It’s that time of year again! New Year’s resolutions are right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’re already planning how you’re going to make 2023 your best year yet. If you’re looking to get ahead of the trends, we’ve got some great news for you: both functional fitness and plant-based diets are on the rise, and BRF is here to support you in achieving your goals for both! Let’s take an in-depth look at the trends: 

What is Functional Fitness and why is it “good” for you? 

Being physically fit is important for many reasons. Physical fitness can lead to improved energy levels, better sleep, and a decreased risk of injuries. However, what many people don’t realize is that there’s more to fitness than just being able to run a marathon or lift a heavy weight. Functional fitness is a classification of training that prepares the body for real-world movements and activities. Also known as functional training or functional movement, it trains your muscles to work together and prepares them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work, or in sports. Functional fitness includes methods of strength training, balance/coordination exercises, power, range of motion, and mobility exercises. Focusing on these aspects of your training will have numerous benefits that translate to your everyday life. Movements such as walking, jogging, running, sprinting, jumping, lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, turning, standing, starting, stopping, climbing, and lunging can also improve your functional fitness. Since functional fitness helps with daily body movements, we are confident that it is not a fad – rather an exercise concept that is here to stay. So whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your game, or just looking to live a healthier life before the year ends, functional fitness is a great place to start. 

More plants, more energy!

Have you ever noticed that after eating a big meal heavy in animal products you feel sluggish and tired, while after eating a lighter meal with plenty of fruits and vegetables you feel energized and alert? This is just one of the many ways that plant-based eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are better for your health. Long-term, plant-based diets have been shown to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. They can also help improve your mental health and cognitive function as you age. And let’s not forget the most important benefit of all: plants are delicious! So give yourself a break from the heavy meats and processed foods and give plant-based eating a try. Your body, your New Year’s goals, (and taste buds) will thank you.

Whether you’re looking for an energy boost to help you power through your workouts or motivation to stick to your resolution, we’ve got you covered. Our gym is designed to help you thrive, both physically and mentally. We provide every piece of gym equipment and personal training services to meet your functional fitness needs. We also offer Smart Nutrition – a step-by-step nutrition plan with a licensed dietitian. Don’t wait, feel alive like never before!