• LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE WITH US

8WomenDream

Dream Big Stories

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONNECT
You Are Here Home » GET HEALTHY & FIT » Top 8 Dream Workout Trends in 2014

in GET HEALTHY & FIT

Top 8 Dream Workout Trends in 2014

Top Workout Trends in 2014

As your health and fitness dreamer, I have conversations about fitness trends everyday.

Every year there are new workout trends, and have been since the beginning of time. I am thankful that several of these workout styles haven’t had the staying power to last very long.

I did some research on the the types of fitness workouts that are searched the most. I found a great trend that is all the rage. and offers a lot of flexibility in the style of workout with one theme in common: Body weight exercises.

Top 8 Workout Trends in 2014

1. Body Weight Exercises

I am so thrilled that this “trend” of exercise is sticking around. Body weight exercises are very effective for all levels of fitness. It doesn’t matter how fit you are, working with your body weight gets you on the road to fitness. Another benefit to body weight exercise is that they can be done anytime, anywhere. No special equipment needed.

A classic body weight exercise: The push up

2. HIIT

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. The recent trend toward sweating like a mad person for short time periods and resting to catch your breath works. The “interval” in HIIT is what really burns the calories. The trick is the intensity of the work you put into that interval. Whether its 10 seconds or a minute, you go all out. Apply all your energy to the work interval, recover during the rest period, and repeat.

3. Ab Workouts

Don’t be shocked, but crunches are not at the top of the list to effectively tighten your abs. Never mind that most of us don’t properly perform a crunch or sit up. Take the plank noted later in this list as a cue and look for moves that hold you in a position that protects your back, and tightens that core as you strengthen.

Tip: Tighten your abs all day. Trust me, you will feel this quick.

4. Bicep Workout

I love feeling strong, and part of that strength comes from my arms. Rarely to curls with weight, or machines come into the mix. Once again your body weight can do wonders, but in my house the key piece of equipment for an awesome bicep workout – a chin up bar – is missing. Not to worry! You know those push ups I am constantly talking about? They work the bicep indirectly.

5. Shoulder Workouts

These are typically thought of only when weights are around. Getting a good shoulder workout without weights typically happens in the pool. Swimming is an awesome way to define and build shoulder muscles. If you want to avoid getting wet, working on your form with certain push ups are a great way to target the shoulder, like the pike push-up.

How to do a pike push up:

  • Start from a classic push up position.
  • Keeping your legs, walk your hands back toward your feet until you are in a pike position.
  • Aim to have your upper body and lower body at about a 90 degree angle.
  • Reaching straight out from your shoulders, extend your arms overhead so they are in line with your spine. This is the important part – this position is what works the shoulders.
  • Tighten your abs.
  • Bend your elbows and lower down until your head almost contacts the ground.
  • Press back up and repeat.

6. Back Workouts

Any pulling exercise that impact your core and balance will impact the back muscles. Unfortunately these are tough without equipment, but not impossible. One of the strongest, most defined back I ever witnessed was on a dancer in one of my advanced ballet classes. Have you ever tried to keep your back upright while lifting you leg past 90 degrees behind you? Don’t try this at home or you risk major butt cramps!

What you can do is back extensions, and amazing inverted rows with hanging straps or ropes. Learn how to do those back extensions anytime, anywhere, and correctly with this video.

7. Plank Exercises

Yeah for planks! I remember my first attempt at a plank hold. It lasted a whopping 10 seconds. Planks are an amazing isometric exercise that works so many muscles, including every single core muscle, and can get you sweating in under a minute.

Did I mention anytime, anywhere? Plank on the beach!

Did I mention anytime, anywhere? Plank on the beach!

8. TRX Workout

All of the exercises listed above can be done with no equipment, but this trend still takes advantage of body weight for a vast range of exercises. I love this workout for a couple reasons. It’s immediately adjustable to your range of motion, and your fitness level. Simply changing your body position with the TRX straps can create movements from beginner to advanced.

If you haven’t seen a TRX workout in action, check out this workout video for a little motivation.

Have you tried all of these top 8 workout trends?

I have and so far, they are all working for me. What’s your favorite on the list? Which one have you been wanting to try?

Go get your fit on – Heather

 

Disclaimer: Ready to get fit? My goal is to share my experience with weight loss and fitness. I am not a certified trainer (yet!), nutritionist, or dietitian and all opinions are my own. This worked for me, but may not work for you, so please research what is best for your health and fitness goals.

Related Stories:

  • Maria Vieagas
    5 Top Food Trends for Wannabe Chefs
  • Sue8womendream2
    How to Live Your Best Dream Life in 2014
  • Sue levy at a workshop in atteridge pretoria
    South Africa Women's Day 2014: Empowering Women to Dream Big
  • Image Quote: Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do - Heather Montgomery
    Year in Review 2014: Look Back at Your Fitness Achievements
Heather Montgomery
Heather Montgomery

Heather Montgomery is a fitness writer, triathlete, and serial entrepreneur who is devoted to sharing what she has learned about becoming a triathlete after age 40. She uses her Metabolic Training Certification to help other women struggling to get fit in mid-life. She lives and trains in Santa Rosa, California, the new home of the Ironman triathlon. You can find her biking the Sonoma County wine trails.

Note: Articles by Heather may contain affiliate links and will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.

Filed Under: GET HEALTHY & FIT

Some of the posts on 8WD contain affiliate links or links to purchase products or programs from 8WD contributors. This means 8WD or the contributor may make a small commission if you make a purchase. The 8WD affiliate links help offset the cost of hosting this website and the contributor links help support the dreams of the contributor. Please check out the 8WD Legal Page for more details.

Thank you for your continued support!

« It’s Not About Who Is The Best Motivational Speaker!
Big Dreams, Body Image and Big Change »

Check it out

  • LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE WITH US


The 8WomenDream Dream Tote Bag

About the 8WomenDream Tote Bag
US – 10oz Cotton
Dimensions (External Dimensions)
• Height – 18″ (45.72cm or 457.2mm)
• Width – 15″ (38.1cm or 381mm)
Handle Dimensions (Internal Dimensions)
• Length – 29″ (73.7cm or 736.6mm)

Recent Dream Stories

  • 8 Solstice Traditions for Focusing on Your Big Dream this Year
  • Winter Solstice: What Will You Do With 1 Minute More?
  • Why Halloween Costumes Can Help Discover Your Big Dream
  • How the Equinox Can be a Catalyst for Change
  • 5 Strategies to Live Your Wildest Dreams
  • Starting Over as a Single Mom Wasn’t My Big Dream
  • Warning: Big Dream to Be a Motivational Speaker Won’t Always Obey Your Plans
  • Dance to Relieve Stress to Focus on Your Big Dream

Inspiration

More About 8WD

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE HAS THE POWER TO ACHIEVE BIG DREAMS.
 
IT IS OUR SINCEREST WISH THROUGH THE SHARING OF PERSONAL STORIES ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO TRY TO ACHIEVE A BIG DREAM THAT WE WILL INSPIRE YOU GO AFTER A BIG DREAM TOO.
 
YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 8WOMENDREAM, HERE.

8 WOMEN DREAM | COPYRIGHT All RIGHTS RESERVED © 2025 · LEGAL

Welcome to 8WomenDream Where Big Dreams Are Shared
The 8WomenDream website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're OK with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. ACCEPT REJECT READ MORE
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT