Top 10 Fitness Trends for the UAE 2024
We take great pride in presenting the outcomes of UAE’s inaugural participation in the worldwide Health & Fitness trends organized by ACSM.
In a groundbreaking effort, HERC partnered with ACSM for the “Putting the UAE to the World Map” project. The aim was to provide valuable insights into the UAE and lend support to ACSM’s annual worldwide survey on Health & Fitness. This survey has been running consecutively for 18 years.
These top 10 trends are based on a sample of 322 participants, after extended data collection.
HIIT
HIIT typically involves repeated short bouts of near maximal high-intensity (>85% HR max) aerobic efforts followed by active or passive rest periods (<65% HR max) that allow sufficient recovery to repeat the same working effort. Current literature indicates that HIIT (training) improves exercise capacity (maximal oxygen uptake, aerobic endurance, anaerobic capacity etc.) and metabolic health in various populations. Additionally, HIIT is a very time-efficient exercise strategy. When planned appropriately, HIIT can benefit everyone, from beginners to elite athletes.
YOUTH ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT
These programs commonly focus on the development of motor skills, strength, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and endurance as opposed to only sport-specific skills.
In addition to physical training, these programs focus on inclusion of all youth, not just athletes, and have a strong focus on other areas of life such as nutrition, mindset, and social interactions. By embracing a more holistic approach, YAD programs aim to build well-rounded individuals who excel not just in physical capabilities but also in mental and emotional resilience.
Employing Certified Exercise Professionals
Emphasis is placed on hiring certified exercise professionals who have completed educational programs and fully accredited health/fitness certifications. More certification programs have become accredited, allowing employers easy access to certification validation. These certifications ensure that trainers possess the latest knowledge in exercise science and safety, equipping them to design effective, individualized fitness programs. By prioritizing certified professionals, employers are investing in the highest standard of training and expertise, promoting a culture of health and well-being.
MASSAGE
Massage is a recovery strategy typically performed by a trained therapist. This technique involves the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments. It’s intended to alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Massage therapy can be tailored to individual needs, ranging from gentle relaxation techniques to deep tissue methods targeted at specific muscle groups. In addition to physical recovery, massage therapy also plays a significant role in mental relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Outdoor fitness activities
Outdoor fitness activities allow health and fitness professionals to offer more diverse experiences, such as group walks, rides, or hiking. These activities can be short events, day-long events, or planned multi-day excursions, along with ECO challenges like stand-up paddleboards, kayaking, mountain biking, and backcountry hiking. Engaging in these activities not only provides a refreshing change of scenery but also introduces clients to new forms of physical challenges and adventures. This approach can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy connecting with nature and seek a break from the conventional gym environment.
Boxing, kickboxing and MMA
This trend combines basic combat sports movements such as punching, kicking, bag work, and grappling to design a total body, strength, and cardio fitness workout. The emphasis is on technique in a non-competitive environment for general improvements in fitness. These workouts not only enhance physical strength and cardiovascular endurance but also improve coordination, agility, and mental toughness. By incorporating elements from disciplines like boxing, kickboxing, and MMA, participants experience a dynamic and engaging form of exercise that challenges them in new and exciting ways.
Body weight training
A combination of multi-plane body weight and neuromotor movements with body weight as the primary resistance. Body weight training uses minimal equipment and space making it an inexpensive and functional way to exercise. This form of training is highly adaptable and can be tailored to suit individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. Body weight training can be performed virtually anywhere, from the comfort of home to outdoor settings. Moreover, body weight exercises can be easily integrated into daily routines, encouraging consistent physical activity and fostering long-term fitness habits.
Traditional Strength Training
Focusing on proper movement and lifting technique, this activity incorporates the use of barbells, dumbbells, and/or kettlebells to improve or maintain muscular fitness by manipulating repetitions, sets, tempo, load, and exercise selection to reach different muscular fitness goals. This form of training is essential for building muscular strength, endurance, and mass, and it can be effectively tailored to meet individual fitness levels and specific goals. Traditional strength training not only enhances overall physical performance but also contributes significantly to metabolic health, bone density, and injury prevention.
Personal Training
Personal training includes goal setting, fitness assessment, and exercise programming with a trainer in one-on-one settings. Personal trainers provide exercise technique instruction, monitor progress, and progress workouts with each client encounter based on the client’s progress. This tailored approach ensures that each client receives individualized attention, making it easier to address specific needs, challenges, and preferences. Personal trainers also play a crucial role in motivating clients, helping them stay committed to their fitness journeys, and adapting programs as goals evolve.
Exercise for weight loss
This trend incorporates weight loss programs with an exercise program. The coupling of physical activity and exercise training with diets and cooking classes may provide additional benefits. This holistic method not only aids in effective weight reduction but also fosters sustainable lifestyle habits, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition and regular exercise. By integrating various components like cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises with nutritional education, these programs offer a more rounded and effective strategy for long-term weight management.
WRITTEN BY
MÁTYAS SZEILER
HERC’s Associate
