May 2, 2025, 12:52 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

Looking for something new? If you’re seeking a change from dumbbells and treadmills, consider exploring the latest trends in exercise. Whether it’s techniques from the military, workouts that keep Hollywood stars in shape, or exciting combinations of familiar sports, there’s something for every fitness level and training goal. FITBOOK editor Sophie Brünke introduces six new fitness trends that will get you in shape.

Piloxing — The Crossover Training from Boxing, Pilates, and Dance

The unique aspect of Piloxing is that it is a hybrid workout combining sports that you wouldn’t expect to fit together: boxing, dancing, and Pilates. Professional dancer and personal coach Viveca Jensen developed the sport to help women achieve a stronger body image and more self-confidence. However, the sport is generally suitable for everyone and all fitness levels. A Piloxing session alternates between powerful intervals and calmer Pilates exercises, accompanied by fast-paced music. Every part of the body is engaged. The mix simultaneously trains strength, endurance, coordination, and posture. Up to 600 calories can be burned per hour. The training is usually done barefoot or with special anti-slip socks, optionally with weighted gloves for added intensity.

There are now several variations, including “Piloxing Barre” (with ballet elements), “Piloxing Knockout” (with functional training), and “Piloxing The Mix,” which focuses on trendy dance moves.

Padel Combines Tennis and Squash

Among the new fitness trends is Padel, which is ideal as a partner workout. Padel tennis combines elements of tennis and squash, with a particularly high fun factor. The game originated by chance in 1965 in Mexico when a tennis court was too small, and walled-in walls quickly became part of the game. In Spain, Padel is already a popular sport, and more courts are being built in Germany. Even celebrities like Jürgen Klopp and David Beckham are avid fans of the game.

Typical for Padel is the smaller court (10 meters by 20 meters), surrounded by glass walls. It is usually played in doubles, and the walls can be actively incorporated into the game. The rules are similar to tennis, but the ball is served “from below” and may only bounce once. Scoring follows the classic 15-30-40 principle.

There are also differences in equipment. It is played with special Padel rackets (without strings, with a perforated pattern) and softer balls that bounce less. This makes Padel easy to learn, less physically demanding than tennis, and suitable for beginners or recreational players of all ages. The biggest success factors are not pure hitting power but coordination, teamwork, and quick reflexes.

Rucking — Train Strength and Endurance While Walking

Rucking is a functional fitness concept where you walk, hike, or jog with additional weight on your back. The trend, originally from the military, combines classic endurance training with strength training and is gaining popularity, especially among people who want to get fit but are not fans of traditional jogging.

The principle is simple: Three to 20 kilograms of extra weight are carried in a backpack or weight vest. This significantly increases the load on the legs, buttocks, torso, and shoulders without requiring complex speed or technique. Rucking can be individually adjusted and is therefore suitable for both beginners and advanced individuals. Depending on the intensity, rucking improves muscle endurance, strength, and posture. Beginners should start slowly, with a light weight and a flat route. Over time, they can gradually increase the load and duration. This is also important to protect tendons and joints from overuse.

Rebounding — Get in Shape by Bouncing on a Trampoline

Rebounding is a joint-friendly full-body workout on a mini-trampoline, particularly appealing due to its high fun factor. Contrary to what you might expect, it’s not about wild bouncing but about targeted exercises performed through rhythmic bouncing on the trampoline. The small movements activate almost all muscle groups, promote balance and coordination, and stimulate metabolism. The trampoline was invented in 1936 by American gymnast George Nissen. Later, smaller trampolines were referred to as rebounders (German: “ausfedern”).

Even light bouncing on the toes is enough to engage the muscle and nervous system, as gravity and inertia alternately act on the body during rebounding. The back, joints, and intervertebral discs particularly benefit because the movement also engages the deep stabilizing muscles and activates the lymphatic system.

Rebounding is one of the fitness trends that is ideal for beginners, people with movement restrictions, or those who struggle with jogging or the gym. It is even used for rehabilitation after surgery or as cardiovascular training for soccer players.¹

Thanks to the handrail and various online programs, it is also easy to implement at home and much more engaging than many other sports.

Targeted Muscle Building with Functional Strength Training

Functional strength training is one of the fitness trends that target everyday movement patterns while simultaneously improving strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, and stability. Unlike traditional strength training, which often focuses on isolated muscle groups, functional strength training always trains multiple muscle groups simultaneously and in natural movement patterns.

Typical exercises like squats, lunges, planks, step-ups, or burpees simulate movements that also occur in everyday life, such as lifting heavy shopping bags or climbing stairs. As a result, functional strength training not only improves overall fitness but also reduces the risk of injury, strengthens the core (torso muscles), and supports sport-specific performance.

The method is suitable for all fitness levels. Those who want to not only strengthen their body but also make it more flexible, resilient, and functional will find a versatile and meaningful training form here.

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Lagree — Slow Training with a Big Effect

Lagree fitness is an intense strength-endurance workout that combines elements of Pilates, strength training, and cardio. It aims to stretch and tone muscles, promising a firm and lean figure instead of a “pumped-up” bodybuilder physique. The fitness trend was developed by former actor and current fitness entrepreneur Sebastien Lagree in Los Angeles. Among its celebrity fans are Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, and Michelle Obama.

Training is done on a special device called the Megaformer, a type of sliding platform with spring resistance, handles, and adjustable tension. The exercises resemble familiar movements like squats, lunges, or push-ups but must be performed particularly slowly, controlled, and with high muscle tension. This activates the deep muscles, promotes strength, balance, and flexibility, and primarily engages the core, legs, and glutes.

For cardio purposes, the 60-second exercises are performed consecutively with only minimal breaks. Unlike other workouts, the Lagree workout relies on slow and precise execution in time with motivating music.