If you like to optimise your workout routine, social media can be an excellent resource. From at-home reformer Pilates hacks to the viral 75 soft challenge, there’s always plenty of fitspo to be found online.

Recently, the UK-based fitness experts at Bulk analysed Google search data to determine which fitness and diet trends are the fastest-growing for 2023 – and it turns out, a lot of them stem from TikTok.  

“Thanks to social media, fitness trends have become more accessible and inclusive than ever before,” said a statement released by Bulk. “By showcasing diverse body types and workout routines, social media has created a positive culture around fitness, inspiring individuals of all backgrounds to prioritise their health and wellbeing.” 

“Fitness is constantly evolving, and emerging trends are a reflection of our ever-changing understanding of the human body and what it takes to keep it healthy,” the statement continued. “While it's important to stay informed about these new trends, it’s vital to do research into them and consult your GP before making any major changes to your diet and lifestyle”. 

Want to know which fitness trends made the cut? Read on…

The fastest growing fitness trends in 2023

1/ 12 – 3 – 30 workout

“The 12-3-30 workout consists of walking on a treadmill at an incline of 12, at 3 miles (roughly 5km for those of us in Aus) per hour for a duration of 30 minutes,” explained Bulk. “This viral trend first became popular on TikTok but has since spread across the internet, sparking the interest of many people, and leading to a 140% increase in search volume since 2022. Many fitness enthusiasts have praised the workout for its effectivity in increasing endurance, building strength and burning fat.”

2/ 75 Hard Challenge 

“The 75 hard challenge is another TikTok fitness phenomenon created by motivational speaker, author and podcaster Andy Frisella in 2019. However, at the start of 2023, there’s been a 77% increase in searches for this fitness trend,” explained the platform. “Designed to be a ‘transformative mental toughness program’ it consists of living by six rules for 75 days: Stick to any diet, no alcohol or cheat meals, complete two 45-minute workouts per day (one must be outside), drink 4.5 litres of water each day, take a daily progress photo and read 10 pages of an inspirational or educational non-fiction book each day.”

The catch? “If you fail any one of these, you must restart from day one. Frisella claims you will ‘come out on the other side as ‘the hardest, most disciplined version of yourself.’”

3/ Carnivore Diet  

“The carnivore diet is a restrictive diet that only includes meat, fish and other animal products such as eggs, and dairy products. It’s similar to a ketogenic diet with fats and protein being the main source of calories, however, it's more restrictive as there are zero carbs and no fruits and veg,” explained the platform. 

“It’s been a slightly controversial diet with many claiming it aided in weight loss, muscle growth, improving mood and energy, and in some cases cured mental and physical medical conditions,” they went on to say. “Although much of this evidence is anecdotal, there are studies that support the idea that diets could be important factors in helping with some mental and physical disorders.” 

4/ CrossFit

“CrossFit is a branded fitness regimen that involves constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity,” explained Bulk. “The method was developed by Greg Glassman in 2000 and still to this day is one of the most popular and trending fitness regimens.” 

“CrossFit consists of elements from weightlifting, gymnastics, HIIT and cardio to create an all-around strength and conditioning program. Despite being over two decades old there’s been a 41% increase in search volume in 2023 so far, showing the longevity and popularity that CrossFit has within the fitness world.”

5/ HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)

“HIIT or High-Intensity Interval Training is a training protocol alternating short periods of intense or explosive anaerobic exercise with brief recovery periods until the point of exhaustion,” said Bulk. “One of the attractions of HIIT workouts is that you only need to do a 20-minute workout to experience the fitness and health benefits. This is due to excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), which can increase calorie burn up to 24 hours after doing a HIIT workout. This makes it great for people who don’t have loads of free time.” 

The other great thing about HIIT workouts is that they “only use body weight which means you don’t even need access to a gym”.

No wonder “searches for HIIT continue to rise with 25% more in 2023 than this time last year”.

6/ Functional Fitness Training

“Functional Fitness Training are workouts that focus on strength training that readies the body for daily activities,” said Bulk’s experts. “This means incorporating bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, squatting and hauling as well as other movements.” 

“This training prepares people for daily life and the stresses that are constantly exerted on our bodies,” they went on to say. “With an 18% increase over this time last year, this type of training is rising in popularity due to its clear application in our day-to-day lives. It's person-centred to increase longevity and support health for later on in life.”

7/ Calisthenics 

“Calisthenics refers to a form of exercise that uses one's body weight as resistance to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. It's a type of workout that doesn't require any equipment and can be done anywhere, making it a popular choice for people who want to stay fit and active without having to go to a gym,” explained the fitness platform. “Calisthenics is much harder than many traditional fitness trends which is why despite its benefits it is not as popular, although it still experienced a 16% increase in search volume in the first few months of 2023.”

8/ Mobility Training 

“Mobility training is a type of exercise that focuses on improving the range of motion, flexibility, and stability of your joints and muscles. It typically involves a combination of stretching, bodyweight exercises, and dynamic movements that target specific areas of the body. Mobility training can be beneficial for individuals of all fitness levels, as it can help improve overall physical performance, prevent injury, and alleviate pain and discomfort associated with tight or restricted muscles,” revealed the fitness experts at Bulk. 

“By incorporating mobility training into your regular workout routine, you can enhance your body's ability to move freely and efficiently, allowing you to perform everyday activities with greater ease and comfort,” they continued. “Mobility training has become popular across social media which explains the steady increase in search volume over the past year.” 

9/ Bodyweight Training

“Bodyweight training is a form of exercise that involves using your own body weight as resistance to build strength, flexibility, and endurance,” explained Bulk. 

“This type of training can be done anywhere and doesn't require any special equipment, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to stay in shape,” they continued. “The beauty of bodyweight training is that it can be easily modified to suit any fitness level, from beginner to advanced, making it a versatile and effective form of exercise for people of all ages and abilities.” 

10/ Primal Movement

“Primal movements are the fundamental human movements that our bodies were designed to perform, such as squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, and gait (walking, running, jumping),” explained Bulk’s experts. “These movements are essential for building functional strength, mobility, and coordination, and are often incorporated into fitness programs to improve overall physical performance and reduce the risk of injury.”

“By training our bodies to move in these natural ways, we can improve our ability to carry out everyday activities and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle,” they went on to say. “[However], using these within fitness is a relatively new trend, with a small community spreading the word through social media. With a 13% increase in searches, this trend could experience more traction and become more popular.”

If you’re more interested in other people’s workout routines than your own (we get it), this is everything Shanina Shaik does to keep fit and healthy.

Main image credit: @bernadette.fahey