Discover the main fitness trends of 2024

This text was written by a TecMundo columnist; Learn more at the end.

Almost a year ago I began the enjoyable activity of writing this column about physical activity and exercise that you read. We have reached the 50th text and every week I cover the topics from a scientific perspective and today we return to the first topic: fitness trend.

The annual survey ranking fitness trends for 2024, conducted for the 18th time in a row by the American College of Sports Medicine, was published and the article was published in the January and February issues of the scientific journal. Health and Fitness MagazineIt summarizes the top 20 trends of 2024.

Find out what will be trending in the fitness world in 2024

1 – Wearable technology

The No. 1 trend in the rankings is nothing new: wearable technology. It seems likely that we will continue to develop devices worn on the body during exercise, such as smartwatches, bracelets and headbands that track, measure and record data as we move. Step count, heart rate, distance, and time, as well as sleep data, are measurements for these devices. Artificial intelligence is already included in these devices.

2 – Health promotion at work

Surprise in the rankings health promotion in the workplace. It is the need for productivity in the workplace that is likely driving this trend, and the importance of good employee health is increasingly recognised; This is a state achieved by an active lifestyle (this is trend number 11): physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress control, relationships and quality sleep.

This trend goes far beyond the proverbial gymnastics at work due to its low impact. Exercise can be the starting point for improving your overall lifestyle; so much so that the author of the book, Peter Attia best seller live longer recommends this “If you’re going to form a new habit, it’s important that it’s in the area of ​​physical exercise.”

3 – Fitness programs for the elderly

The population is living longer and longer, and exercise programs for the elderly are in the 3rd trend in the rankings. The increase in the population over the age of 65 is remarkable, and exercise not only helps us live longer, but also helps us live better.

In addition to the recommendation of 2 and a half hours of physical activity per week, strength exercises that should be done 3 times a week, especially to increase and maintain strength and muscle mass, also stand out in this population. Other trends for older adults may support participation in physical activities such as outdoor activities (#12), yoga (#15), and traditional strength training (#17).

4 – Exercise for weight loss

As the population lives longer, it also appears to gain weight. Exercise plays a helpful role in treating overweight and obesity and should include aerobic activity, strength training, and dietary changes to create a calorie deficit.

Discover the top 10

Last week we investigated an award-winning exercise app. These are trend #7 – mobile fitness apps. Flexibility in training delivery as well as the autonomy to monitor data and receive feedback on what the practitioner is doing are strong points.

Exercise and mental health ranked 8th. Exercise not only plays a protective role in mental health, but also reduces the risk of developing anxiety and depression. Promoting psychological well-being, improving mood and pleasure.

Athletic development of young people through exercises was trend 9; It allows the development of motor skills, strength and coordination, which are essential aspects for young people. Closing the top 10 self-improvement. Individualized education has advantages and can promote better outcomes.

The trends reflect possible directions that may dominate the fitness market this year; You can take advantage of some of them to stay active. Despite the order, it is important for everyone to find an activity they like, that is, according to their own inclination.

Tips to start the new year with exercise

Some tips for starting the new year actively are based on making exercise a more fun, enjoyable and pleasurable experience. In this sense, Ph.D. from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Kristin L. Schneider suggests making the CRAVE method more active:

K – Create physical activity opportunities throughout the day. Try to move more when you have opportunities;

R. – Connect, make exercise a social activity. Invite someone to train together or accept an invitation;

A. – Evaluate what you dislike about physical exercise. Paying attention to how you feel during the activity and the conditions that increase your enjoyment of exercise can form the basis for more enjoyable practice;

V – Values. Identify what is important to you and connect this to exercise behavior;

AND – Try different types of physical activity and exercise; Even if you haven’t had good experiences in the past, there is always time to create good news.

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Fábio Dominski He holds a PhD in Human Movement Sciences and a degree in Physical Education from Santa Catarina State University (UDESC). He is a university professor and researcher at the Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology (LAPE/UDESC). he is doing scientific dissemination on social media there podcast available on Spotify. Author of Physical Exercise and Science – Facts and Myths.