New Fitness Trends in 2024 for a Healthier You

The fitness industry is always on the move. The way we exercise has changed dramatically over the last few decades, and due to the effects of COVID we've probably seen the most rapid change in how individuals get their exercise to date.

So what exactly does the future of fitness industry trends look like? In this article, we'll go over the most exciting developments in the fitness world for 2024, so you can start your new year on the right track.

Biohacking is a term the fitness world has adopted for the way we 'hack' our internal systems to improve ourselves for the better. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. Biohacking can be as simple as eating better, improving your diet, sleep, and hydration.

Biohacking can also be achieved through technology like fitness wearables, implanted sensors, and other training feedback tools. At the end of the day, the concept is to take control of your body by tweaking it in many small but subtle ways.

Online fitness was one of the biggest trends to come out of COVID. While it started as a necessity, people got used to skipping the drive to the gym, and there's been an increasing demand for online training ever since.

Some people prefer to mix things up by combining online classes with actual visits to the gym, so they opt for a hybrid membership. Some gyms offer a mix of in-person training and online sessions to give customers flexibility in their exercise. These can sometimes cost as much as half the price of a regular gym membership!

Industry leaders have combined gaming and fitness to create some truly exciting innovations. If exercise often feels like a chore, you can smash out your next cardio workout while gaming at the same time.

The Aviron rowing machine is one of the prime examples of how far this trend has come. Aviron have made a dozen different games to play while getting a sweat on, including titles like 'Disaster Down Under' and 'Zombie Apocalypse'.

Aviron have changed the game when it comes to technology and fitness, turning heads from customers and competitors alike.

With more people working from home, gyms have become something of a social hub for people who spend most of their days at home. It can be a place where former workmates get together, get in their workout, then spend a few moments catching up.

Some gyms are slowly moving away from the meathead persona and providing a more relaxed, social environment. We may even see things like relaxation areas and smoothie bars introduced in the foreseeable future.

Wellness coaching has seen a huge boost in the last few years, with the trend set to go well beyond 2024. In fact, some insurance companies have already started paying for wellness coaches because they were getting so many claims!

Wellness coaching still involves many of the same roles as personal training, but provides a more wholistic and complete approach to health. A wellness coach can provide advice on things like diet, sleep, your connections with others, and even your outlook on life. Coaches usually meet their clients twice a week for 30-40 minute sessions.

It seems like we're all a bit busier these days, which is why some people are attracted to the idea of shorter workouts. Many people are opting to cut up their workouts into smaller sessions throughout the day. Instead of an hour-long workout, it might be more convenient to have three 15 minute sessions throughout the day.

Most people attracted to mini workouts are thinking of time management, but it can also be about allowing your body to recover. Instead of working one body part then immediately moving on to the next while still fatigued, some people find it more beneficial to allow a few hours of recovery instead.

Mindfulness has seen a steady increase in the last few years, with more people focusing on their mental health along with their physical health than ever before. Meditation exercises are an effective way to relieve the daily stresses of our lives, and they can be as short as five minute sessions.

Yoga, meditation and Pilates are all examples of fitness industry trends that cater to both mental and physical health. Whether it's at home or with a class, try experimenting with mindfulness if your fitness program is lacking in relaxation. All you really need is a yoga mat, and even that can be worked around.

Reverse running is a surprising trend that's picked up a lot of steam. It's exactly what the name suggests - running backwards. The movement has come from research that suggests running backwards can help with injury recovery, as it places more emphasis on the hamstrings and less impact on your joints.

Mixing up your routine between regular and reverse running can give an equal emphasis on both the posterior and anterior kinetic chains. It can also help improve your posture. Some experts even claim that reverse running can provide 8 times the benefit of normal running!

Keep an ear open for reverse running in the fitness world. It's an exercise trend that might just explode in the next few years.

After spending so much time inside during lockdowns, it's no surprise that people are keen to get as much sun as possible during their workouts. Some people have come to see the benefits of getting some vitamin D while training and have come to dislike the prospect of exercising under a roof.

Outdoor exercises like hiking, jogging and cycling have increased dramatically in the last few years, with 59% of active adults choosing to take at least part of their training outdoors. This can be a hit of tennis, walking the dog for longer sessions or even Bootcamp-style classes.

Exercising in a natural environment can be a refreshing feeling, especially if you have a desk job. Try mixing up your routine by having at least one session of outdoor exercise a week.

Fitness wearables is the term for devices that you wear throughout the day to track your health and fitness. You might have heard them referred to as fitness trackers or smartwatches.

First introduced in 2009, fitness wearables have come a long way as the technology has made them more practical and convenient. The latest models can track things like your sleeping habits, blood oxygen levels, and stress hormone response.

You've probably seen a ton of people wearing some form of fitness wearable, and it's no wonder. Wearables are one of the top fitness trends and are predicted to only grow further.

Now that we're all back from covid, hygiene standards have become a priority for gym-goers and gym-owners alike. Fitness clubs have to be more conscious than ever of the space they're providing for their client base.

Paper towels and spray bottles should be easily accessible in any gym, along with sanitisation stations that dispense disinfectant. A gym should have regular cleaning schedules, and aim to have each area cleaned down at least twice a day

The rowing machine has always been a part of the gym experience, but rowing definitely hit a whole new level during lockdown. People bought rowing machines in droves, probably because they simultaneously work both the lower and upper body while still burning a lot of calories.

Fitness enthusiasts have come to see the benefits of the rowing machine as an all-in-one exercise machine, and sales are expected to keep rising in the coming years. Fitness programs designed around rowing machines may well become a staple of health clubs in the coming years.

While the latest fitness trends all seem to involve a fancy way of getting a sweat, it's tough to beat a classic. More gym goers of all walks are seeing the benefits of strength training, from increasing bone strength, building metabolism, and developing a stronger immune system.

Functional fitness training has also seen a boost, which are workouts that focus on building strength that readies the body for daily activities.

Strength training can involve free weights, bodyweight exercises, or the use of exercise machines. You don't have to be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger to pick up a dumbbell. Personal trainers will be happy to work out a routine that suits your goals, however big or small they might be.

High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, is a trend that's steadily developed over the last few years. HIIT workouts involve short bursts of exercises like kettlebell swings, squats or renegade rows for 20-30 seconds, followed by very short rest periods and repeated for multiple rounds.

These fitness classes are popular for being engaging, time-efficient and covering several fitness areas at once. HIIT workouts are just one of the ways that fitness professionals are cultivating an inclusive fitness industry, by making workouts fun and approachable for anyone.

HIIT classes are great for building cardiovascular health and burning calories at the same time. If you struggle to stay focused and motivated in the gym, a HIIT class might be just what you need.

As ongoing research reveals more about the benefits of proper recovery, the public appetite for optimal fitness recovery has increased as well. Active recovery seems to become a bigger trend every year, with tools like foam rollers and massage guns seeing increased use both at home and in gyms.

A personal trainer or fitness professional might consider providing their clients with these tools, and give their clients guidance on the most optimal forms of active recovery.

You might consider incorporating active recovery into your own workout routines for better overall well-being. It doesn't have to be anything major. Just a few minutes with the foam roller or massage gun can make a world of difference when it comes to the day after a big gym session.

Fitness classes have been around for a while now, but we're seeing more variety than ever before with emerging trends and crazes. Activities like the trapeze, trampolining and rollerblading have all emerged as ways to engage in physical activity while having a bit of fun at the same time.

Viral videos from platforms like TikTok have also given people an appetite for fun and engaging group classes. Videos like weighted hula hoops and reverse running have people eager to try out the latest fitness craze.

As we move into 2024 and beyond, the fitness world is moving forward at breakneck speed. Trends involving new technology, viral ideas, and wholistic health approaches have come to dominate the fitness world, with plenty still to come in the future.

In order to stay motivated and engaged with your fitness, it's important to stay adaptable to evolving techniques of working out. Some ideas might seem over the top or strange at first, but you never know when the next great fitness trend will come along.

As always, keep up with SA1NT for the latest fitness advice and quality fitness apparel.