Fitness trends that redefined workout routines in 2024 – Times of India

Fitness never goes out of style and the past year was no different. Many fitness enthusiasts pushed beyond traditional workouts to focus on their mental health and recovery by trying new techniques and slowing down. From biohacking techniques to wearing high-tech fitness trackers, here’s a round-up of the top fitness trends that were popular in 2024.
Wearable fitness trackers
Wearable fitness devices took centre stage in 2024, with advanced features catering to overall wellness. Beyond tracking steps and calories, modern wearables measure stress levels, heart rate variability (HRV), and even hydration. Many celebs like Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, Kim Kardashian, and Gwyneth Paltrow also hopped on the smart ring trend.

Biohacking for peak performance
Biohacking, the practice of optimising physical and mental health through science and technology, exploded this year. From red light therapy for muscle recovery to nootropics for improved focus, people sought innovative ways to enhance their overall performance.

Primal movement workouts
This trend focused on returning to the basics—movements inspired by early human activities such as crawling, climbing, and squatting. These functional exercises enhanced mobility, balance, and strength while addressing posture issues caused by sedentary lifestyles.

(Image: Malaika Arora/ Instagram)

Recovery workouts
As more people embraced high-intensity exercise routines, the need for effective recovery methods gained prominence, with fitness enthusiasts recognising that rest and restoration are as crucial as exertion. Practices like yoga, foam rolling, active stretching, and low-impact activities such as swimming or walking became important to fitness regimes. Celebs like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, Sara Ali Khan, and Sushmita Sen among others also tried yoga for its benefits.

(Image: Samantha Ruth Prabhu/ Instagram)

Ice baths
Ice baths were more popular than ever in 2024 for athletes and individuals seeking mental toughness and stress relief. Social media was also flooded with celebs who tried artificial and natural ice baths for the anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting benefits. Portable setups made it easier than ever to bring this recovery ritual home.
Fitness trends that fizzled out in 2024
-Extreme fasting workouts where people trained on empty stomachs
-VR-only workouts often caused motion sickness
-15 or 30-day fitness challenges
-Dry-scooping pre-workout or protein powders
-Supplement stacking for ultimate results