The annual fitness trends of 2024 are here and the top trend for the new year – Exercise for Mental Health – not only makes its debut on the annual list but smashed its way to the top and highlighting the important role exercise plays in our overall wellbeing.
The AUSactive survey, now in its 4th year is an industry snapshot of the trends exercise professionals and business operators are seeing among their clients and members right across Australia.
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said while it was good to see a new inclusion skyrocket to the top of the list for 2024, it highlighted a broader issue that many people are facing in today’s world.
“Mental health is more prevalent now than ever before. Many people these days feel overwhelmed and are experiencing higher levels of stress due to economic, global and even family pressures. It’s certainly become more of a focus for all parts of our community, young and old,” Mr Elvish said.
“Seeing people turn to exercise to help their mental health is encouraging as it shows more and more people are seeing the holistic benefits of keeping active.
“Not only can regular activity help manage mental health, but it can also be used as a preventative measure to keep us mentally fit and ready to face the world.”
| Australia’s 2024 Top 10 Fitness Trends | ||
| 1 | Exercise for Mental Health | |
| 2 | Fitness Programs for Older Australians | |
| 3 | Group Exercise Training | |
| 4 | Functional Fitness Training | |
| 5 | Exercise is Medicine | |
| 6 | Traditional Strength Training | |
| 7 | Employing Registered Exercise Professionals | |
| 8 | Pilates | |
| 9 | Wearable Technology | |
| 10 | Inclusive Exercise Services | |
Charell Berg, 2023 Group Exercise Leader of the Year Winner, focuses on the power of movement for mind and body and said exercise these days was far more than just looking good.
“Our bodies are designed to move and with movement we can manage pain, recover from injury faster, manage our mental health and prevent lifestyle related disease or illness,” Ms Berg said.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the mental health struggles many of my clients have faced, from anxiety and depression and low self-confidence. Through movement the transformation has been unbelievable and it’s very rewarding to see the positive mindset shift and life changes they have experienced.”
“We no longer just go to the gym to look good, and the results of this survey show that exercising for our mind is far more important for more people than just physical appearance.”
Mr Elvish said the top three trends of 2024 also had an important social and community element to them, showing the complementary benefits exercise has.
“Exercising for mental health, fitness programs for older Australians and group exercise training all have one thing in common – they involve getting people together and this is one of the most important and rewarding benefits exercise or physical activity has,” Mr Elvish said.
“Not only does exercising in a group or with others keep us motivated it also helped people connect, talk and check in with each other.
“The more we do to look after our own mental health and check-in on others. the better we can function and look after our overall wellbeing.”
