High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which utilizes short bursts of exercise followed by brief rest periods, has become the top fitness trend of this year. This form of workout can be performed anywhere without needing equipment.
After recent lockdowns, fitness lovers seek a sense of community once again. Group training programs have seen an upsurge and include everything from squats and roller skating sessions to weighted hula hoops exercises.
1. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
ACSM has identified High Intensity Interval Training as a top trend for 2018 as it varies a form of exercise program that alternates short bursts of intense activity with recovery periods, such as sprinting, biking or push-ups. HIIT workouts may include sprinting, biking or push-ups as popular examples of such programs.
Running is an ideal form of exercise for busy Americans as it doesn’t require any equipment and usually lasts less than 30 minutes. Furthermore, this form of physical activity has many health advantages such as raising heart rate and improving circulation.
Functional fitness jumped two spots since 2021. Functional fitness training improves balance, coordination, functional strength and endurance to enhance activities of daily living – such as group walks/rides/hikes or bike sessions. Gyms could meet this demand by offering hybrid offerings that let members choose between live in-person group training sessions and online group training options for members.
2. Strength Training
Exercise for weight loss has seen significant success this year on the ACSM survey, making an appearance at number 4 after years in the bottom ten. This surge could be attributable to COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown periods as well as people wanting to feel connected and supported during their workouts.
Peloton and SoulCycle fitness classes continue to gain in popularity, thanks to rockstar instructors building vibrant communities while drawing in new members.
Strength training often entails lifting weights; however, this trend also includes bodyweight exercises like squats and farmer’s carries that can be performed anywhere and serve to strengthen your body for everyday tasks such as carrying groceries or chasing kids around the house – it also makes getting to those high shelves on Facebook Marketplace easier!
3. Wearable Technology
Wearable technology such as fitness trackers, smart watches and heart rate monitors have been an emerging trend since 2016. These compact devices can track data points such as movement, exercise performance, body heat output, sleep patterns and sitting/standing time.
People use fitness trackers to gamify their fitness journey and be motivated to reach new milestones – for instance, seeing a running personal best motivates runners to push even harder the next time around. Virtual training also made its debut this year combining group exercise with digital streaming workouts accessible 24/7 – great for busy schedules as they can still get in a workout without making arrangements at their local gym!
4. Group Fitness Training
At a time of increased social isolation and self-quarantee, group fitness classes have seen a resurgence. Thanks to rockstar instructors from brands like SoulCycle and Peloton, these workouts not only promote fun workouts but also foster an atmosphere of community among participants.
Work out with friends or hire a personal trainer; whatever works for them. Group exercise classes provide variety in music, routines and exercises so as not to burnout or bore you during exercise sessions.
Working out in a group can provide additional motivation to reach your fitness goals. Working out alongside someone and keeping track of progress together may give you that extra push needed to break previous bests.
5. Low Impact Workouts
While high intensity interval training (HIIT) may be popular among some fitness centers, newcomers to exercise often feel intimidated by its rigorous intensity. By offering accessible low impact beginner group classes (virtual or in person), gyms will attract and keep this demographic.
Low impact workouts include walking, hiking and elliptical training – which are available via fitness apps and classes – but swimming and circuit training also make great cardiovascular exercises with less strain on joints, according to Roser.
One-on-one personal training debuted on ACSM’s list at number two in 2021 and functional fitness training is defined as improving balance and stability; regional rankings of 2023 fitness trends include Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico Portugal Spain.
6. Online Workouts
As we return to normality in 2021, fitness enthusiasts have sought out low-impact group workouts that provide full body exercises without being as high risk. Classes like yoga, rowing and barre are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to strengthen body parts without producing the harsh impacts often associated with higher impact exercises such as the gym floor.
Online workouts allow users to access live or on-demand fitness classes from their favorite instructors at any time and anywhere – and have grown increasingly popular since last year. They show no sign of diminishing in popularity either!
ACSM recently listed balance and stabilisation training, stretch-based training and virtual reality exercise training among their list of new trends for fitness trends in the US. Additional top 10 fitness trends included wearable technology, strength training with free weights, health and wellness coaching as well as hybrid gym offerings (virtual/in person). Check out ACSM’s full list here.
7. Social Gatherings
Due to gym lockdowns and fitness center closures, people have turned to more social forms of exercise, including group running, cycling, rowing and yoga workouts as well as personal or small group training with trainers or fellow clients.
Digital streaming technology enables this trend, which delivers group, individual, or instructional exercise programs online for viewing either live or prerecorded and accessible 24/7.
People wanting to exercise in more social environments offer gyms an opportunity to attract new customers while providing more personalized workout experiences, creating community and confidence that exercise is effective for one’s health. Other trends not selected this year included personal training, exercise for weight loss, outdoor fitness activities and outdoor exercise – which all made the cut in this year’s ACSM worldwide survey conducted by health and fitness professionals ranking 42 potential trends.
8. Outdoor Workouts
Outdoor workouts are an enjoyable and engaging way to keep your body challenged and engaged in its fitness regimen. Use steps, walls, benches and playground equipment for strength exercises like push-ups or pull-ups; for advanced outdoor strength training use playground equipment instead.
As people become busier, HIIT has seen its popularity soar; as it offers a quick and effective workout with no equipment necessary, it has quickly become one of the top 20 trends. Others in this list include online live and on-demand exercise classes, functional fitness training, yoga and health/wellbeing coaching services.
Exercise outdoors can also be good for your mental health, particularly if you go hiking or jogging to enjoy the scenery and natural environment around you. Outdoor workouts also allow you to practice mindfulness and meditation – to make sure that your outdoor exercises go as smoothly as possible, it is advisable to always bring along a water bottle as well as snacks!
9. Mobility Workouts
Individuals are increasingly turning to strengthening and reclaiming their mobility by participating in exercises like stretching and foam rolling. These workouts, often combined with strength training sessions, aim to boost performance, prevent injuries and alleviate pain.
Personal training has made an impressive comeback to the top 10 trends list after many years of steady decline, as people seek guidance from personal trainers to meet their fitness goals and establish healthy routines during COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
Outdoor activities have experienced a resurgence this year as a result of COVID-19 pandemic closures, leading to more activities outside. This trend includes walking, hiking and cycling as well as group fitness classes in nature as well as body weight training and other cardio options; making these workouts perfect for people wanting to get back into fitness but without high impact workouts.
10. Nutrition
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy body is with proper nutrition. This trend isn’t simply driven by fashion; people’s desire for inner and outer wellness drives it forward. Fitness professionals that focus on helping their clients attain inner health will gain an edge this year.
Fitness professionals can capitalize on this trend to offer education and guidance about making healthy nutrition part of everyday life more easily. Over the next year it will be exciting to observe how these trends develop further – stay tuned for 2023! ACSM’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends provides industry professionals worldwide with valuable input. Their results serve as the world’s most respected benchmark.
