Fitness experts are predicting that 2024 trends will prioritize aging well, mental well-being, active recovery and social connection. Based on responses from 1,000+ fitness professionals, the canfitpro Fitness Trends Survey spotlights the top 5 fitness trends for 2024.
"We've seen a shift in how people think about and engage with fitness," said Maureen 'Mo' Hagan, COO of canfitpro. "It's no longer just about crushing your workout goals. Now more people are prioritizing fitness and active recovery to improve their physical and mental health and enjoy their lives more. Fitness professionals are adapting and expanding their training to support and encourage their clients to make the most of their fitness routines."
Related: Chicago Has the Most Boutique Fitness Studios in United States
1. Active Aging and Older Adult Training
The survey indicates that a growing population of older adults embrace fitness to stay mobile and independent in their later years. Younger generations are starting to prioritize active aging early on, investing in lifelong mobility, preventative healthcare and quality of life. According to Hagan, Gen Z and Baby Boomers alike are taking charge of their health and turning to fitness to prevent degenerative aging to stay strong and mobile for their entire lives.
2. Functional Fitness
Bodyweight exercises designed to improve the stability and balance needed for everyday movements are growing in popularity. The focus for these types of exercises is often on core strengthening and primal movements, including motions that twist and bend the torso or propel the body forward. According to canfitpro, functional exercises consistently top the fitness trends list, reflecting growing awareness of how these moves can impact the enjoyment of daily activities and overall quality of life.
3. Mindfulness
More guests are turning to fitness for self-care, meditative programming and a focus on the mind-body connection. Trainers and coaches are shifting their approach too, focusing more on how fitness can build confidence, increase mind-body connection and reduce stress. The report indicates that fitness pros are pursuing additional training focused on mindfulness and mental well-being to become partners in mental and physical health for their clients.
4. Active Recovery
Guests are becoming more concerned with recovery and regeneration, looking for gyms that offer specialized equipment like foam rollers, massage guns and cryotherapy, as well as regenerative programming like hot yoga and guided stretching, according to the survey.
5. Group Fitness
Group classes continue to be popular, but fitness professionals in the survey reported more interest in unique and customized formats, like high-intensity Tabata classes, myofascial stretching, tai-chi and dance-inspired group fitness programs.
