The concepts of self-care and physical fitness are moving beyond a day at the spa and having a six-pack. Daily practices of drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and unplugging from work are more vital forms of taking care of oneself than sporadic special treats or crushing it at the gym. Physical fitness means nothing if it does not include total mind and body wellness - which comes from a commitment to put the following practices into your daily routine:

1. Prioritizing Self-Care

Americans (and those from other countries that struggle with overwork) have tried for several decades to define success as tireless busyness and personal accomplishment. But we feel that people are realizing the weakness of this approach. Self-care — particularly the well-informed type that prioritizes activities and experiences that contribute to overall happiness in life — is a very important cultural trend which informs URBN Burn’s fitness programming.

2. The Rebranding of Sleep

The “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mentality is over. The importance of sleep is something that Americans have finally begun to pay more attention to, starting in the 2010s. This has only picked up in importance, with books like Arianna Huffington’s The Sleep Revolution (2016) dominating the mainstream consciousness. Medical science today highlights the many important ways consistently sleeping long enough and well enough is linked to better health and performance. With URBN Burn, sufficient sleep and rest is a key component incorporated into our program routines as well.

3. Strength Training Goes Mainstream

We strive to make space for everyone’s body and fitness level. The “crushing it” mentality is a great motivator for some, but not for all. Our bodies are not meant to work at an all-out pace or hitting max personal records at every workout. Rather, a well-rounded focus on movement in general should be prioritized. We program our fitness centers for modalities that include HIIT-style work, along with gentler forms like yoga, barre and pilates so that each individual can meet the needs appropriate for their body.

4. Muscle Recovery Tools Show Up Everywhere

Another fitness trend that’s taken root in the past few years (and should continue) is the increased attention to post-workout muscle recovery and myofascial release. In gyms where URBN Burn operates, we create relaxing areas with tools for myofascial release and stretching. A specific example is foam rolling, which can be done before and after a workout. Rolling can reduce post-exercise muscle soreness because it increases blood flow to the affected area. It’s not a cure-all, but for tight muscles, a lot of people find it to relieve pain.

5. Paying More Attention to Mental Health

There has been great progress in recognizing the role of our mental and emotional health in our overall well-being. Decades ago, meditation and mindfulness were too spiritual to be talked about in offices and schools. Today, there is a lot of research supporting the fact that physical health and physical health behaviors are linked to mental health.

6. Remembering That a Quiet Night In is Actually Great

Yes, this means getting to bed early enough to get a full night’s rest but the tenet also extends to enjoying simplicity and a peaceful environment. The Danish tradition of hygge is one that encapsulates this idea. The message of hygge is: “...the idea that happiness is not related to being entertained or consuming material goods. It’s the people you’re with and the quality of time shared that supports sustained happiness.”

7. Plant-based Eating is Becoming Cool

Plant-based ways of eating have been around for decades. This way of eating may have benefits when it comes to decreasing inflammation, preventing autoimmune disease, cancers and other chronic disease. For a long time, however, plant-based eating was still niche. Today, major food brands have introduced plant-based options, and major thought leaders, scientists, and celebrities are endorsing a plant-based diet. At URBN, we believe there are many benefits to increasing the percentage of plants in your diet, even if you are not planning to go fully vegan.

8. Boutique Fitness Concepts are Being Married with Progressive Weight Training

We love the things that the boutique studios got right — creating luxe group fitness spaces, programmed with spirited cardio classes that span the spectrum of fitness modalities. Just as important is a “sexy” and non-intimidating weight training/strength program. For us, this means incorporating a full suite of free weights, kettlebells and lifting areas for URBN Burn programs. We want to encourage all to find their way to strength training as the benefits are enormous.

9. Wellness Meets Instagram

We believe the best way to make a habit stick is to make it appealing. And so, finding ways of creating Instagrammable moments helps to make working out fun and social. From visual reminders of motivational quotes, to beautifully designed spaces, we believe the total visual and physical experience goes a long way in building community - and in keeping people committed to their fitness goals!

10. It’s Personal

At URBN, we believe service is the next trendy amenity. It’s not the physical space and equipment alone that makes a difference - personalized programs and experiences are key. Our URBN Burn programming takes these themes into account. We incorporate 1-on-1 consultation sessions with our trainers, and are able to modify training plans according to each person’s fitness level and goals. We aim to create warm, cozy shared experiences interspersed with fun and playfulness to support total wellbeing.