Exercise is often necessary: for health, looking good or overall balance. However, that doesn't mean it can't be fun. The brand new year brings with it boundless potential for health and fitness, including a lot of up-and-coming workout regimes to keep the grind exciting. From group classes to innovative technology, here are some of the most promising fitness trends in 2016.

Rock climbing

Although the sport has been practiced for ages, rock climbing is about to get its umpteenth wind, a report from Fox News revealed. Indoor climbing has been steadily rising as the go-to workout for city folks seeking a challenge. At least five climbing gyms opened in Southern California alone last year.

Rock climbing star Lynn Hill described the sport as one that promotes "functional fitness," in a report from US News. She added, "Because, you're using your entire body -- and on a spontaneous level -- so you're adapting to the features of the rock. You'll probably do a different movement each climb, every time you do it."

Rowing and treadmill classes

Popular sports are certainly getting a boost in the growing fitness industry, including rowing and running. According to ABC News, group class studios on these two fitness favorites are becoming more common, much like spin classes became on trend in 2015. Not only is it more consistently accessible to row or run in a class, but it's also more fun logging in the miles as a group.

High-intensity interval training (Hiit)

The most recent survey of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) on fitness trends in 2016 had Hiit at the third place, down from the top spot in 2015. While some professionals have issued warnings on this type of regime for its high injury rate, it's still very popular for the crowd who wants high-energy, intense workouts that usually takes less than 30 minutes to finish.

A report from Science News revealed that while Hiit can often be unpleasant to gym-goers, it also shows effects and improves muscle endurance more quickly than other normal workout techniques.

Wearable tech

The biggest trend to hit the fitness market this year is not a workout routine but a tool: wearable technology. The 2016 ACSM survey had the tech on the top slot for a reason; the wearable technology market is expected to approach an impressive $6 billion dollars in 2016. The recent Apple Watch is one of the best examples of a wearable making a splash, but there are also the fitness trackers, smartwatches, heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices from various brands.