The top fitness trends to look out for in 2018
What a year we had in 2017 at Physical Company. We had the great opportunity to sponsor the Combat Zone Gym of the Year category at the National Fitness Awards, we kicked off our partnership with leading sports nutrition brand BioSynergy, introduced a number of new lines, won some amazing contracts and tenders and launched our new website.
As with our own business, in the wider fitness industry it is crucial to adapt to the ever changing landscape of exercise. The way we work out is changing exponentially with the rise in technology and social media constantly creating new trends. At Physical Company we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of fitness and responsive to the needs and behaviours of operators, trainers, their members and clients.
So, what does 2018 look like for fitness?
The ACSM Health & Fitness Journal® survey has released its list of the top emerging fitness trends for 2018. The survey, designed to determine new trends in fitness that are expected to have a positive impact on the industry, predicted the following 20 trends for next year:
- HIIT Training
-Group Training
-Wearable Technology
-Educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals
-Yoga
-Personal Training
-Fitness Programmes for older adults
-Exercise & Weight Loss
-Exercise Is Medicine
-Group Personal Training
-Outdoor Activities
-Flexibility and mobility rollers
-Licensure for fitness professionals
-Circuit Training
-Wellness Coaching
-Core Training
-Sport Specific Training
Added to this, we foresee two particular trends that are likely to lead from the front in 2018.
Boutique offerings
We expect to see the continued growth of boutique studios offering users specialist expertise and programmes including station-based training, wellness, combat and HIIT. Larger operators and leisure centres will look to adopt similar offerings within their facilities. Successful US models continue to appear in the UK including group training based on each participant working at single stations that comprise multiple functional training options. Rather than taking a separate bench, dumbbells, bands, balls etc. and setting up single stations, a smarter way to do this is tuck all the necessary kit into a purpose built multi-functional bench with integrated storage. We are ahead of the curve here and are soon to launch an accessibly-priced unit to allow facilities to implement boutique-style training zones in their gyms and studios. When the session is done, the kit simply tucks back into the bench for neat, safe storage. Watch this space….
Free Range Training
'Clubs who offer distinct workout zones – such as rigs, boxing/MMA rings and sprint tracks – will entice customers away from ‘the norm’ to enjoy new experiences.'
We will also see a move towards ‘free range training’ as customers seek a really individual experience each time they visit the gym. The ‘battery farming’ set-up of a gym with rows of machines and stacks of weights that all look alike are losing favour. One size doesn’t fit all and gyms should be set out to allow users to roam freely, pick up what they want to do, have the space to do it and be supported by gym staff who can show them new ways to work. Clubs who offer distinct workout zones – such as rigs, boxing/MMA rings and sprint tracks – will entice customers away from ‘the norm’ to enjoy new experiences.
What do you think will be the big fitness trends next year? Let us know in the comments.