7 Fitness Trends That Will Keep You Active In 2024

Will 2024 be a big year for setting (and achieving) fitness goals? While we can’t dictate your new year resolutions, we can point you in the direction of the latest workout fads. Without further ado, these are some of the biggest fitness trends coming for 2024.

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The Biggest Fitness Trends For 2024

The digital sphere and outdoor venues will battle it out when it comes to next year’s workouts, as people deliberate between exercising in nature or from the comfort of their home. But whatever the decision, it will come with good vibes and holistic goals. Sound like your thing? Check out these upcoming fitness trends for 2024:

Trends At A Glances

1. Eco Exercise
2. Mindful Workouts
3. AI Fitness
4. You vs You
5. Power Pilates
6. Bungee Fitness
7. Virtual Workouts

(c) David Marcu, Unsplash

1. Eco Exercise

The growing popularity of activities like forest bathing, cold water swimming and pop-up sea saunas in 2023 suggests that more of us will be looking for outdoor alternatives when it comes to our fitness regime in 2024. It’s indicated (as per The Journal for Extreme Physiology & Medicine) that natural environments are some of the best for all-round health benefits, which include higher physical activity levels with lower levels of perceived exertion, stress reduction, improved mood and eased mental fatigue. 

‘Our scenic approach to running allows individuals to disconnect and embrace mother nature with open arms,’ says Rachael Wood, Managing Director of race organiser Nice Work, which focuses on forest and scenic running routes. ‘Exploring how mental wellness can be amplified when immersed in nature, runners taking part in these series receive a healthy dose of ecotherapy to escape from the stress of modern-day life, surrounded by like-minded running enthusiasts who share a passion for nature’s beauty.’

2. Mindful Workouts

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and one of the biggest fitness trends of 2024 will see activities that benefit both elements rise up in popularity – with a focus on creating workout spaces that carry a calming atmosphere. ‘Gen Z are increasingly seeking out more holistic workouts, which incorporate physical and mental benefits in one session, which is why we’re also seeing an increase in demand for a mixture of new hybrid workouts,’ says Clive Ormerod, CEO of Les Mills. ‘It’s not a surprise to see strength-based workouts favoured amongst this group too, especially as more people look to fitness as a route to empowerment, self-accomplishment and confidence; all of which have a very positive effect on mental health.’

(c) Luke Chesser, Unsplash

3. AI Fitness

Personalised routines are key when it comes to reaching your fitness goals – and technology is getting smarter to help us make those goals a reality. One of the biggest fitness trends of 2024, artificial intelligence is being fine tuned for health apps so that tailored workout programmes are more accessible and personal stats are easier to monitor. ‘We’ve seen AI algorithms, LLMs and sensors being increasingly used across the health and fitness industry to create more personalised help and expand user insight by creating everything from custom workout programmes, to tailored counselling support services,’ says Robbie Johnston, co-founder of corporate wellbeing brand HAWQ.

4. You vs You

Following on from the rise of AI, it’s anticipated that workouts will get more and more competitive. The competition? Yourself. Logging our personals bests on fitness apps can offer tangible markers of the goals we should be setting ourselves, as well as targets to beat going forward – and the more competitive you are, the more likely this method of goal-setting is going to work for you.

(c) Heartcore

5. Power Pilates

Do Pilates ever go out of fashion? Apparently not. ‘The popularity of Pilates continued to soar in 2023, meaning this trend is here to stay,’ says Jessie Blum, founder of Heartcore. ‘Offering a low impact, full-body workout that channels the mind-body connection, Pilates not only builds deep core strength but promotes mobility, body awareness and improved posture, making it one of the most effective ways to train your body. Whether you practise on the mat, or on the reformer, Pilates offers transformational mind and body benefits whilst significantly improving your overall strength.’

Variations of the workout will also likely trend throughout 2024, following the rise of 2023’s hot Pilates movement.

6. Bungee Fitness

One of the biggest workout trends of 2023 came from TikTok – and it’s set to go mainstream in 2024. Bungee fitness involves performing a series of high-intensity exercises (think burpees, push-ups and squats) while attached to a bungee cord, combining cardiovascular and resistance training for an effective, low-impact workout. It also looks like lots of fun.

@nissijoness When the Bungee gang links up 🧚‍♀️ #bungeefitness #bungeeworkout #bungeeclass #bungeeinstructor #funworkout #groupfitness #groupfitnessinstructor #groupfitnessclass #houston #weightloss #workoutmotivation #motivation #flying #ibelieveicanfly ♬ London Bridge – Fergie

7. Virtual Workouts

And finally, the last of our 2024 fitness trends is the virtual workout. The pandemic knocked many of our fitness habits to the curb, with many of us picking up new ones at home while we couldn’t get to the local gym. The shift coincides with the rise of online exercise classes, providing an effective alternative to IRL activities. The next level comes in the form of VR, with virtual reality gyms (created using VR three-dimensional imaging, accessed by a headset) becoming a new hotspot for fitness fanatics.

Featured image: Fitsum Admasu, Unsplash