Safety in numbers, they say. Perhaps sage advice when you’re adventuring in the backcountry or unsafe areas. Yet, the need for psychological security, assurance you aren’t alone, also extends to everyday life.
For this reason, when the bandwagon comes around, it’s hard to resist the temptation to hop on. To start the new year, let’s talk health and well-being trends.
For once, the scientific literature is not the go-to source for research. No, no. For trends, ask the people. And the people say 2026 is about wellness vacations, weighted vests, protein and fiber, longevity and opening up about taboo topics – like menopause.
You might remember a water bottle in years past that exemplified a trend. In fact, you may be the proud owner of one, perhaps in a limited-edition color. I have the pleasure of constantly knocking over one of these said, top-heavy, overpriced vessel for hydration, which isn’t supposed to leak, except for when it does.
Though trends can be beneficial. Social cognitive theory proposes that by watching other people do something, we are more likely to do it too. In the case of a water bottle, it may encourage better hydration, a shift to drinking water in place of other beverages and/or eliminate the need for single-use water bottles.
The downside is that trends raise prices as demand exceeds supply, and, they may tempt us to buy something we don’t need. Though who argues against a wellness vacation?
At a glance, weighted vests range from $30 to $250. A backpack you already have, filled with stuff you own, costs nothing.
Take the weighted vest/backpack out for a spin around your neighborhood or county roads and you’ll increase the intensity of your activity if you maintain your normal pace.
Increasing intensity improves cardiovascular fitness. And, adding weight may help reduce bone resorption (breakdown). However, the evidence is mixed.
So, where to start? Unless you have spine, joint or heart issues, you’d likely be able to begin with weights equating to 3 percent to 5 percent of your body weight. As endurance improves, increase weights by 5 percent increments, up to 20 percent over time.
How great that you’ll also have last year’s trendy water bottle for your walk! Staying hydrated and carrying 2 pounds of water, for strong legs, core and arms!
Over time, aim for a fast walking pace, 2.5 to 4 mph (or walk a mile in 24 to 15 minutes, respectively). If faster is not feasible, add weight and incorporate hills.
It wouldn’t be January if we didn’t mention goals. An important trait of a good goal is that it’s achievable. To be achievable, make it measurable. At the end of the day, did you walk 20 minutes (measurable), with an 8-pound vest (measurable)? If not, make your goal easier.
It also wouldn’t be January without short cold days to blame for not walking. Find a walking partner, also known as accountability. Remember social cognitive theory? Watching other people do something encourages you to do the same. This works for desirable and undesirable habits, so choose wisely.
At this point, you might wonder about the other trends. I’m not avoiding talk about menopause; I’ve simply hit my word limit. Stay tuned, the year’s just begun.
Nicole Clark is director of La Plata County Extension Office. Reach her at nclark@lpcgov.org.
