As 2024 draws to a close, we hope you feel able to reflect on a period during which you’ve benefited from prioritsing your physical and mental health and fitness. At the same time, December is always a good month to look forward and maybe set some goals for the new year that lies ahead.
The wellness landscape, like so many other sectors, is constantly changing. Here, we take a look at some key evolving trends, and how we’re likely to be working out and focusing on our fitness in the coming 12 months:
11th December 2024
Muscle-strengthening workouts have been centre-stage this year, with weights in particular hugely popular. But could cardio exercises be set to have something of a renaissance in 2025? Some industry insiders certainly think so; indeed this has probably happened already, with more of us aiming to walk 10,000 steps a day and running and hiking communities growing. Caridio workouts are a cost-effective way of staying happy and healthy, and it’s also great for your mental wellbeing.
One great way to get in a cardio workout is by popping along to your local outdoor gym and using the type of kit we offer at Fresh Air Fitness – our line-up includes our Elliptical Cross Trainer, regular outdoor Exercise Bike or the Recumbentbike.
While cardio may start to feature more frequently in people’s weekly goals, strength training is here to stay and with good reason. There are numerous advantages to this type of workout, from improved muscle strength, balance and flexibility to weight management and increased bone density. You’ll also reduce your risk of having a fall, while boosting your mood, self-esteem and cognitive function.
An outdoor gym is an excellent place to enjoy a strength session, while gaining all the benefits associated with being outside. At Fresh Air Fitness, we have many pieces allowing people to work on this side of things, including our Resistance Stepper, Seated Leg Press, Double Rower and Sit-Up Bench and of course our legendary Big Rig a training rig that offers multiple workout options for multiple users.
As mentioned, these seem to have become more popular in recent months. And when you consider the benefits, it’s not hard to understand why. Running with others can be safer and more motivating, sociable and supportive than going it alone, while giving you a bit of healthy competition if that’s what you’re after. You’re also more likely to stick at the activity, plus you may discover some great running routes which you hadn’t used before.
Bear in mind that some clubs are more serious than others, although most will cater for a range of abilities, and run at the pace of the slowest member while keeping group sizes manageable. Don’t be afraid to leave a group you’re not fully happy with, consider going with a friend on your first group run and do a trial session before you commit.
Outdoor gyms have a role to play, offering a great place for a comprehensive pre-run warm-up, or a strength workout at the end of your jog.
From smartwatches geared to runners or cyclists to fitness trackers that monitor your sleep, fitness tech has exploded in popularity. With these devices, you get real-time data on your health, and feel encouraged to make healthier decisions. Some assess blood oxygen levels, calories burnt from an activity, suggest recovery time and create training plans while helping you lose weight.
We quite understand why you might want to have one or two fitness tech goodies on your Christmas list this year!
In a nutshell, this is anything which doesn’t place huge strain on the muscles, tendons and joints as you work out. It encompasses disciplines like swimming, cycling, yoga, Pilates and water-based fitness classes. And it’s a great option for those who may not be able to handle high-impact workouts, but who still want to enjoy the benefits of exercising. Walking and Pilates in particular have become sought-after options, and low-impact sessions are set to remain popular in 2025.
You can get your low-impact fix at your nearest outdoor gym with equipment like our Arm and Pedal Bike, Air Walker and regular static bike, which burns fat and improves fitness while protecting muscles and joints from the pressure of high-impact exercise.
Fresh Air Fitness have been a pioneer and innovator in outdoor gyms since 2007. Since then, we’ve won multiple awards, and worked with councils, residential homes, schools and businesses. And we could help you, too. Talk to us today about how we could improve the health and wellbeing of your community with our outdoor gym equipment in 2025.
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