Why are we repeating the worst trends from the 90’s?

How consistency over trends will always win in fitness culture.

The 90’s are back.

We can’t avoid it: The big jeans. The oversized t-shirts. The chunky sneakers. 

I’m still not sure I’m ready for it.

Aside from fashion, there are some other 90’s trends at play right now, specifically in the fitness and wellness spaces. Maybe you’ve noticed them too. 

Skinny – and not my beloved jeans – is trendy. 

We’re obsessed with a new segment of food (protein is having a mooooommmmeeenntt). 

Our culture is zeroed in on quick fix weight loss options.

Might be a hot take but I’m not here for any of it. 

In five or ten years, I think we’ll look back on this era the same way we look at Snackwells, the Special K diet and SimFast. With total confusion. Honestly, what were we doing?

How did our swing toward body positivity, strong over skinny and judgement-free eating of the mid-aughts land us here? Again.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the course of my fitness career - through Pilates and MELT, running and strength training - it’s that consistency over trends will always win.

There will always be trends across every aspect of culture, fitness and wellness notwithstanding.

The difference is that fitness and wellness trends can have big impacts, and dare I say, incredibly negative consequences for all of us.

We don’t all have the body type for skinny culture. And, honestly that’s what makes our culture great. Focus instead on how your body moves and feels. You’ll get better results in the long run.

There will always be diet trends. Rather than eating on trend, consuming foods that give your body energy and make you feel good (hey, we all deserve some treats!) is going to be a better long term strategy than zeroing in on one aspect of nutrition.

I hate to say it, but our culture has always had an obsession with quick fixes, especially when it comes to weight loss. And, sure those quick fixes might work for a bit, but eventually things usually even out. Getting in good movement a few times a week consistently will actually net you with better results in the long run.

I get it. This is all incredibly tough stuff. There’s a reason these trends recirculate in our society. But we have the opportunity to be more mindful about what we allow in, specifically as it relates to how we view our bodies and what they can do, as well as the foods that we eat.

So, sure, take the 90’s fashion. Enjoy those oversized frocks. Walk tall in those chunky sneaks. But, let the current food and fitness fads stay where they are. Keep your focus on being mindful in your body, getting some movement in, eating in moderation and giving yourself a damn break. It doesn’t have to be this complicated.