With constant tweets, articles and videos informing us about the latest in fitness, it can be hard to tell the HIIT from the miss when it comes to trends in our industry. Read on for Australian Institute of Fitness Industry Partner, Justin Tamsett’s update on what’s REALLY new in fitness!
At the beginning of each year, The American Council of Exercise publishes 10 trend forecasts. With more than half the year gone, let’s see how accurate they were, which trends have hit their stride and which haven’t quite caught on.
TREND | STATUS | MORE |
More people will start using wearable technology | ✔ | Watches and heart rate monitors that feed into your favourite fitness app are showing up everywhere, just makes sure you use them wisely. |
Online video and on-demand workout programs will be more common & allow consumers to train anywhere anytime | ✔ | Many of our industry’s biggest names offer downloadable workout programs and online video tutorials. |
Online PT will be mainstream with PT’s providing virtual training | ❌ | While more online Personal Trainers are popping up, they aren’t mainstream yet. We will have to wait and see if online PT can really match the real thing. |
Functional Training will be overtaken by Loaded Movement Training | ❌ | Functional Training still remains a top fitness buzzword and popular workout. |
Group based training programs will be personalised using technology like heart-rate monitors | ✔ |
Fitness providers have been quick to use technology to improve the group exercise experience, at the heart of up-and-coming franchises like Orange Theory. |
Large box clubs will see 1:1 PT overshadowed by small-group or semi-private training | ✔ |
Gyms can’t get enough of small group training this year. |
Workouts will move away from HIIT sessions and to safer program designs that permit greater recovery | ✔ |
Whilst HIIT produces results fast, this training method is beginning to lose popularity in favour of programs that promote better recovery and long-term fitness. |
Trainers and clients will use ‘bio-markers’ to track success | ❌ |
Fitness professionals now better understand the relationship between hormone levels and client success, however the industry is yet to mainstream blood-testing or more advanced measurement taking. |
Competitive adventure races will continue to grow in popularity | ✔ |
Events season is upon us, and whether it’s gym prep or a finish line selfie, it’s all over our newsfeeds! |
Old school group fitness classes and full service health clubs will make a comeback as people want variety in one location | ❌ |
A throwback to old style group fitness classes and health clubs is yet to happen, but watch this space! |
Disclaimer: Where Certificate III in Fitness, Cert III/Cert 3, or Fitness Coach is mentioned, it refers to SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness. Where Certificate IV in Fitness, Cert IV/Cert 4, or Personal Trainer is mentioned, it refers to SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Where Master Trainer Program™ is mentioned, it refers to Fitness Essentials and SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Where Master Trainer Plus+ Program™ is mentioned, it refers to SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness and SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Where Certificate IV in Massage or Cert IV/Cert 4 is mentioned, it refers to HLT42021 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy. Where Diploma of Remedial Massage is mentioned, it refers to HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage.