Each year the American College of Sports Medicine conducts a worldwide survey asking professionals for input on trends they are seeing in the fitness industry. I get somewhat skeptical when I hear the term “trend”, however, when you read the list you will see that many of the things that appear have been around for a very long time.
Fitness Trends
The ACSM defines a trend as “a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are behaving”. So, after hearing from thousands of respondents from every continent, the top 10 trends in fitness for 2018 were identified as follows:
10. Functional Fitness. Functional fitness is defined as using strength training to improve balance, coordination, force, power, and endurance to enhance someone’s ability to perform activities of daily living. This type of activity helps with injury prevention and generally making life easier. It is especially important as we age. It makes sense to make our fitness routine as practical as possible. It’s a good idea to look at your own exercise habits and consider whether or not they are making your everyday life a little easier.
9. Fitness programs for older adults. As the baby boom generation ages, this consumer segment is growing daily. So, it’s no surprise that customized programs and services to meet their needs is also growing. Many of the programs that help older adults are functional in nature so – see number 10.
8. Personal training. Personal trainers or no longer limited to the gym. They can be found working in community programs, medical fitness, corporate wellness and beyond. Personal training services can provide the structure, direction, and accountability that many people need.
7. Yoga. Yoga has been around for thousands of years for a reason: it works. From stress management to mobility and much more, yoga is an effective and inexpensive means of physical activity.
6. Educated, certified, and experienced professionals. Consumers are looking for professional direction to provide safe and effective exercise programs.
5. Strength training. Fitness enthusiasts are understanding the importance of strength training and participating in larger numbers than ever before. It is an essential component of healthy weight management, especially as we age.
4. Body weight training. Strength training is no longer limited to just machines. Using body weight for resistance can be an effective approach to training. It’s cheap, readily available, and the options are endless.
3. Wearable technology. From watches to heart rate monitors to clothing – tracking exercise can serve as a motivator and accountability tool.
2. Group training. Exercising with a community of supportive members can make exercise something to look forward to!
1. High Intensity Training. In a busy world, high intensity training has become a go-to for those looking to blast calories and build fitness in a short period of time.