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Fitness: What are the top trends for 2024?

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Fitness: What are the top trends for 2024?

Yoga is a perennial favourite, even if it doesn’t always crack the top 10, but at No. 1 is wearable technology such as smart watches.

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At the end of every December, the American College of Sports Medicine predicts the top-20 fitness trends for the coming year. In addition to offering insight into what’s on the immediate horizon, the list also provides context as to how fitness trends evolve over time, including the pandemic years when most fitness and recreation facilities were either closed or were operating with restrictions.

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The ACSM creates their annual forecast by compiling a long list of trends based on a review of the past year. The list is then sent to fitness professionals who categorize the trends based on popularity. The first set of predictions was published in 2006 for 2007. Over the subsequent 17 years, some fitness activities have been one and done, while others can be counted on to find a spot somewhere in the top-20 year after year.

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Yoga is a perennial favourite, even if it doesn’t always crack the top 10. Other activities like functional fitness and circuit training rotate on and off the list. This year, several of the activities that were trending during the pandemic are notably absent, including online training, which was No. 1 in 2021, and home exercise gyms, which took the No. 2 spot in 2022. This signals a full-scale return to gyms and group exercise, despite several experts suggesting online fitness was here to stay.

What hasn’t shown a decline in popularity since the pandemic is wearable technology. Consistently landing in the top three since 2016, it’s No. 1 on this year’s list. Smart watches lead the pack in the wearables market, with more and more exercise enthusiasts tracking their workouts, heart rate, step counts, exercise minutes and sleep in real time as well as using the data to analyze their performance.

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In keeping with the popularity of digital technology, mobile exercise apps breaks into the top 10 for the first time in 2024, taking the No. 7 spot. First appearing in 2016 when most apps were little more than step or calorie counters, today’s fitness apps offer a variety of exercise metrics in real time as well as timers to facilitate interval training, on-demand fitness classes, sleep and diet trackers and mindfulness training.

A surprise at No. 2 is worksite health promotion, which suggests employees returning to the office are demanding the workplace be more than a place to sit behind a desk. Office-based exercise classes and/or sports leagues, fitness challenges and healthy lifestyle education are some of the more popular activities that promote a better balance between work and an active lifestyle.

Fitness programming for older adults takes the No. 3 spot. With the last of the baby boomers reaching retirement age in the next few years, 23 per cent of the Canadian population will be 65 by 2030. With active and healthy aging a popular theme among the boomers, older adults are demanding more fitness programming geared to their needs. And since the majority of this population is no longer working from 9 to 5, gyms and recreation centres will need to offer more daytime programming to accommodate this increasingly large cohort of exercisers.

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Dropping down to No. 20 is high intensity interval training, which has held a place in the top 10 for the past decade. HIIT has seen a steady decline in popularity since the last time it held the No. 1 spot in 2018.

For first time, exercise for mental health has cracked the top 20 at No. 8. Highlighting the positive role exercise has on mental health will hopefully mean less emphasis on exercise as a tool for looking good and more as a means for feeling good.

Unexpectedly, traditional strength training is well down the list at No. 17, a prediction that may prove to be misguided. Fitness professionals have already started ramping up the messaging on the importance of weight training, especially for older adults. Slowing down the gradual loss of muscle mass that occurs with age helps maintain a high level of physical function, which is the key to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle as the decades add up.

Also surprising is exercise for weight loss at No. 4. With significant weight loss now possible with a prescription for any of the new class of weight loss drugs, people are less likely to head to the gym to work off unwanted weight. Hopefully, the message will get out weight loss isn’t specific to unwanted body fat, which means valuable muscle will also be lost when the numbers on the scale start to decrease.

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That said, the folks from the ACSM are buoyed by what they see as the potential for the fitness industry to have an even greater effect on health outcomes, including mental health. “Exercise is medicine” is largely considered the No. 1 benefit of physical activity, and just so happens to be No. 16 on this year’s list of worldwide fitness trends.

ACSM Top 20 Fitness Trends for 2024

1. Wearable technology
2. Worksite health promotion
3. Fitness programs for older adults
4. Exercise for weight loss
5. Reimbursement for qualified fitness professionals (similar to those received for clients of physiotherapists and other health care professionals)
6. Employing certified fitness professionals
7. Mobile exercise apps
8. Exercise for mental health
9. Youth athletic development
10. Personal training
11. Lifestyle medicine
12. Outdoor fitness activities
13. Health/wellness coaching
14. Functional fitness training
15. Yoga
16. Exercise is medicine
17. Traditional strength training
18. Data-driven training technology
19. Online personal training
20. High intensity interval training

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This is the best budget-friendly fitness tracker we have tested this year

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This is the best budget-friendly fitness tracker we have tested this year

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Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.

If you’re looking to get back into exercising, or are just starting out, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 may be the best fitness tracker for you. This fitness tracker does a great job of tracking your workouts and summarizing the data in an easy-to-understand format, without overcomplicating anything. The interface is user-friendly, and even those who aren’t into tech should be able to navigate around this smartwatch in no time at all.

While this is a budget fitness tracker, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in features. You can do more than just track your workouts with this smart band: you can also track your sleep, stress levels, heart rate and so much more. There’s also no shortage of sports modes — with 150+ to choose from, you’re bound to find the workout you want on this watch.

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Fitness coach says ‘just cardio isn’t enough’; shares 1 exercise women over 35 must do to stay strong and healthy

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Fitness coach says ‘just cardio isn’t enough’; shares 1 exercise women over 35 must do to stay strong and healthy

As we age, our bodies naturally start losing muscle mass and bone density, which can affect strength, metabolism, and overall health. Many women over 35 notice changes in energy levels, weight distribution, and endurance, making it essential to adopt exercises that not only tone but also strengthen the body.

Fitness coach urges women over 35 to incorporate strength training. (Freepik)

Tara LaFerrara, fitness coach and personal trainer, shares in her September 22 Instagram post why women over 35 should start incorporating strength training into their routines and how it can transform both body and health. (Also read: Doctor with 25 years experience warns ‘ghee-loaded meals, sugary chai’ harm South Asians’ health; shares 6 key insights )

Why does muscle loss matter after 35

If you are a woman over 35 and not doing any sort of strength training, Tara warns you’re in for a rude awakening. “I’m talking the moment that your body starts to slow down, get weaker, and feel like you hurt more,” she shares.

“It is not just ageing, it is muscle loss, and it starts way earlier than you think. After the age of 35, we start losing muscle every single year. And that muscle is so important because it is your metabolism, your bone density, your energy, and just the ability to bounce back when life throws things at you,” says Tara.

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Can cardio and pilates alone keep you strong

She emphasises that cardio and Pilates alone aren’t enough. “You need to lift, squat, push, pull, and press. It’s not about getting bulky and muscular, it’s about getting strong enough to handle ageing on your own terms.”

Her advice is simple: “So if you’re tired of feeling like your body is working against you, start working with it. Pick up some weights. Your future self will thank you.”

Strength training after 35 isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining health, mobility, and resilience. As Tara highlights, incorporating resistance exercises into your routine is one of the best ways to support your body through the natural changes that come with age.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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New Year’s Fitness Resolutions Start with Healthy Sleep | Newswise

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New Year’s Fitness Resolutions Start with Healthy Sleep | Newswise

Newswise — As the New Year approaches, many Americans are setting fresh intentions to eat better and move more — and new data show those habits may deliver an unexpected bonus: better sleep. According to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 59% of adults say eating a well-balanced diet helps them sleep slightly or significantly better. Staying active throughout the day may also help improve sleep. According to the survey, adults say exercising in the morning (42%) or evening (46%) helps them sleep slightly or significantly better. 

“Sleep is one of three pillars of a healthy lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet and incorporating regular physical activity,” said AASM spokesperson Dr. Kin Yuen. “When people make New Year’s resolutions or select their ‘nudge word’ for the year, they often prioritize diet and exercise. These changes don’t just support physical health—they also improve sleep.”

The findings suggest that New Year’s resolutions don’t need to be isolated goals. Improving one aspect of health, whether diet, exercise, or sleep, can create positive ripple effects across all three areas of wellness. This is especially true for younger adults, with those 25-34 being the most likely age group to say a well-balanced diet (64%) or exercise in the evening (60%) helps them sleep better.

“Sufficient sleep significantly reduces the risk of chronic illnesses, such as obesity, heart disease, and even depression and anxiety,” said Yuen. “Whether you’re improving your diet, increasing your activity level, or managing stress, prioritizing sleep gives you the energy and mental clarity needed to start the year strong.”

Here are some tips from the AASM on how to develop healthy sleep habits and reap all the benefits of your New Year’s resolutions: 

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  • Create a consistent bedtime routine — Make sure you are giving yourself enough time to get the recommended seven or more hours of sleep per night.
  • Make time in your daily routine for physical activity — Pick physical activities that you enjoy and that match your abilities.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet — Try to meet the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein.
  • Disconnect from devices at night — Turn off all electronics at least 30 minutes to an hour before your bedtime to help prepare for sleep. 

For more information, or to find a local AASM-accredited sleep center, please visit sleepeducation.org. View 2025 AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey results in the AASM newsroom.

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About the Survey

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2,007 adults in the U.S. The overall margin of error fell within +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between June 5-13, 2025, by Atomik Research, an independent market research agency.

About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine   

Established in 1975, the AASM is a medical association that advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM membership includes more than 9,500 physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals who help people who have sleep disorders. The AASM also accredits 2,300 sleep centers that are providing the highest quality of sleep care across the country (aasm.org).  

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