25/12/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 25, 2025 23 Hybrid training gains big favour

L OOKING ahead to 2026, insights from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) indicate wearable technology will continue to lead global fitness trends and hybrid training may gain broader acceptance. Garmin’s 2025 report revealed users logged 8% more activities than in 2024, reflecting steady growth in international fitness awareness. Backed by continuous monitoring and long-lasting battery life, the report reveals global activity and health patterns, highlighting regional differences and shifts across exercise categories that reflect evolving training habits and lifestyle. To support long-term personal health observation, the company has introduced Garmin Connect Rundown – a year-in-review feature that provides users with a clear, personalised overview of their training and daily routines, helping themstay motivated to beat yesterday by better understanding their habits and wellness journey. Hybrid training, strength workouts and racket sport rise across Asia Fitness freaks completed 8% more activities in 2025 compared to 2024, with running, walking, cycling, strength training and indoor cardio ranking as the top five go to sport of choice. The data revealed notable differences across regions. In Asia, people are increasingly adopting a more balanced mix of cardio and strength workouts, while racquet sports continue to gain significant momentum. In Malaysia, running and walking continue to hold the top two spots as the most popular fitness activities, while new favourites are quickly gaining ground. Pickleball participation spiked 700%, padel climbed 132%, pilates grew 43% and strength training increased 24%, signalling a rising interest in fitness that is social and diverse. 0 Running Outdoor running increased by 6%, with Japan recording the highest number of running activities. Norway saw a 16% AS 2025 draws to a close, many Malaysians are taking stock of their health and rethinking the habits that shaped their year. It is a natural moment to renew your vibe to realign and step into 2026 feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you struggled this year with low immunity, sluggish digestion, burnout or simply feeling off-balance, these are practical, sustainable lessons to carry confidently into the year ahead. Listen to your second brain Our gut, often reffered to as “second brain,” influences digestion, immunity and even temperment. When it is out of balance, signs such as bloating, sluggish digestion or discomfort often appear, usually triggered by overeating, stress, sugary treats or rush ing meals. Simple, consistent habits such as mindful eating, regular movement, including fibre-rich foods at every main meal and adding probiotics can help keep the gut steady even on the busiest days. Strengthen your body from within When immunity is low, we fall sick more easily and take longer to recover. Frequent colds, lingering coughs or constant fatigue are common signs

o Data report highlights shifts in fitness trends

Strength training is gaining acceptance internationally.

Fitness trend in Malaysia.

increase in indoor running, reflecting differences driven by climate and training culture. 0 Walking Over half of Garmin’s global users averaged over 8,000 steps per day, with 28% exceeding 10,000 steps. Hong Kong ranked number one globally with 10,663 steps per day, followed by South Korea (9,969) and Spain (9,937). 0 Hiking Hiking activity grew 12%, with Slovenia recording the highest share of hiking activity among all participating regions. 0 Strength training Strength training increased by 29%, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth above 20% internationally. Women recorded 6% more strength-training sessions than men, while in Asia, strength training grew 27% – entering the top three – indicating a shift toward more

growing interest in advanced metrics such as heart rate variability, sleep data and VO2 max. Fitness apps ranked number four, helping users build consistent exercise habits through reminders, rewards and tracking features. Senior fitness continues to rise among ageing populations, emphasising the importance of professional training and health management. Functional and core-focused training expected to see continued growth To improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury, activities such as yoga and pilates emphasise core stability, strength and flexibility. Enabling personalised, science based training programmes, physiological data and analytics have become important tools for coaches and other fitness professionals.

balanced training routines while also surpassing cycling for the first time. 0 Racquet sports Racquet sports including pickleball, badminton, padel and table tennis, grew 67% intenationally and more than doubled in Asia. Noting overall growth in racquet sports, Vietnam recorded Women reported 3% lower stress levels than men, with Netherlands ranking as the least stressed country. Body battery data showed greater energy fluctuations among younger users, while China recorded the highest average expenditure in terms of daily energy. 2026 fitness trend forecast According to the 2026 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends, wearable technology remains top of the fitness trend for five years straight, with the highest per capita. 0 Health monitoring

Racquet sports are popular across Asia.

Five wellness lessons to carry into 2026

Healthy habits begin with mindful actions, nurtured consistently over time.

– PICS FROM 123RF

Intentionality is foundational to building healthy habits that are sustainable.

often adding stress for parents and guardians. It is recommended to prioritise vitamin C–rich fruits, adequate protein to build antibodies and probiotics to strengthen gut and immunity. Small steps make a big difference in building lifelong wellness thai is foundational. Wellness is a team effort Families run on shared energy and parents often set the rhythm that shapes the home. When they are stretched thin, the ripple effects touch everyone – routines slip, meals become rushed and the rhythm that

reported by Malaysians. Strong immunity comes from daily habits which includes a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, protein and antioxidants, along with adequate sleep, regular movement and stress management. It’s not just about avoiding illness, it’s about helping your body stay strong so you can show up a better you every day. Building lifelong habits early A child’s immune system is still developing, making them more prone to seasonal bugs, flu and colds. In consequence, school attendance, rou tines and overall mood is affected,

set in. Fitness routines, especially high impact or repetitive movements, can strain joints over time, while poor pos ture or inadequate recovery accelerates wear and tear. Prevention matters and practicing low-impact exercise, stretch ing, maintaining a healthy weight and nourishing your joints from within plays an important role in maintaining flexi bility and reducing discomfort now and later. This article is contributed by LAC Malaysia consultant nutritionist Cynthia Jetan

supports and emotional balance of young ones becomes harder to sustain. Shared meals, simple rituals and consistent rou tines help the whole family stay focused, nourished and connected. When parents prioritise their wellbeing emotionally and physically, the results strengthen the whole house hold. Move now to protect tomorrow Joints keep us moving every day, yet most people only pay attention once stiffness, discomfort or mobility issues the growth