Chester County fitness instructor predicts biggest fitness trends for 2024

Sometime next week, a shift to a focus on the new year will likely take place for many. Goals in the health and fitness realm are usually of primary importance as we ready ourselves to put our best foot forward once we ring in 2024.

Local certified strength and conditioning specialist Adam Lieb weighed in on what he sees as the biggest trends coming up in health and fitness for 2024.

Lieb, owner of Chester County Training, said one of the largest shifts in fitness will be an increased popularity of strength training.

“Ten years ago most people were mainly using the ellipticals and treadmills at the gym,” Lieb said. “Now, many people are moving to the weights.”

According to Lieb, some people who were afraid of weights are now realizing how important they are and how beneficial strength can be, especially as you age.

“Research shows that one of the best predictors of longevity is the amount of muscle mass a person has,” he said. “Research has also shown that people can make significant gains in strength and muscle mass at any age.”

Benefits you can reap

Lieb highlighted the many benefits you can reap from strength training.

“Along with increased muscle mass and strength, lifting weights increases your metabolic rate making it easier to maintain a healthy weight, improves mental health, increases bone density, and lowers risks for diabetes, heart disease and cancer,” he said.

Rise in boutique fitness

As a result of a rise in strength training, Lieb predicts a rise in those seeking out boutique fitness, such as Lieb’s studio which specializes in strength training.

“With people prioritizing their health and the growing popularity of strength training, I only see personal training continuing to grow,” he said. “It’s a way for people to hold themselves accountable to working out and they almost always grow to enjoy an hour that is designated to getting themselves healthier, both mentally and physically.”

Group fitness with strength component

For those who prefer group fitness classes, Lieb shared what type will be in most demand for 2024.

“I see any type of class that offers a strength training component becoming increasingly popular among all ages,” he said. “Strength training has shown in research studies to be the best type of exercise for increasing a person’s quality of life and expectancy.”

Personal connection

He’s seeing people shift away from Peloton because they’re tired of looking at screens and want a personal connection where they can get better results.

“I do have a couple of clients who use it once in a while, but nothing close to 3 years ago,” he said. “The one-to-one or small group setting is what most people are interested in.

Accessory pick

If you prefer to work out from the comforts of home or a hotel if you do a lot of travel through work, Lieb’s fitness accessory pick for 2024 is the TRX Suspension Trainer.

“It’s great to take with you on a trip or get a full workout at home,” he said, adding it’s a great compliment to dumbbells and kettlebells.

Wearable technology

In the realm of technology, Lieb sees the use of more sophisticated fitness and health tracking devices becoming popular in the new year, such as WHOOP wearable technology, which monitors sleep, recovery, stress, and many other health components.

“WHOOP helps optimize your fitness, health and life,” WHOOP states on its website.”WHOOP doesn’t just track — it translates.”

Most useful apps

Also along the lines of tracking, Lieb’s recommendation for the most useful apps for 2024 is MyFitness and other similar food-tracking apps.

“When we work with clients it holds them accountable, while also teaching them about food,” he says. “When a client uses a nutrition logging app it educates them about portions, calories, and the percentages of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in foods.”

Proper fitting shoes

When it comes to what you wear to work out, Lieb sees a shift focusing on proper-fitting shoes winning out over appearance.

“Historically, many brands had tried to make the best-looking shoe, and now shoes that properly support your foot are taking over, such as Brooks and Hoka,” he said.

Mindset

In terms of what kind of mindset Lieb sees people in for the new year, he sees the importance of self-care becoming more and more popular in 2024.

“Since the fall of 2020 we have seen people realizing how important it is to take care of yourself and make fitness and nutrition a major priority,” he said.

Chester County Training is a personal training service that offers one-on-one, partner, group, Zoom, or Facetime training sessions designed to meet specific exercise, strength, yoga, and nutritional goals. Services are offered in one of their two private personal training studios, located in South Coventry, your work site, or in the comfort of your home. For more information, visit www.chestercountytraining.com