits neck exercises with helping her maintain her marked jawline. In her blog, she told readers that keeping these muscles toned is key to enjoying youthful structure in the face. Just a few easy exercises that promote neck strength include the chin tuck, side-to-side neck tilt, and back burn exercise. You can also complete a simple neck stretch every day. To do so, just keep your posture straight and stick your chin forward until you ‘feel the burn’. Hold this position for around five seconds, then move your neck all the way back, maintaining this position for five seconds as well. Repeat this process around five times.
George Clooney – Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga – also known as hot yoga – wields a host of health benefits. It hones strength, flexibility, and balance; helps prevent injury; promotes better sleep; enhances peace and tranquillity; and promotes correct breathing. George Clooney is a devotee of this discipline, which is also a boon in sports injury recovery. Other stars who regularly practice this form of fitness include Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and soccer star, David Beckham. Despite the ancient origins of bikram yoga, new findings regarding its many benefits are continually arising. In 2019, for instance, the American Heart Association published research showing that adults who took hot yoga had lower blood pressure after just three months of classes.
Scarlett Johansson – HIIT
Scarlett Johansson has spearheaded many celebrity trends (including barefoot running) but one trend that is definitely being embraced by many more celebrities is HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), comprising repeated short, high-intensity exercises separated by low-intensity rest and recovery periods. An entire workout typically lasts between 20 and 25 minutes (or less). HIIT exercises bring the heart rate to about 80 or 90% of its maximum, enabling those who undertake it to reap maximum benefits in a shorter amount of time. To ensure you stick to this type of exercise, say sports specialists at the University of British Columbia, feel free to mix it up with other types of routines. Researcher Matthew Stork reminds readers that “people assume that they need to go all-in on one form of exercise – if they’re a ‘HIIT person,’ they must have to do HIIT all the time… but different forms of exercise can be used interchangeably and people should approach their exercise with a flexible ‘menu’ of options.”
Celebrities are consistently presenting their audiences with new trends, and for many, they are a crucial source of inspiration. Scarlett Johansson, George Clooney, and Cyndi Crawford are just three celebrities who prove that fitness can be a lifetime love affair. If HIIT, Bikram yoga, or neck exercises appeal, give them a go, ensuring you receive the OK from your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions.
Photo by Chase Kinney
