Technology has taken the lead today in all of life’s aspects – right from waking up to a mobile alarm clock to falling asleep to the algorithm of your social media feed. The pandemic further strengthened this bond, by making our lives easier with smart tech.
Technology has also seeped its way through the fitness industry. Remember when your physical abilities were determined by how long you could spend pounding the treadmill? Or when HIIT training was a major hit among gym junkies?
Today, everything is about functional fitness, with even big commercial gym players emphasising on holistic wellness by incorporating mindfulness and meditation to their workout sessions/schedules.
On that note, here are some of the fitness trends expected to dominate 2024!
Virtual Workouts
As technology evolves, so does our approach to staying fit. Virtual reality (VR) workouts are becoming a mainstream fitness trend. Put on a headset and picture yourself walking into a virtual yoga studio, gymming, or even hiking in the mountains. VR also gives you the option to alter your surroundings and degree of difficulty. It’s simpler to stay committed to one’s fitness objectives when the training is fun and engaging, thanks to these immersive experiences.
People are also increasingly tuning into online sessions/platforms for their fitness routines, so that they can exercise from home in comfort and receive a customised workout that suits their needs and mood.
Functional Fitness Regimes
Functional fitness emphasises activities that get your body up and running for everyday tasks and natural movements. The motive of the trend is not just to gain muscle, but to enhance your life. You may have already observed the shift in the approach of gyms and trainers, where they emphasise exercises that increase strength, flexibility, and balance for daily tasks. Functional fitness makes life easier and lowers the chance of injury - whether you’re carrying groceries, playing with your kids, or just climbing stairs, it’s suitable for all age groups.
Mind-body Approach
The idea behind the trend is to combine physical activity with techniques for mental health. Imagine pilates combined with focused breathing exercises, or yoga combined with conscious meditation. In 2024, maintaining mental health is just as important as physical health. This all-encompassing method guarantees that in addition to increasing your physical fitness, you’re also improving your mental clarity and emotional fortitude. It’s a well-rounded approach to general well-being because it offers a balanced technique to deal with stress and anxiety, as well as increase physical strength and flexibility.
Outdoor Workouts
Fitness trends are starting to demand outdoor adventure retreats, as people’s urge to detach and refuel grows. These retreats combine the healing powers of being in nature with outdoor activities like hiking, jogging in the park, outdoor yoga or rock climbing. In 2024, it’s all about disconnecting from technology and pushing your physical limits in the vast outdoors. These encounters provide a welcome diversion from the conventional gym setting and increase mental and physical endurance.
Group Fitness Regimes
Engaging in group fitness activities gives you the benefit of good company and improves social skills. Be it a cycling class, Zumba lessons, power yoga, dance workout or practicing for a marathon, the sense of community in group fitness regimes has become an inclusive force in the industry.
Recovery-focused Practices
This form of practice is beneficial for those on the path of recovery from illness or medical conditions. It includes practices such as focused breathing exercises, pranayama, stretching, foam-rolling and other specialised recovery practices.