A poll of 2,000 active adults has found that ‘Bum sunbathing’, wellness vaping and animal yoga are the most baffling wellness trends of 2024.
Other puzzling fads include practising yoga with animals and ear candling, allegedly used to extract toxins and earwax.
According to the research, Gen Z are the fastest to experiment with these trends, with 38 per cent admitting they’ve tried a new one this year, compared to a mere 16 per cent of Millennials and 2 per cent of Gen X.
However, on average, individuals have dabbled in at least three different wellness trends throughout their lives – primarily driven by a desire to boost wellbeing (44 per cent), dissatisfaction with current routines not yielding the desired results (30 per cent) or witnessing celebrities and influencers trying them out (30 per cent).
The research, carried out by Virgin Active found that adults are swamped with over four fitness-related posts on social media daily – predominantly from Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The sheer amount of social media posts about wellness trends left almost half (48 per cent) confused, and not sure where to turn to for real information which works.
Donna Collins, Virgin Active’s head of product, said: “We know that people are confused about where to turn to for wellness advice that actually works.”
“Our members frequently approach us for help in distinguishing between genuine advice and transient fads promising unrealistic and unsustainable health benefits.”
Seeking credible wellness tips online has proven problematic, with 16 per cent of those physically active now turning their backs on following fitness or wellness influencers.
Commenting on the array of fitness crazes that have appeared on social media, Chessie King, an online personality and advocate for healthy living, admitted: “The list of fitness fads I’ve witnessed since being on social media is endless and I can put my hand up saying I’ve been a part of those fleeting trends.”
She also shared her own experience, stating: “Going to the extreme of competing in a bikini competition, which was highly influenced by Instagram, I know firsthand how easy it is to be manipulated by all the noise online and offline.”
“You can wish for a quick fix or cheat code to achieving your wellness goals but longevity is key. I work out now for future me, 80-year-old Chessie will be so grateful for the time I’ve spent looking after her.”
She emphasised her belief on the transient nature of fitness crazes: “That’s why I think it’s so important for everyone to be able to distinguish between a fad or fleeting trend.”
For those embarking on a journey towards better health, staying true to a wholesome diet proves most daunting for 31 per cent, whereas finding the motivation to exercise befuddles 19 per cent.
As for exercising, the driving forces have been pinpointed as personal health and wellbeing (66 per cent) alongside mental health enhancement (48 per cent), these figures courtesy of OnePoll.
Other factors that influence people’s decision to exercise include socialising with friends, accounting for 13 percent, and the appeal of rewards, drawing in eight percent.
Donna Collins added: “We aim to provide wellness without the BS and it’s crucial for individuals to be part of a community where they can be themselves.”
MOST CONFUSING FITNESS AND WELLNESS FADS OF 2024
- Perineum sunning – Also known as “bum sunbathing”, this ancient Taoist practice involves exposing the perineum to the sun. Some claim that it can increase energy, improve sleep, and more
- Wellness vaping – These devices claim to deliver vitamins, essential oils, and supplements directly to your lungs for quick absorption
- Goat or Puppy Yoga – A yoga class with an animal such as a goat or puppy
- Ear Candling – A treatment that supposedly removes earwax and toxins
- Crystal Healing – The belief that certain crystals can balance energy and heal ailments
- Oxygen Bars – Inhaling pure oxygen is believed to increase energy and detoxify
- Ozempic or Wegovy – Ozempic, a medication originally used to treat diabetes, popular for its off-label use for weight loss (it also has on-label use for weight loss when marketed as Wegovy)
- Moon Juice Powders – Superfood powders touted for anti-aging and brain-boosting benefits
- The ‘75 hard challenge’ – requires people to do four things: follow a strict, specific diet of their choice with no alcohol or “cheat meals,” do two 45-minute workouts each day, drink a gallon of water every day and take daily progress pictures
- Bee Venom Therapy – Promoted for reducing inflammation and treating conditions like arthritis