The American College of Sports Medicine has just released its Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2019. Here is our ‘rundown’ of the key trends to note as we ‘jump’ into the new year.
The Top 10:
- Wearable technology
- Group training
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Fitness programs for older adults
- Bodyweight training
- Employing certified fitness professionals
- Yoga
- Personal training
- Functional fitness training
- Exercise is medicine
So how does this differ from last year?
Wearable technology taking the top place after falling last year to #3 is likely a result of manufacturers improving technology and accuracy. HIIT was the #1 trend in 2018 with CrossFit and F45 seeing phenomenal growth as Group Training continues to sit high.
Other important trends to note are #11 Health/Wellness Coaching. Up from #18 spot in 2018, this trend is all about incorporating behavioural science into health promotion and lifestyle medicine programs. It involves coaching based on values, needs, vision and short and long terms goals, using behaviour change intervention strategies. This ‘wellness’ approach over just fitness alone has been adopted by brands such as lululemon, with mindfulness being a huge part of their brand DNA.
Mobile Exercise Apps this year sprung from #26 to lucky #13. Apps like MINDBODYare now incorporating trend #11 into their platform also, offering wellness and beauty bookings alongside fitness for a more holistic look at personal health.
Lastly, the survey notes the rise of ‘worksite health promotion and workplace well-being programs’ which we fully endorse at MINT. In addition to in-office yoga and lunchtime group training days, we have recently embarked on weekly step-challenges which have had our more competitive Minties doing laps of their living room at night.
Written by Miranda Bryce, Head of Strategy.
