The start of a new year is the perfect time to re-evaluate your fitness goals – especially if you have had an indulgent festive season.
Every year brings new trends, with some more credible than others (remember the vibrating body belt?). Here, the UAE’s experts sort the fads from the facts so you can start 2024 with a well-informed fitness plan.
In 2024, fitness enthusiasts can expect to see significant advancements in wearable technology, genetic testing, and diet approaches. Fitness watches and trackers, which have been around for a while, are stepping up their game this year by providing more personalized statistics and feedback. Additionally, individuals will be incorporating continuous glucose monitors into their wearables wardrobe to gain insight into their blood sugar levels.
Glucose monitors are going to become more popular as people begin to understand that high sugar intake and unstable blood glucose levels are very bad for you, says Cyrus Rustom, owner of Boxica Gym in Dubai’s Studio City. People want to manage their blood sugar so they live longer, healthier, and leaner lives.
In terms of diet, the focus is shifting away from extreme exercise and restrictive eating habits towards sustainable and holistic wellness. Lauren Goggs, a personal trainer at Dubai’s Reset Fitness, explains that the fitness industry is prioritizing functional fitness over high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other intense workouts. The emphasis is now on being able to perform everyday tasks with ease and maintaining overall strength and flexibility.
Genetic testing is also gaining prominence in the fitness world, offering personalized information about how an individual’s genes may influence their response to exercise and nutrition. This knowledge can inform training routines, dietary choices, and even sleep patterns. Rustom believes that genetic testing will become more readily available and accurate in 2024, with more people opting for this personalized approach to fitness.
Luxury gyms with state-of-the-art facilities are set to become more popular this year, as people seek an elevated fitness experience. Fitness centers like FitnGlam, Studio Pilates, and Reset Fitness aim to make exercise feel like a treat or a social activity rather than a chore.
Recovery and self-care are now recognized as essential components of overall fitness and well-being. Ice baths and red-light therapy are expected to gain momentum in 2024 due to their benefits in muscle recovery and pain relief. Supplements, particularly magnesium and lion’s mane mushrooms, will also see increased demand as individuals become more focused on mental wellness alongside physical health.
Weight training continues to gain popularity, with more women realizing the benefits of strength-based workouts. Rustom dispels the myth that weightlifting leads to bulkiness, emphasizing that it improves body tone, increases metabolism, and promotes overall health and strength.
In terms of dietary trends, restrictive diets are left behind in 2023 as the focus shifts toward a flexitarian approach. Flexitarian eating emphasizes consuming enough calories, opting for whole foods, and avoiding processed food. This move towards a more natural and organic diet reflects the understanding that long-term health and wellness are best achieved through balanced and sustainable nutrition.
In conclusion, the fitness trends of 2024 highlight the importance of personalized approaches, holistic wellness, recovery, and sustainable habits. Individuals are seeking comprehensive solutions that address their unique needs and promote long-term health and happiness. By staying informed and embracing these trends, one can embark on a fitness journey that is both enjoyable and effective.
