by Eliza Sterling

A strong emphasis on holistic health and wellness is evident as we march into 2024. Whether you are venturing into unconventional sports to enhance social interactions or challenging yourself to weightlifting to boost longevity, this article offers an insight into the fitness trends that will take center stage in the coming year. Expect workouts that support mental health, involve social elements, are customized to your lifestyle, and importantly, are effective. Let’s delve into this year’s fitness phenomenon.

The Reign of Pilates

Pilates, once predicted to decline in popularity, has proven its resilience by marking three spots in the Top 20 Fitness Trends for 2024. Reformer Pilates continues to hold firm as a preferred workout, but this year also sees a significant surge in the popularity of Mat Pilates. The accessibility and affordability of Mat Pilates positions it as a favourite for those seeking to discover the muscle-strengthening benefits for the first time. Online and in-studio sessions of notable Dynamic Pilates brands have increased their Mat Pilates classes, suggesting a demand for effective yet uncomplicated workouts.

Another version of Pilates making waves this year is Wall Pilates, distinguished by its use of a wall for stability and resistance. This has resulted in it earning the top fitness trend of the year, witnessing a massive rise in online searches. Catering to both beginners and seasoned participants, Wall Pilates offers an upgraded challenge from basic Pilates while ensuring beginners are adequately supported.

Functional Fitness: Strength and Mobility

Functional Fitness, which assists individuals in coping with daily life demands efficiently, is set to soar even higher this year. Workouts that employ significant lifts and movement patterns such as squats, deadlifts, and pushing and pulling – all replicating the activities we do in our everyday lives – are predicted to be adopted by many home workout enthusiasts.

With this trend, there’s a shift from the conventional 2-5kg dumbbells used in home workouts to heavier 7.5kg-10kg dumbbells being utilized by both genders. This mirrors the uptick in strength training being adopted by women for improved functional fitness.

The Rise of Indoor Climbing

Indoor climbing has witnessed a consistent growth in popularity over the past decade, further boosted by its inclusion in the 2021 Olympics. Statistics indicate a steady 15-20% increase annually. Indoor climbing venues are evolving into community hubs, featuring amenities like cafes, bars, social spaces, and hot-desking tables. This year, increased attention is expected to be turned towards indoor climbing and bouldering as we approach the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Era of Lifespan Enhancement

2024 is poised to be a year where women, especially those in midlife, look to take charge of their health by opting for exercise regimes and fitness platforms that not only safeguard their health for the future but also provide instant gratification. Exercise physiologists and functional medicine practitioners are revolutionizing exercise, nutrition, and performance for women, aiming to enhance women’s health and longevity.

Padel & Pickleball: Tennis’ New Rivals

It appears that alternate versions of tennis, Padel, and Pickleball are quickly growing in popularity among UK women, thanks to their inclusive nature. Padel and Pickleball are making headlines as two of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Pickleball England has witnessed a significant increase in membership since its launch in 2019, and the demand for Padel courts is also on the rise.

Microburst Fitness: Maximum Impact in Minimum Time

For those constantly racing against the clock, micro-dose exercises such as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Sprint Interval Training (SIT) are here to save the day. It’s astounding what a dedicated 15 minutes of strenuous exercise can do to boost brainpower, manage weight, slow aging, and mitigate certain health risks. New research has additionally shown that just six minutes of high-intensity exercise could potentially delay neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. A quick and effective 15-minute regime might be just the perfect way to start your fitness journey.

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