02/04/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | APR 2, 2026

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Ű BY GREGORY SHANE

W HEN thinking of a gym, the image of heavy steel and sweat-packed muscles are often part of the picture. It is only right to think as such because bodybuilding has been long attributed to the gym, with iconic figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Bumstead setting the standard for decades. However, gym-goers nowadays aim to achieve a different set of goals and current trends have moved to more fitness-focused routine – utilising gyms to a wider range of potentials. For this, many paths of fitness-based training are explored and in 2026, here are top three trends that have shown the most explosive growth. Hyrox As part of the latest fitness craze, Hyrox started in the UK eight years ago and has since become a social media sensation. Now, it has become a global indoor fitness competition that combines 8km of running with eight functional workout stations designed to test aerobic capacity and strength. Closely related to Crossfit – a high-intentsity fitness routine that combines lifting, gymnastics and conditioning to boost overall strength, cardio and agility – Hyrox features different but simpler exercises to prioritise endurance over raw strength. Being a high intensity interval-circuit workout, the form of Hyrox exists in competitions and training routines with participants completing 1km of running, followed by different functional workouts – burpee broad jumps, wall balls and rowing – for an interval of eight times. Hyrox primarily gained traction due to its visibility and accessibility, prompting it to go viral among fitness enthusiasts who value results and convenience. Not for the faint of heart, it is commonly attempted by intermediate to professional athletes who enjoy the competition of endurance. Now, among the fastest growing fitness movements globally, Hyrox has turned gym training into a

Gyms are being used to their full potential for various fitness goals. – 123RF

Fitness trend or fad?

o Top three methods in health, endurance training that have been gaining popularity among gym rats

Battle rope exercises for

hybrid-training endurance and conditioning.

onwards. This training does not just focus on building aesthetics but endurance – training to be efficient, functional and well-rounded rather than specialising in a certain area of interest. With its roots deep in military and tactical training – combining running, lifting and calisthenics – hybrid-training first appeared in Crossfit and gained popularity in 2010 when athletes demonstrated that they could be strong and endurance-capable. Famous figures such as Nick Bare popularised this method by running marathons while maintaining a bodybuilder-like physique, showcasing a mixture of strength, conditioning and endurance – thus, introducing the term “hybrid athlete”. Hybrid-training trains multiple physical qualities at once – usually strength and endurance – in a structured manner to complement each other. A way to do this is by structurally schedullng the type of exercises such as placing cardio after a lifting session – while adjusting the intensity – to avoid performance interference. To maximise the benefit of this training method, a balance must be achieved by applying strength and endurance exercises – heavylifting and running – along with conditioning exercises such as burpees to allow the body to be more efficient in handling different exercises. Of course, the most important thing is to get optimum rest and nutrition. This make the exercise not for the faint-hearted, especially those who wish to practise it long term. Reformer pilates Picking up trend during the

sport enjoyable for those who seek a competitive edge while being able to measure their performance, giving even casual gym-goers a purpose for training without any qualification required. Hybrid-training Hybrid-training has been around for some time but it never really appeared particularly distinct until the 2010s. Later, it became popular around the world from 2020

Running intervals as part of Hyrox workouts.

These exercises are designed to strengthen the core, improve flexibility and tones muscles through precise, controlled movements that challenge the whole body, making it suitable for all fitness levels. The big takeaway from pilates is its focus on longevity with its exercises mainly training mobility and injury prevention – a very alluring trait for those who wish to get fit with minimum goals and effort. Which will you choose? Nowadays, fitness does not limit you specifically to strength and endurance but rather, a tailor-made option ready for the different fitness goals that you would like to achieve. Just like the shifting of lifestyle trends sell different kinds of routines, a fitness trend exists as long as there is a specific need to be catered and new optimisation routes waiting to be discovered by those exploring their fitness journeys.

pandemic period of 2020–2025, pilates gained traction during the cultural and lifestyle shifts at the time, where people opted for fitness away from high-impact, extreme workouts such as HITT. Gaining massive appeal from beginners, seniors and people returning to fitness, – particularly among women – the exercises go far from aesthetics and focuses on low intensity movements. Pilates emphasise controlled movement, stability and functional strength that poses low impact on the joints, core stability and spinal alignment. These movements support everyday movement and aging well, such as fixing sitting and standing posture while serving as a supplement to other types of exercises such as Crossfit. Reformer pilates is a variant of these, focusing on low-impact, high intensity workouts performed on a specialised machine using springs, straps and a sliding carriage to provide resistance and support.

Fitness is for any age, separated by the type of goals they want – ALL PICS FROM 123RF