It’s the most wonderful time of the year (again!). This is the time to plan, set goals, and create your vision of what 2020 will look like. At the close of each year, we take a look at the results of ACSM’s “Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends” to make sure our team has the right product offering and expertise to provide to our clients. If fitness factors into your business model or organizational values, you’ll want to make sure you’re informed, educated, and prepared to address the coming year’s top predicted fitness trends, too.
And now…(drumroll, please)… here are ACSM’s Top 10 Fitness Trends for 2020:
#1 Wearable Technology
No surprise here…wearable tech and its integration with fitness equipment is still gaining momentum, coming in at #1 on the charts of top predicted trends for the second year in a row.
#2 High intensity interval training
Commonly referred to as HIIT, this form of training focuses on thirty minutes or less of repeated all-out, maximum-effort activity followed by short periods of rest. HIIT rose to the #2 slot from its previous ranking of #3 in 2019.
#3 Group Training
Group exercise programming is predicted to remain highly popular in 2020. This trend has a strong appeal for Millennials, who are seeking real connections and strong community environments.
#4 Training with Free Weights
Appearing in previous years under the heading “Strength Training,” this newly-named category hits the trend list at #4. A nod to the popularity of functional training and the staying power of tried-and-true, fundamental strength-building movements, typical training tools include medicine balls, dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells, to name a few.
#5 Personal Training
One-on-one instruction has been gaining momentum in recent years, and it’s not slowing down now. Snagging 2020’s #5 spot, up from #8 in 2019 and 2018, Personal Training refers to fitness testing and goal setting with the accountability and coaching of a fitness professional.
#6 Exercise is Medicine
An initiative created by the ACSM in 2007, the goal of the Exercise is Medicine philosophy is to “make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care,” and promote fitness and exercise as powerful preventative and treatment methods for a variety of medical conditions.
#7 Bodyweight Training
More than just push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups, this trend includes any exercise that uses the weight of the body as the resistance variable in multiple planes and angles.
#8 Fitness Programs for Older Adults
Baby Boomers represent one of the top two largest population groups in the US, so it makes sense that exercise programs and products for older adults (born before 1965) are consistently a top fitness trend. Key goals are fall prevention, quality of life, and longer life expectancies.
#9 Health/Wellness Coaching
Though it shares some similarities with Personal Training, Health/Wellness Coaching focuses on more than just fitness goals, also supporting a client’s vision, values, and needs by adopting behavioral strategies to achieve mental, physical, and emotional health.
#10 Employing Certified Fitness Professionals
Hiring certified fitness pros rounds out 2020’s top ten fitness trends. Obtaining and maintaining certifications through programs accredited by the NCAA is key for these individuals, which in turn gives them the expertise needed to advise, train, and support exercisers on their fitness journeys.
So, are you ready for 2020? Our team of fitness facility design and equipment experts can help you prepare for a prosperous new year! If you’re looking for inspiration, our article on 3 Keys to Designing A Great Fitness Facility is a perfect place to start, and we encourage you to schedule a complimentary consultation with your local ASF sales representative to make sure 2020 is your best year yet.