A poll of 2,000 active adults has revealed the most baffling wellness fads of 2024 – including bum sunbathing, vaping vitamins and supplements and yoga with animals
‘Bum sunbathing’, wellness vaping and animal yoga have been named as the most perplexing trends of 2024, according to a recent study.
A survey of 2,000 active adults revealed that ‘bum sunbathing’, and inhaling from devices claiming to deliver vitamins and supplements directly to your lungs for faster absorption, have left fitness enthusiasts most puzzled this year.
According to the study, Gen Z are the quickest to jump on these quirky trends, with 38% confessing they’ve tried a new one this year, compared to just 16% of Millennials and a mere 2% of Gen X.
It also discovered that the average person has experimented with at least three different wellness trends in their lifetime – with the primary motivations being a desire to enhance wellbeing (44%), dissatisfaction with their current routine (30%) or seeing celebrities and influencers giving them a go (30%).
The research, was conducted by Virgin Active and discovered that adults are inundated with more than four fitness-related posts on social media daily – with Facebook, Instagram and YouTube being the main offenders.
The overwhelming number of social media posts about wellness trends left almost half (48%) feeling confused, unsure where to turn for reliable information that actually works.
Half of the respondents admitted to witnessing fitness and nutrition trends that contradict previously seen advice.
Donna Collins, Virgin Active’s head of product, expressed: “We know that people are confused about where to turn to for wellness advice that actually works.”
“Our members often come to us and ask for our help in distinguishing between real advice and fleeting fads offering unrealistic and unsustainable health benefits. We want to make sure we offer wellness without the BS and it’s important for people to join a community where they can be themselves.”
The key motivators behind exercise include health and wellbeing (66%) and improving mental health (48%). But for those aiming to enhance their wellbeing, 31% found adhering to a healthy diet the most difficult part, while 19% felt participating in exercise was a struggle.
Other factors that motivate people include socialising with friends (13%) and being incentivised by rewards (eight%).
Online personality and wellness guru, Chessie King, commented: “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.”
“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.”
“That’s why I think it’s so important for everyone to be able to distinguish between a fad or fleeting trend.”
TOP 10 WELLNESS TRENDS
- 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
- 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
