The 9 Biggest Fitness Trends of 2023 | Military.com
: “The 9 Hottest Fitness Trends in 2023”
An examination carried out by Garage Gym Reviews has unveiled that the motivations behind embarking on fitness journeys in 2023 were as diverse as the survey participants themselves, spanning various age groups, genders, and income levels. This analysis encompassed individuals engaged in fitness activities, whether within the confines of their homes, at local fitness centers, or commercial gyms. The timing of this survey couldn’t have been more fitting, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a mere 28% of Americans are meeting the physical activity guidelines prescribed by the agency.
Curiously, 61% of respondents in the survey revealed that they do not rely on commercial gyms to fulfill their fitness requirements. Instead, they opt for home-based fitness routines, engage in physically demanding occupations, or undertake strenuous household chores to attain their fitness goals. For those who do succeed in meeting their physical fitness targets, here are the driving forces behind their workouts, the preferences of different age and gender demographics, and the essential insights into these burgeoning fitness trends.
Youthful Enthusiasm for Strength Training
Strength training reigns supreme among the 25-34 age group. Younger individuals find gratification in building strength, yet it’s intriguing that many may eventually abandon this practice when they need it most in their later years.
Cardio Workouts: Seniors’ Choice
For individuals aged 60 and beyond, cardio workouts take the lead. Cardio exercises are lauded for their contributions to cardiovascular health, weight management, and aiding in routine medical tests. Nevertheless, it is advisable for seniors to incorporate strength training into their routines, particularly as aging contributes to declining bone mineral density, posture, and overall resilience.
Middle-Aged America Favors Variety
The age bracket of 31-42 leans towards a combination of strength and cardio workouts. This mixed approach, encompassing strength, cardio, and flexibility training, holds merit not just for younger individuals but also for those advancing in age. To foster robust muscles, bones, and spine, individuals are encouraged to engage in activities that involve lifting or bearing weight, such as yard work involving the use of wheelbarrows, lifting, and transporting bags of mulch, which can deliver similar benefits to lifting weights in a gym setting.
Consistent Commitment to Training
Surprisingly, more than 43% of survey respondents commit to training 3-5 days per week, while over 33% allocate 1-3 days per week to exercise.
The Underlying Motivations
Why do people invest time and effort into fitness activities? The overarching motivation, at 78%, is for overall health and well-being. However, there are nuanced differences in motivation across age groups. For those between 18 and 24, as well as those aged 30-41, mental health takes precedence as the primary driver. Missing out on their fitness routines for extended periods significantly impacts their moods and overall outlook on life and work. In contrast, for individuals aged 60 and above, their primary incentive for maintaining a consistent fitness regimen is centered around overall health and wellness, with equal regard given to mental health and physical progress by 28% of the respondents.
Embracing the Right Tools
Treadmills emerge as the favored fitness equipment among individuals inclined towards cardio workouts. Dumbbells, on the other hand, are the preferred choice for strength training across all age groups and gender demographics. Among those aged 60 and above, the treadmill enjoys top billing, aligning with their preference for walking as their primary physical activity.
In a recent crowdsourced study, I uncovered a plethora of motivations that drive individuals to pursue fitness endeavors:
Fitness as a Family Endeavor
Many participants mentioned that family members who set an example for them led them to join in on workouts, often with older siblings or parents. This multi-generational fitness culture extends from running marathons to lifting weights, with parents continuing their fitness journeys well into their 70s and 80s.
The Resurgence of Martial Arts and Sports
Younger athletes frequently discover the benefits of supplementing their training and competitive goals with extra workouts. Engaging in martial arts not only enhances physical prowess but also cultivates discipline, self-confidence, and self-defense skills.
Celebrities as Catalysts
Several individuals attributed their decision to embark on a fitness journey to the influence of well-known personalities. The likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, renowned for his achievements in bodybuilding and iconic roles such as “Conan the Barbarian,” have set a benchmark for many, inspiring them to follow suit.
A health scare can serve as a powerful motivator for many to embrace an active lifestyle. For instance, a neighbor shared a remarkable transformation, shedding 112 pounds after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Such transformations are often fueled by unwavering motivation and a “never quit” attitude.
One of the most heartening accounts comes from an active-duty military member who recollected, “[During] my first enlistment at 21, [I was a] stout farm kid with no formal athletic training. I think your Military.com articles were some of the first things I ever discovered online about training for this type of thing. This was back in 2008!”
The reasons for embarking on and sustaining a fitness journey are myriad. I strongly recommend finding your own source of motivation, especially if you are among the 72% of Americans who fall short of the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. Commence with short, 10-minute walks or bike rides throughout the day, and you’ll soon find yourself embracing more vigorous activities as you develop your capabilities and self-assurance.
Give yourself a week, and you’ll change how you feel. Give yourself a month, and you’ll change how you look. Give yourself a year, and you’ll transform your life—for a lifetime.
Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL, acclaimed fitness author, and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, encourages you to explore his Fitness eBook store if you’re contemplating commencing a workout regimen to cultivate a healthier lifestyle. Feel free to send your fitness inquiries to stew@stewsmith.com.
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