As the world continues to recognize the profound impact of recreational activities on both physical and mental well-being, new trends are emerging that cater to diverse interests and lifestyles. In this article round-up, we bring together the insights of industry leaders and forward-thinking experts on how these emerging trends are not only enhancing fitness and health but also fostering creativity, relaxation, and community engagement. Whether you’re looking to boost your physical activity or find a new hobby to enrich your life, this collection of expert opinions and innovative ideas will inspire you to explore the evolving landscape of recreation with renewed enthusiasm.

Track Fitness with Devices

Fitness trackers have probably the biggest impact on our fitness and indirectly on our mental health these days. These devices help boost motivation by tracking activity levels, providing reminders, or “nudges,” to exercise, and giving us feedback on progress. This is especially helpful for people experiencing low mood, which can often destroy our motivation to stay active, and the gamification of our tedious routines helps us to stay on track.

I often add tracking as part of therapy, as regular, but not excessive, exercise is the number-one recommendation to help with low mood and anxiety. The real-time measurements from the trackers encourage users to stay engaged with their fitness routines and make healthier lifestyle choices. However, there is a flip side to this trend. Sometimes, fitness trackers can be too accurate, meticulously recording every detail of our progress.

This level of precision can quickly become demotivating if users see that they are not improving as much as they hoped or if they hit a plateau in their fitness journey. It’s important to remember that exercise, like any hobby, does not need to “improve” all the time—it’s just part of a healthy lifestyle.

Adam Horvath, Psychologist, Personal Psychology

Try Pickleball for Social Fitness

Any recreational trend that combines social engagement with physical activity and is accessible to a wide demographic range is a net positive for mental health. The pace of modern life and the increased need for multiple-income families likely contribute to declining enrollment in prosocial, healthy activities such as organized sports. Accordingly, a vacuum exists for hobbies that fill that human need while also proving amenable to those with time and commitment constraints.

One surprising activity that has recently experienced a renaissance in popularity is pickleball. Once a sport typically associated with senior citizens, pickleball is growing in popularity for its simple rules, smaller court, and generally slower pace than more physically demanding activities. Pickleball removes or reduces common barriers to entry, such as cost, complexity, and risk of injury, that often plague other sports. This activity promotes positive mental and physical health correlates, including social connectedness, moderate cardiovascular activity, and sun exposure—all habits and behaviors associated with antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.

Pickleball’s expanding popularity with diverse populations is one example among many alternatives for an increasingly sedentary, isolated, and technology-addicted generation.

Christopher Jones, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Experience Trip Therapy Outdoors

As the founder of Stay Here, an organization dedicated to mental health and wellness, I’ve seen many trends emerge that promote whole health. One that stands out is trip therapy, which provides physical challenges in natural settings along with counseling and group support. Activities like rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking are combined with therapy to help individuals facing addictions, trauma, depression, and other issues. 

A recent study found that trip therapy significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD and improved interpersonal skills in veterans. The physical intensity releases endorphins while the natural setting has a calming, restorative effect. The shared experience of facing challenges together also builds trust and bonding within the group.

Stay Here has partnered with trip therapy programs across the U.S. to provide mental health resources and connect individuals with support programs after their experience. The results have been extremely promising, with many reporting continued benefits months later like improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of purpose. 

For those struggling with mental health issues, physical activity in nature can be a powerful form of medicine. Trip therapy and similar programs are an emerging trend that harness this potential, using recreation and community to promote lasting wellness of body and mind.

Jacob Coyne, Founder, Stay Here

Practice Wu Wei Hobbies

Let’s make a hobby out of doing nothing. No, that’s not a joke. 

The traditional Chinese term for it is Wu Wei, the art of doing nothing. That doesn’t mean sitting and watching paint dry, but instead picking up hobbies that help your mind enter a flow state, such as hiking, reading, cooking, and stopping to enjoy the environment, sounds, and smells around you. 

Wu Wei hobbies benefit both physical and mental well-being. They are a way to wind down the mind while moving the body. Try it! Doing nothing is easy.

Jiaming Ju, Licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Kun Health

Combine Jogging with Litter Cleanup

One emerging trend I’ve noticed gaining popularity is the combination of outdoor exercise with environmental consciousness, often referred to as ‘plogging.’ It’s a simple concept that involves jogging or walking while picking up litter along the way. It’s a win-win – you get your heart pumping while also doing something positive for your community.

It’s also a social activity, as many people organize group plogging events or challenges, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.

Plogging not only benefits physical health but also has a positive impact on mental well-being. Being outdoors in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, and the act of cleaning up your surroundings can be incredibly empowering and fulfilling.

It’s a simple but effective way to combine fitness with environmental responsibility, and I believe it’s a trend that will continue to grow in popularity as more people seek ways to live a more active and sustainable lifestyle.

Susan B. Merry, Owner, Inner Joy Activewear

Incorporate Mindful Movement Practices

It would be mindful-movement practices, like yoga and tai chi. These activities blend physical exercise with mindfulness and relaxation techniques, offering a holistic approach to fitness. Not only do they improve flexibility, strength, and balance, but they also help reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. For example, many people are incorporating mindfulness into their fitness routines by practicing yoga or tai chi outdoors, which adds an extra layer of relaxation and connection with nature. These activities provide a great way to stay physically active while also focusing on mental well-being, making them a popular choice for those looking to balance their physical and emotional health.

Daisy Cabral, Dynamic CEO, Bella All Natural

Engage in Acroyoga for Connection

One emerging trend that promotes both physical and mental well-being is acroyoga. This recreational activity combines acrobatics and yoga, using another person as a base to support you in aerial postures. Acroyoga requires a high amount of trust, communication, and connection between partners, which leads to decreased anxiety and stress. The physical challenge of the poses also releases endorphins that improve mood and happiness. Since acroyoga relies on a supportive partner, it fosters community and relationships. 

I have seen many patients find success with acroyoga in improving chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health conditions. The playfulness of acroyoga makes exercise fun and engaging rather than a chore. The focus on breath, balance, and collaboration translates to decreased symptoms of depression or PTSD. For many, acroyoga becomes a social outlet and creative outlet that provides motivation to stay active.

While acroyoga may seem intimidating, there are many resources to get started. Local studios offer intro classes to learn proper form and technique. The acroyoga community is welcoming and eager to share their practice. With some patience and persistence, the benefits of acroyoga for both physical and mental well-being can be life-changing. Overall, acroyoga is an emerging trend that should not be overlooked.

Bryan Wright, CEO, Wright Physical Therapy

Explore Equine Therapy Benefits

As a clinical social worker and mental health professional, I have witnessed many emerging wellness trends. One that stands out is equine therapy, which provides interaction and bonding with horses. This therapy modality is especially helpful for those dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or addiction. 

Working with horses requires focus, assertiveness, and connection, all of which translate directly to mental and emotional skills. The relationship with the horse and the experience of natural horsemanship lead to an increased sense of confidence, trust, patience, and self-awareness. Spending time grooming, riding, and simply being around these majestic animals in a peaceful, natural setting also provides cognitive and emotional benefits.

Equine therapy is a powerful way to address both physical and mental well-being in a non-traditional therapeutic setting. The results I’ve seen with clients are truly changeable. For many, the barn becomes a place of safety, comfort, and growth. The lessons learned there have a lasting impact, creating positive change that extends far beyond a session.

Dr. Elizabeth Barlow, Founder & CEO, Kinder Mind

Join Adventure Racing Challenges

Adventure racing has become a popular new sport that’s good for both body and mind. It mixes running, biking, and obstacle courses, which test people’s strength and make them work together and solve problems. These races often happen outdoors in nature, which helps lower stress and connect people with the environment. This makes it a well-rounded activity for overall health.

John Cheng, CEO, PlayAbly.AI

Balance and Relax with Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding has emerged as a popular trend in recreational sports, seamlessly blending physical activity with mental relaxation. As someone who enjoys this sport, I can attest to its benefits. Balancing on a paddleboard necessitates core strength and enhances overall stability. The serene environment of paddling across calm waters provides a meditative experience, helping to clear the mind and reduce mental fatigue. This aquatic activity is accessible, requiring minimal equipment and offering versatility in usage, from gentle lake paddling to riding ocean waves. Its combination of low-impact cardiovascular exercise and mental tranquility makes it a perfect hobby for promoting holistic well-being.

Ace Zhuo, Business Development Director (Sales and Marketing), Tech & Finance Expert, TradingFXVPS

Participate in Community Fitness Events

I’ve noticed a real uptick in community-centric fitness events, like charity runs, obstacle courses, and even virtual competitions lately when taking a look at emerging trends in recreational sports.

I work with a rugby store and am deeply involved in the sports world, and I get to see firsthand how these activities not only improve our physical health but also strengthen the ties within our community. It’s fantastic how they increase motivation and social interaction, which, let’s face it, we all need!

Plus, they play a huge part in maintaining both our physical and mental health. These events aren’t just fun; they’re essential for creating long-term physical activity and building solid, lasting relationships that are important to our overall wellness.

Adam Clark, Director, RugbyStuff.com

Disconnect with Golf

The answer is golf! Growing up playing golf since childhood, I never realized how much it would benefit me in my adult life. Not only does it provide a much-needed break from the fast-paced music industry, but it also helps me maintain physical fitness through walking and swinging clubs.

Most importantly, golf allows me to disconnect from technology and the constant noise of city life. It gives me time to be alone with my thoughts and reconnect with nature.

Corey Walles, Music Producer, SoundsLikeCorey

Immerse in Forest Bathing

One of the new trends I have come across is forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku. It’s a Japanese concept whereby one immerses oneself into nature and connects with it by being present. This does not translate to hiking or exercising; it is more about slowing down and reconnecting your senses with the feel, sounds, and smells of the woods. It’s been proven that forest bathing has many benefits: reducing stress and blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, and enhancing one’s mood. It is a beautiful way to log out of this busy life and then log back in with yourself and nature. Many people in Italy are gradually engaging in this tradition, more so in areas which have very lovely forests like Lombardy.

Liga Rudzite, Author, The Traveler

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Celebrate the joy of hobbies with articles that highlight a range of creative and recreational pursuits. From artistic endeavors to outdoor activities, we’ll explore how engaging in hobbies contributes to happiness and mental well-being. Expect to find inspiring stories, tips for starting new hobbies, and ways to incorporate your passions into a busy schedule.

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