In the world of fitness, one could easily say that the more things change, the more they stay the same. However, the COVID-19 experience left some lasting influences on the pursuit of health and fitness. 

Firstly, the focus on physical well-being shifted strongly towards a holistic picture of both mental and emotional health as well. Secondly, the reliance on home-based training, as a result of stay-at-home orders, spawned a new emphasis on a whole number of factors that included growth in dependence on technology, the rise of training apps and wearable technology, and a new appreciation of both hybrid programs and outdoor training. And it appears these developments are here to stay. 

This article takes a closer look at these trends, and some emerging ones, which are potentially beneficial for young and old alike. 

The use of technology is on the rise

Mobile exercise apps provide people with programs they can pursue on their own convenient terms: at a time that suits their daily schedule and in their own context. This frees people from having to be at a gym at a certain time. 

Wearable technology in the form of smartwatches or fitness trackers enables individuals to monitor their progress with regards to all manner of biometric data such as step counts, heart rate, calories burned, sleep quality and blood oxygen levels.  

These technological aids have given people a sense of control over their health journeys, helping to inspire their commitment. Furthermore, they are tools that fitness instructors are able to use in their endeavours to assist their clients.

Hybrid training

In short, hybrid training is the blending of different forms of exercise that include cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises in order to provide a more general state of fitness. It serves to promote strength and endurance, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, physical and mental well-being.  

To its advantage, the variety of workout methods not only keeps things interesting but also reduces the risk of overuse injuries or fatigue. The ultimate benefit is that hybrid training helps build muscle, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances flexibility—all at the same time.

Outdoor training

Outdoor workouts offer benefits that go beyond a traditional gym setting, particularly in terms of mental health.

Being in nature and fresh air can help boost a person’s mood and reduce their stress levels, thereby enhancing their overall workout experience. Part of the novelty is the challenge of tackling more varied challenges presented by the environment, like the challenge of an ascent or descent. 

The exposure to natural light can boost vitamin D levels and even promote better sleep cycles. The change of scenery of an outdoor workout can help break any monotony of a fitness routine, which may help to boost motivation.

Emerging trends

Hyrox has taken the UK by storm in 2024. It is the combination of strength and cardio movements alongside running, where those involved run one kilometre followed by one functional workout station, repeated a number of times.

This high-intensity program is a full-body workout, with its own global leaderboards and ‘World Championship’, which provide a fun competitive aspect.

Exercise snacking is also on the rise. This takes the form of short bursts of exercise, around ten minutes at a time, spread over the course of a day.

These 'mini’ workouts prove to be just as effective as one 30-minute session and help to bring new converts into the fitness industry. 

Resurgent trends

Low-impact exercises are gaining in popularity, perhaps because of a growing community of those interested in health and well-being. While high-intensity workouts still have their place, newcomers prefer to ease into the game with more joint-friendly options, which promise to be more sustainable, such as pilates, yoga, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, walking/hiking/rucking, or paddling/rowing/stand-up boarding. Such forms of exercise promise to help build strength and endurance without the wear and tear associated with more intense forms of exercise. To the extreme athlete, they may seem a waste of time, yet are guaranteed to add value in terms of core strength, balance, and flexibility, as well as promoting mindfulness and peace.

Personal trainers are once again increasingly in demand as people gravitate towards smaller boutique gym environments in pursuit of tailor-made fitness regimes that address their personal goals. A greater interest in well-being has come with a parallel awareness of differences in terms of individuals’s unique needs. Personal trainers help facilitate this reality.

Key takeaways

In today’s world, fitness is more about building sustainable habits that support one’s long-term well-being, and there is a greater awareness of how this applies to people of all ages. Fitness programs are being developed to appeal to younger generations addicted to screen time by being more like a game than hard work. Similarly, in the face of the world's ageing population, age-appropriate programs are being developed for seniors, like the example of chair callisthenics. 

Ultimately, fitness remains a constant factor in promoting human well-being, and while it forever presents itself in new innovations, the basics continue to provide a secure foundation. The more things change, the more they stay the same.