Explore These 8 Wellness Trends at the 2020 Wellness Show on Feb 1-2

Smart Workouts: Technology is increasingly taking our workouts from the gym or the yoga studio, and bringing them right into our living rooms. We’re seeing a real focus on in-home workouts, based on the popularity of workout interfaces like Mirror or Peloton. Nintendo is about to release Ring Fit Adventure, an add-on to the Nintendo Switch that incorporates you physically into the virtual world of a video game, and delivers a smart workout to boot. You’ll be able to try this new interface at the 2020 Wellness Show.

Wellness Intensives: As science begins to keep pace with wellness trends, getting intensive doses of holistic care becomes more accessible. IV therapy is a pumped-up version of taking vitamins, infusing your body with a strong dose of B-Vitamins or Iron if you are feeling droopy. Intensive stays at spas, including massage, yoga, aromatherapy, healthy food and the naturally healing waters of hot springs.

CBD-infused Skincare: CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant, a cousin to marijuana. Unlike the key ingredient in weed, THC, CBD will not get you high. But it has been proven to have many health benefits; Hemp or CBD oil has been shown to limit oil production, making it a great treatment for acne-prone skin. It’s soothing for sensitive skin and is loaded with antioxidants, making it a great choice for anti-aging applications. It can be equally great for pain relief if you have arthritis, muscle or joint pain, and can be found in balms or even soaps!

Wellness from your phone: As technology gets smarter, more and more wellness applications are being delivered to us through our devices. Earlier this year, Telus launched Babylon, an app that allows you to see a doctor through video chat. There are now a variety of tests that you can take via your smartphone, and a “smart sleep mask” that gently lures you to sleep and then wakes you up using red and blue light technology.

Light Therapy: there is a growing body of evidence that light therapy is hugely effective— especially during these dark winter months when natural sunlight is increasingly rare. Light Therapy can be accessed both at home by using commercially-produced lamps that help mimic the effects of the sun’s rays. This therapy is quite effective in dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Other, more powerful forms of light therapy are thought to help with sports injuries and pain, relaxation and stress relief.

Sound Bathing: Everything old is new again, it seems, and sound bathing, an ancient wellness practice, is no exception. Participants lay on the floor on yoga mats, and get comfy. Then the practitioner plays sounds on singing bowls made of crystal. The overall effect on your brain is much like meditation; it causes a state of deep relaxation. Sound bathing may have other positive effects, both physically and mentally as well. Pick up some singing bowls and experiment.

Forest Bathing: Though the name implies you’ll be submerged in water, that is not the case with Forest Bathing. And it’s more than just taking a walk in the woods. Based on the ancient Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, Forest Bathing is more like a walking meditation in the woods. It’s about mindfulness and observation, breathing and seeing, rather than cardio. Connecting with nature is proven to lower levels of cortisol, reduce blood pressure, and even increase immunity.

Healthy Convenience: What we put in our bodies is a growing concern for many, along with always feeling short on time. An increasing number of businesses are getting into the “healthy convenience” space. This includes pre-packaged “fast” foods, but created with health in mind.

Photo: The Wellness Show