In the online-centric era of 2024, the fitness industry continues to develop with fresh styles that have been largely inspired by digital content creators and jumping on what is “trending” in the fitness community. Because of this, exercise regimens are more likely to become viral thanks to social media sites including YouTube, Instagram, and most notably, TikTok. This year, both fitness enthusiasts and casual exercisers have become interested in a few training trends that are getting people off their couch and into workout attire. Of note, classes offering pilates near you and the “Hot Girl Walks” craze are making waves in the digital world. In real life, these exercise routines are not merely efficient, but they actually make working out fun and not seem like a chore. Let’s take a further look at these two rising trends, as well as a few others that are making their mark on the 2024 fitness world.
Pilates: The Timeless Trend Reinvented
Pilates is an exercise routine which emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and general body awareness. It’s been a favorite in the fitness community for decades, but has recently regained popularity because of how often it is featured on social media reels. Now, this time-tested exercise regimen is making a comeback by incorporating the art of creativity into pilates. This is not the pilates your parents may have used to know. This is a brand new form of pilates that retains similarities, but also caters to the younger generations.
Reformer Pilates
With studios pouring more money into their equipment and architecture, the possibilities of workouts dramatically increase. This applies to pilates too, which has catapulted because of how the exercise can now be performed with improved equipment. As a basic explainer, two types of pilates include Reformer and Standard. Reformer Pilates is a full-body workout that combines traditional Pilates moves but with a Reformer machine. For context, the Reformer machine is a bench-style machine that comes with springs, pulleys, cables, and other intricacies that allow for fine-tine movements to be made with the use of a singular machine. In turn, this increases resistance against the individual, improving one’s muscular tone and strength. make use of a machine that increases resistance to improve muscular tone and strength. With workout sessions available from in-person classes to virtual videos on demand on YouTube, the ability to do Pilates and do it well has really never been easier than today.
In addition to these physical benefits, Pilates is playing a major role in the improved mental health of those who partake in these sessions. Pilates promotes mindfulness and emphasizes the important connection between the body and mind. Having a clear and calm mindset is vital to be successful at Pilates, which requires sheer mental toughness to complete a range of these difficult movements. In enhancing one’s mental health, Pilates instructors also promote relaxed breathing techniques and meditation to further calm the mind and move it away from a stressful place.
Hot Girl Walks: Fitness with Attitude
The “Hot Girl Walk” needs no introduction. You may think “isn’t this just walking?” Well, yes and no. Simply put, yes the “Hot Girl Walk” is not technically different from your average walk. But the “hot girl” prefix adds a whole new level to your standard walk around the park. The “Hot Girl Walk” places a strong emphasis on self-empowerment through mental affirmations. Specifically, walkers stride gracefully while simultaneously thinking about what they are grateful for, what their future goals are, and thinking about all they like about themself. It’s a great task of boosting one’s self confidence.
Hot Girl Walks to not discriminate in the slightest. They are open to everyone and anyone. The only requirement is that as you continue walking, and with determined effort, you exhibit a vibe of happiness and self-confidence throughout.
Other Viral Trends to Watch
In 2024, a number of additional fitness fads are becoming popular, even though Pilates and Hot Girl Walks are spearheading the pack. Let’s take a look at what else is rising in the fitness community this year.
HIIT 2.0
Although High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been around for a while, this is another example of an existing workout that is gaining popularity thanks to social media influencers. These new and creative routines include dynamic workouts and functional motions, giving it a fun makeover this year. The main focus of these workouts is increased endurance, which burn calories at a faster clip.
Virtual Reality Workouts
Virtual reality (VR) exercises are becoming more popular as technology continues to advance. Instead of being confined to a physical gym, individuals get to experience (in a virtual setting, of course) the aurora of different, unique settings that they may not actually be able to attend to in real-life. This adds another layer to the workout and perhaps even an increased sense of motivation to complete the exercise.
Dance Cardio
In 2024, dance cardio classes are coming back like it’s the disco era all over again. This encompasses classes like SoulCycle, in which participants get a full body workout in by biking on a stationary bike to the tune of music in the background. Because each studio and class plays different music, friends can join the same class to not only break a sweat together, but also listen to their favorite artists at the same time. Personally, I know music has helped me lots with getting through difficult workouts.
If you’re like me and have a history of feeling unmotivated to work out over the years, I totally understand the feeling. But 2024 is changing the game for working out. Exercise, now being labeled as a truly joyful and fun activity, is making a comeback for those who counted themselves at first. And we can thank the power of music and self-empowerment too.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.