- Men's fitness focus is shifting to overall wellbeing beyond heavy lifting and cardio
- HYROX events combine running and functional workouts, boosting fitness motivation
- Wearables track health metrics, aiding workout planning and fitness goal accountability
The concept of fitness is no more about investing countless hours in lifting heavy dumbbells or intense cardio on an inclined treadmill with earphones plugged in. These days the fitness approach of men is changing. They are becoming smarter, a bit more flexible, and keeping themselves focused not only on building thick muscles but also on overall wellbeing. From working professionals with a consistent sedentary lifestyle to the gym beginners, these trends are shaping how men train and recover. Here are six fitness trends to know.
Six Latest Exercise Trends
1. HYROX in your city
Training with a goal in mind also adds purpose and keeps motivation high. Now, fitness is not only restricted to a closed-door personal activity. In metropolitan cites like Delhi and Bengaluru, people are becoming more social and competitive when it comes to achieving a goal of staying fit. The big reason behind increasing competitiveness is event like HYROX. This competition combines running with functional workout stations, testing endurance, strength, and mental grit. HYROX provides a decent platform for those who find solo workouts monotonous. The camaraderie of group fitness events makes workout full of excitement.
Read more: 8 Cardio Exercises You Can Do At Home During Winter For Better Health
2. Fitness goes digital
There was a time when investing in gym shoes before entering the gym used to be the most important part of the fitness journey. Now time has changed. Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and even smart rings have become almost as essential as gym shoes. Digital devices like fitness bands and recovery focused rings are helping men understand their bodies in a much better way. From monitoring heart rate, sleep stages, steps, calories, skin temperature to even SpO2 level, wearable technology offers real time insights that matter to the body.
Data extracted from the wearables allows us to plan workouts in a more holistic way. They can avoid overtraining and stay accountable for their fitness goals. For many, seeing numbers improving can be more satisfying than seeing physical results in a mirror.
3. Functional fitness taking the center stage
There is a noticeable shift away from isolating individual muscles to training movements that reflect everyday life. As per the Journal of Gerontology, standard resistance training exercise can be used effectively by both women and men to help prevent age related decline in muscle mass and strength.
Following a functional fitness regime focuses on exercises that involve multiple muscle groups and joint movements. The exercise routine includes lifting, twisting, pushing, and bending. Mobility and flexibility are also becoming key components of workout routines. This approach not only improves overall strength but also enhances balance, posture, and makes a body more resistant towards injury. Men are realising that being fit is not just about lifting heavier weights but about moving better and staying active for years to come.
4. Biohacking for better performance
Another latest fitness trend which is gaining attention among men is 'biohacking'. As per this concept, one aims to optimise both physical and mental performance by using science-backed strategies to improve how the body functions.
Popular approaches include intermittent fasting, experimenting with nutrition timing, using cognitive supplements, and tracking health markers closely. While not every trend suits everyone, the idea is to better understand personal limits and responses. It is important to note that biohacking may have repercussions so it is important to consult an expert before implementing it to our daily lives.
5. HIIT
The exercise technique known as High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, alternates short periods of intense activity with rest intervals. With low-intensity or rest intervals in between, this method pushes the body close to its maximum effort, usually increasing heart rate to 80-90% of maximum.
One can anticipate weight loss, muscle growth, and an increase in metabolism after HIIT. The body keeps burning calories for almost two hours after your workout, which is a bonus.
According to a study, the quadriceps and hamstrings, which are the muscles at the front and back of the thighs, are two areas where HIIT can help with lower body muscle development.
Read more: Just Taking Ozempic Won't Help With Weight Loss, Daily Exercise Still Matters: New Study Warns
Together, the above trends highlight a more robust approach to fitness. Modern men are choosing smarter routines that support both body and mind, making healthy routine an enjoyable part of everyday life.
6. Mind body pilates
Pilates blends core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement through exercises like leg lifts, hollow holds, and controlled breathing. Loved by both celebrities and beginners, it offers a balanced workout that builds resilience from the inside out.
Meanwhile, practices such as yoga, tai chi, and other mindfulness-based workouts emphasise the mind-body connection, helping to ease stress, support joint health, and burn calories, all while fostering a sense of calm and focus.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
