Posted on December 09, 2021.

1. Hybrid gym memberships 

We’re seeing an increase in gyms offering hybrid memberships. Many traditional gyms are noticing that members want to have the option to work out either online or in-person. Online fitness isn’t necessarily a competitor to brick-and-mortar businesses, but an ally as long as you can adapt to the needs of your members. Members want the option to head to the gym a few days a week, but also get a workout in at home. Hybrid gym memberships are all about providing a level of convenience that consumers not only demand but expect. 

2. Wellness-tracking wearable technology  

Wearable tech and activity trackers continue to be a big trend for 2022, but they are going beyond fitness. This year, many smartwatches and fitness trackers are adding features that delve into metrics like body temperatures, stress levels, sleep, and heart rate. People are looking to track a variety of wellness metrics that go beyond just steps or miles run. A great example of this is the human performance company Whoop. In the last year, they have raised $200 million in funding. Whoop can track your sleep, health, strain, recovery so that you can have a bigger picture of your overall healthcare.  

3. Exercising outdoors 

People are spending more time outdoors and with the closure of gyms, many members went to their local outside space for their workouts. UK gym chain, Pure Gym, conducted a survey based on Google searches to spot the latest fitness trends or fads. They found that reverse running and stroller fitness are climbing the list of popular searches. Outdoor activities like hiking, running, cycling, and outdoor workouts in nature will continue to be popular ways to exercise. More people are not only looking to exercise more but benefit from being out in nature. 

4. Low-impact exercise 

As popular as high-impact exercise is, there’s a space for low-impact exercise to grow. Workouts like rowing, yoga and Pilates are perfect for strengthening but are much less harsh on the body. As more people look to work on functional daily movements and just live a healthier life, low impact but effective workouts will continue to be a fitness trend. For instance, Pure Barre which is the largest barre studio franchise focuses on small movements that result in big changes. 

5. Inclusive fitness 

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive fitness industry will continue to be an underlying theme for gyms, fitness studios, and even fitness apps. From your instructors to workout styles, as a business owner, it’s your responsibility to create a diverse environment. With online and home workouts, more people have access to fitness like never before. But there’s still room for a higher level of inclusivity. You can see this through the development of fitness apps such as Joyn which focuses on body-neutral movement with no judgment and no diet talk. 

6. Mini workouts 

Mini workouts are for the people who don’t have 45 minutes spare to dedicate to a workout. They are for the people who want to squeeze in an effective, but quick workout throughout the day. Mini workouts benefit both time-sensitive people as well as those who simply don’t have the motivation to commit to a huge workout. Whether it’s strength training with free weights or a ten-minute bodyweight training program, a mini workout is simple and quick. Mini workouts could be five or ten minutes long that you can spread out throughout your day. 

7. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) 

Every year, high-intensity interval training continues to be trending. Typically, HIIT workouts involve short bursts of activity with periods of rest. The benefit of HIIT training is that you can get in an intense workout in a relatively short period of time. The good thing about HIIT is that you don’t need any special equipment as you can use bodyweight exercises. Most of the time, you can customize HIIT workouts so they are suitable for a range of abilities. A style of HIIT training known as ZUU is also increasing in popularity. ZUU is inspired by the animal kingdom and delivers a tough full-body workout. 

8. Mind-body 

Moving into 2022, there will likely continue to be a big focus on holistic fitness programs and mind-body practices. Following multiple lockdowns, financial pressures, and general stress from living through a pandemic, mental health is a key focus in health. As more people look to find ways to ease stress, anxiety and support their mental health, practices like yoga, tai chi, and medication will continue to be popular. As physical activity becomes part of the greater health puzzle, consumers will look to movement as a way to meet their overall wellness goals.

9. Outdoor personal training 

As the trend towards outdoor exercise and personalized training continues, outdoor personal training looks set to be popular this year. Personal trainers also have the opportunity to teach small groups in an outdoor setting. By training outdoors you can maintain social distancing more easily and have fresh air circulating. Outdoor personal training also supports clients who may be hesitant about exercising indoors or those more vulnerable to COVID-19 and seeking alternatives to the gym. 

10. Smart home gym 

Smart home gym equipment was already trending before the pandemic, but multiple lockdowns really accelerated consumer adoption and growth. No doubt smart home gym equipment can be pricey, but brands like Tempo and FightClub continue to raise millions in funding this year. For many people, the barrier to smart home gym equipment is price and size. We’re already seeing brands tackle this with equipment like the Temple Studio which is an all-in-one home gym the size of a mini-fridge, costing just under $400. While Peloton is a huge player in the home gym equipment space, it will be interesting to see how new brands come to the field with different offerings. 

11. Fun group fitness classes 

There’s something about working out in a group that makes you feel good. Entire brands are built on the premise that people like to work out together and that feeling of community elevates the business. While HIIT and yoga will always be popular group workouts, we’re seeing classes like trapeze, roller skating, and trampoline grow in popularity. Thanks to TikTok, weighted hula hoop exercises appear to be back on the scene. While it’s difficult to tell if something is a trend or fad, one thing remains the same, which is there’s no denying the popularity of group training.

12. Movement as medicine 

In the fitness landscape, one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is that fitness is going beyond achieving the perfect bikini body. It’s about moving your body and living a healthier life. Fitness is just a part of your overall wellness, and the mindset of exercise is medicine is growing. There are benefits to daily exercise and movement for health and well-being. The American Heart Association even suggests that doctors could prescribe exercise for some cases of high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Original article: https://www.glofox.com/blog/10-fitness-industry-trends-that-could-define-2020/