List of 5 fitness trends taking over 2024

Here’s what’s trending in the world of fitness and how they took off.

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If there’s one thing that never goes out of style, it’s the quest for the perfect workout routine and toned body.

Every year brings a fresh crop of trends that promise to get you shredded and sculpted in weeks. This year is no different, with a lineup of workout crazes that are taking over the internet and gyms. 

Here’s what’s trending in the world of fitness and how they took off.

 

1. Functional Training:

Gone are the days when fitness was just about looking good on Instagram. 2024 is all about getting strong in real life. This approach to fitness focuses on exercises that mimic everyday movements like lifting, squatting, and twisting.

A man lifting weights at the gym
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Think of it as training for life’s daily obstacles, like carrying all your groceries in one trip. Functional training has surged in popularity because it’s practical and versatile, making it a hit with everyone from athletes to busy parents.

2. Hybrid Workouts:

Can’t decide between yoga and HIIT? With hybrid workouts, you don’t have to. 2024 is seeing a massive uptick in workouts that combine different fitness styles into one sweat-drenched session. Picture a workout that starts with calming yoga flows, ramps up into heart-pumping HIIT circuits, and finishes with a soothing stretch all in under an hour.

Hybrid workouts took off because they keep things interesting. With attention spans getting shorter, the idea of sticking to one type of exercise for an entire hour seemed, well, boring.

Plus, hybrid classes cater to those who want it all—cardio, strength, flexibility—without having to commit to multiple sessions. 

3. Wearable Tech:

Fitness and tech have officially hooked up, and it’s a match made in heaven. Wearable tech isn’t just tracking your steps; it’s practically your personal trainer keeping you accountable.

From smartwatches that monitor your heart rate and sleep patterns to AI-powered apps that customize your workout based on your performance, technology is taking fitness to the next level so no more slacking off.

The rise of wearable tech was inevitable, but the pandemic gave it a turbo boost. With people unable to go to the gym or attend classes in person, fitness tech became the next best thing.

Companies have been rolling out devices with increasingly sophisticated features, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your fitness game.

The convenience and personalization these gadgets offer have made them indispensable for fitness enthusiasts.

4. Mindful Movement:

Where Zen Meets Sweating a world that’s always on, mindful movement is the perfect antidote.

A group of women in a Pilates class
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This trend combines fitness with mindfulness practices, blending exercises like Pilates, yoga, and tai chi with meditation and breathwork. The idea is to not just work your body but also to calm your mind and reduce stress. It’s about finding balance both literally and figuratively.

Mindful movement has been bubbling under the surface for a while, but with rising stress levels and a greater focus on mental health, it’s become mainstream in 2024. People are looking for more than just a physical workout—they want an experience that leaves them feeling centred and recharged.

5. Group Workouts:

Remember when group workouts meant squeezing into a packed gym class? Well, in 2024, group fitness is back, but with a twist.

Now, it’s all about outdoor boot camps, community fitness events, and even virtual group sessions. There’s something about sweating it out with others that makes working out more fun and motivating.

Its fitness meets social hour, with a side of accountability.

Outdoor workouts exploded as a safer way to exercise with others. Virtual classes also became a lifeline for those missing the camaraderie of group fitness, leading to a hybrid model that’s now the norm.

Brands and fitness influencers are fuelling this trend by organizing challenges and events that bring people together, both online and off.

As we power through 2024, whether you’re drawn to the practicality of functional training, the tech-savvy appeal of wearable gadgets, or the calm of mindful movement, there’s something out there to help you achieve you target and desired body goal.

And remember, the best workout is the one you enjoy and stick with. 

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