With summer fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to take up a new activity, and if you’re looking for something new and exciting, TikTok might have the answer.
Thanks to the social media platform, it’s easier than ever to be introduced to a brand new form of exercise, but there’s often more than just online hype behind these exercises, and many of them have very real mental, physical and social benefits.
To help explain the reasons behind the surge in popularity for some of the most trending exercises over the last year1, Martyn Oakey, head of fitness at Everlast Gyms, part of Sports Direct, explains the basics, including the benefits and how to get started.
Reformer Pilates: 652% TikTok search increase
Pilates in itself has become an extremely popular exercise, and reformer Pilates is another variety of the activity that is surging in popularity on TikTok. The exercise involves using a piece of equipment called a Pilates reformer to target specific muscle groups and intensify stretches.
Martyn explains: “Reformer Pilates often involves many of the same stretches and movements as Pilates, but the beauty of the reformer is that it helps you to get more out of your workout, and target particular areas of the body.
“The increase in popularity stems from the fact that Pilates is an incredibly accessible exercise, thanks to its low impact nature, and is suitable for all, regardless of age, body type, health or ability. The reformer version can help lead to greater flexibility, stamina and strength. It’s particularly popular amongst office workers, and celebrities, with endorsements from the likes of Margot Robbie and Michelle Keegan2.”
Pvolve: 513% TikTok search increase
Another celebrity favourite, Pvolve is a low impact activity, endorsed by Jennifer Aniston. Despite its relatively small TikTok search volume of 2.3k, the exercise is seeing queries surge by over 500%3.
Martyn shares: “Pvolve is a low impact form of resistance training, using patented resistance equipment in partnership with a range of stretches to help target muscle groups, improving flexibility, mobility and balance.
“Pvolve is becoming popular thanks to its accessibility for different ages, abilities and life stages. It was developed for women, and is suitable for those who are post pregnancy, and pre or post menopausal. Pvolve is an activity you can do in your own home, but you will need to purchase a range of Pvolve specific equipment to get involved.”
Hyrox: 399% TikTok search increase
Hyrox is an all body, competitive exercise community which challenges participants with a range of cardio and functional strength exercises. You don’t need any equipment to get involved, other than your trusty pair of running shoes.
Martyn shares: “Similar to Crossfit, Hyrox is becoming hugely popular in the exercise world. Simply put, participants are required to run a kilometre, before completing a strength exercise, and then running again, for a total of eight times.
“It’s an intense, all body workout, but despite the challenge there are no entry requirements or time restrictions, meaning that it is accessible to anyone, including beginners. The activities themselves are simple and can be learned and trained for at a Hyrox class or affiliated gym. Its popularity stems from it being an effective all body exercise, as well as containing a social element through participation and engagement with the community.”
Padel: 123% TikTok search increase
Padel is a rapidly growing racket sport with a lot of similarities to tennis. The sport is mostly played as part of a double, which means that it is a great sport for socialising.
Martyn comments: “Thanks to its social nature, padel is proving to be an increasingly popular sport in the UK. It has a lot of similarities with tennis, including its scoring system and core skillset, which makes it easy to understand. However, it is played on a smaller, enclosed court, meaning that groups of mixed ages and ability can play it together, and shots can be played off the walls. Its benefits are similar to tennis, offering competition, as well as a great form of stop/start exercise to help boost your cardio and muscular endurance.
“Padel courts are popping up all over the country, and the sport is increasingly accessible. Once you’ve found your local court, all you need is a bat, a ball and a partner.”
Pickleball: 49% TikTok search increase
Another racket sport, pickleball started out as a backyard game popular in the United States. It has some similarities to padel and other racket sports, but some key differences that appeal to fans and newcomers alike.
Martyn explains: “Pickleball is played in singles or doubles, and involves a light, hard plastic ball and a smaller court, and uses paddles similar to a large version of what you might find on a table tennis table.
“It has many similar benefits to padel, including socialising and helping to boost cardio and muscular endurance. Both indoor and outdoor courts are spreading across the UK. Clubs offer equipment out to rent for beginners, and the overall low cost of entry means it’s an affordable and accessible sport for different ages and abilities.”
Callisthenics: 49% TikTok search increase
Callisthenics are a form of body weight strength and conditioning training, which are becoming increasingly popular with both participants and coaches.
Martyn reveals: “Callisthenics are an ancient form of exercises which have recently seen a huge boost in popularity. Simply put, they refer to a wide range of strength exercises conducted using bodyweight.
“Because of this, the barrier to entry is extremely low. You can do most of these exercises in your own home with little to no equipment, or in a gym. They’re also accessible in terms of ability, and sometimes used by physios to treat disabilities, or help tackle obesity. Once you’ve learned the basics for a number of exercises, you can easily incorporate them into your fitness routine and daily schedule.”
