The health and fitness landscape is constantly evolving, and 2024 is set to bring exciting new trends. While the basics remain the same—train hard, eat well, and recover—the industry continues to innovate as people seek to improve all areas of their health. Whether it’s a new type of fitness event, the latest tech, or a fresh approach to workouts, there’s always something new to explore.
Health, fitness, and well-being are becoming increasingly important in people’s lives, with a greater emphasis on the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health. Fitness routines are now designed to support overall life quality, not just physical strength and endurance.
With insights from top fitness experts, here’s a look at the fitness trends to watch for in 2024.
1. Hyrox and Hybrid Training
Hyrox, a hybrid training event that combines strength and endurance, saw a surge in popularity in 2023 and is expected to continue growing. Originating in Germany in 2017, Hyrox includes 8 x 1km runs and 8 workouts (SkiErg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer’s carry, sandbag lunges, and wall balls). This accessible fitness event is known for its consistent format, making it a popular choice for a wide range of fitness enthusiasts.
2. Wearable Tech and Fitness Apps
Fitness tracking technology is advancing rapidly. Modern wearables like WHOOP, Garmin, and Oura rings now track a wide range of metrics, including calories burned, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, stress levels, and sleep quality. While some prefer a data-driven approach, others find that intuitive training without too much reliance on technology works best for them.
3. Personalized and Precision Fitness
Personalized fitness is taking a step further with the integration of genetic and biomarker data. At-home blood test kits can now measure various health markers, providing personalized insights to optimize workouts, nutrition, and overall well-being. This trend is set to expand in 2024, offering more tailored fitness and health solutions.
4. No Alcohol Movement
The trend of reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is growing. Many people are choosing to limit alcohol intake to improve sleep, mental clarity, and physical performance. This movement is replacing traditional social drinking with zero-alcohol beers, mocktails, and even booze-free bars.
5. Strength Training for Mental Health
In 2024, more people will shift their gym goals from purely aesthetic to improving mental health. Strength training is being recognized for its benefits in reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Functional workouts and exercises focused on big lifts like deadlifts, squats, and overhead presses are gaining popularity for their mental and physical benefits.
6. Women in Strength
Strength training is becoming increasingly popular among women, who are embracing resistance training to support their health beyond fat loss. This trend is fostering more inclusive and supportive training environments, encouraging women to focus on what their bodies can achieve.
7. Nootropics and Brain-Boosting Supplements
While traditional supplements like protein powders and pre-workouts remain popular, nootropics (cognitive enhancers) are set to take center stage in 2024. Nootropics aim to optimize energy, focus, and brain function, appealing to a wide range of people, including professionals, students, and athletes. Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, are also gaining popularity for their stress-relief benefits.
Bonus Trend: Streetlifting
Streetlifting, which focuses on weighted calisthenics (weighted pull-ups and dips), is an emerging trend to watch. Competitions involve max weight lifts and max repetitions events, making it a unique and challenging fitness activity.
Keep an eye on these trends as they shape the fitness industry in 2024, offering new ways to stay active, healthy, and engaged in your fitness journey.