It’s the time of the year again when we look towards a bright and shiny New Year. Over the past decades, we saw the fitness industry has faced greater challenges and opportunities. As the gyms are closed there is a massive influx of digital fitness offerings to people. The way the world is changing the fitness routine of practically every single human has shifted too, and become a more priority subject to be addressed for many people.

With the New Year fast approaching, no doubt we will see a wave of digital fitness trends arise. While some tend to stand the test of time, others come and go. Fitness trends will always evolve as consumer behaviors change. Although the fitness industry faces roadblocks, there’s also opportunity and room for innovation. Throughout multiple lockdowns, many people had to adjust how and where to carry their regular workout routine. Consumer behavior trends and priorities will continuously help the shaping of the fitness industry also. Brands are needed to adapt and serve the latest needs of their members in the best possible way.

Fitness providers are also re-evaluating and finding new opportunities to target the new audience segment. While the fitness industry is facing big challenges, you can see the balance of great opportunities that come with it. As people continue to reassess so many different aspects of their lives, the way they come within reach of exercise is also in the limelight.

The Covid-19 crisis continues to put a major focus on health with many consumers taking better care of their well-being. As fitness trends continue to emerge in the industry, brands have a chance to empower members by helping them not only work out but improve different areas of wellness. Mental health and fitness continue to interlink with mind-body practices weaving into various gyms and health clubs.

The rise in online training sessions and personal training. Some major changes in the fitness industry:

1. Hybrid System Membership

Traditional gyms are noticing that the members want to have the option to work out either online or in person. Members want to get the convenience that they are demanding but also expect. Hence this adaptability of providing workouts at home should be part of the membership program of the gyms.

2. Wearable Technologies

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are demanding metrics like body temperature, stress level, sleep, and heart rate too. People are looking forward to big brands providing a variety of wellness metrics that go beyond just steps or mile run. 

3. Exercising outdoors

Survey-based on Google searches spotted 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 are becoming very popular ways to exercise and people are a lot inclined towards it. As now more people are not only looking to exercise but benefit from being out in nature in the fresh air.

4. Low-impact way of exercising

In the coming years, there is more space for low-impact exercise. Workouts like rowing, yoga, and Pilates are very good for strengthening but are much less harsh on the body. People now are looking forward to daily workouts and leading healthier lives. Hence low impact but effective workout sessions will continue to be fitness trends. 

5. Small-Workout Session

People do not seriously have an hour dedicated to doing the workout. They are for people who can find enough time and need effective results. Small-workout sessions benefit both time-sensitive people as well as people who do not have a huge motivation for long workouts. It could be strength training or a ten-minute bodyweight training program, but the session should be simple and for a small duration. 

6. HIIT

HIIT is high-intensity interval training and is trending nowadays. It basically involves short bursts of activity with periods of rest. The benefit is you get an intense workout in a relatively short 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.

7. Holistic Approach

People after multiple lockdowns have a big focus on a holistic fitness program that seems to be mind-body practices. As there is too much pressure like, financial pressure, plus general stress from living through the pandemic situation, balancing mental health is the focus. Most people who have problems like stress, anxiety need support besides physical workouts like Yoga. As physical activity becomes part of the greater health puzzle, consumers will look to movement as a way to meet their overall wellness goals.

8. Home Gym

The home gym equipment was trending before the pandemic also, and now it has accelerated among customers. No doubt home gyms can be expensive but still, people who can afford them are adopting it. For many people, the barrier to smart home gym equipment is price and size but is a way to do a good workout even during a pandemic.

9. Outdoor Exercise

As a trend towards outdoor exercise and personalized training continues, outdoor personal training will be popular in the coming times. Personal trainers who are teaching small groups in an outdoor setting have the advantage that people can maintain social distance easily with the fresh air outside. Outdoor personal training also supports people who may be hesitant about exercising indoors or those more vulnerable to COVID-19 and seeking alternatives to the gym.

10. Fun Fitness Classes

There is something really good about working in a group. 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 as well. While it’s difficult to tell if something is a trend or fad, one thing remains the same, that there’s no denying the popularity of group training.

While it’s difficult to predict the future, one thing is clear that consumer needs and requirements will continue to drive the fitness industry. As a shift towards sustainable fitness grows in demand, not only people are more diverted to remain fit holistically, but there are various opportunities within the industry rising to support that.