The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and so should your personal training methods if you want to satisfy your loyal clients and attract new ones. Keeping up with workout trends can help you retain clients and get new ones through the door. As a fitness trainer, you want your clients to stay engaged and excited about their sessions, and a way you can do that is by including new gym trends to your repertoire. 

This article will explore several different health and fitness trends you can use to shake things up, as well as an exploration into the rise of new trends and how external factors have impacted the fitness landscape.

Why Are There New Trends in the Fitness Industry?

New workout trends in the fitness industry are a result of many different changes throughout the last several years. Here, we delve into some of the biggest catalysts of emerging fitness trends. 

Technological Advancements

Advancements in technology have altered the way many of us live, let alone how we workout. New technology like wearable monitors, virtual augmentation, and fitness apps have changed the game when it comes to exercise trends. These advancements have made it simpler to track and streamline workouts, while also gamifying and enhancing the client experience. Some of this technology also allows consumers to specifically tailor exercise routines to their own personal preferences, incentivizing those to stick with their workouts. Bottom line: technology has made fitness more fun! 

Shifts in Consumer Behavior

New trends also arise due to shifts in consumer behavior. Some include: 

• Mental wellness and eco-consciousness focus. With an increasing focus on mental wellness and eco-friendly experiences, customers are always looking for ways to improve themselves and the world around them. (According to a recent YouGov survey, nearly half of consumers state they’d be okay with paying a 10% markup on sustainable fitness and equipment.) There are a growing number of people who want the option to make choices that can benefit both themselves and the planet, which means gyms that go green and take steps to reduce environmental harm (like reducing water waste, banning single-use plastics, and using energy-efficient lighting) are becoming more desirable. 
• Rising awareness of physical health concerns. New studies point to a rising trend in physical health complications like high blood pressure and diseases, prompting many to seek out fitness and wellness clubs to combat these issues. (By 2045, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts at least 1 out of every 8 adults will have diabetes.) 
• The need for customization. New trends can help cater to new areas of focus, such as nutrition-oriented routines, mindfulness, and a desire for more personalized fitness experiences. Not everyone wants to go to the gym and jump on a machine for half an hour. Functional fitness and tailored routines can make working out more desirable for those who want to introduce exercise into their lives without the associated dread of having to work out. We’ve all been there!

New Norms After COVID Lockdowns

The grave impact of COVID-19 on fitness businesses lead many exercisers to take their physical health into their own hands (mainly by incorporating home workouts and other creative activities into their physical routines). However, according to a 2023 study, even after gyms reopened, a survey revealed that over half the participants still preferred working out at home. The COVID pandemic may have accelerated exercise trends such as virtual training and outdoor workouts, but they continue to shape the industry due to their convenience, affordability, and flexibility for consumers. 

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9 Personal Training & Fitness Trends You Should Offer to Your Clients

There are plenty of wellness and gym trends you can offer to your clients to re-energize their workouts and commitment to fitness. Below, we break down a few popular trends you may want to consider for your own training business. 

1. Online Personal Training Classes

Online classes became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their convenience and flexibility for both trainers and gym-goers alike remained long after lockdowns. While in-person gym attendance remains high, plenty of people opt for hybrid memberships, where they can take advantage of both physical and online classes. Giving your clients the opportunity to stream classes can not only increase your revenue but expand your base of clientele. 

2. Integration of Wearables 

Wearable devices (such as smartwatches) have made it simpler—and frankly more interesting—to track and monitor the physical state. Most of these technologies let you measure things like steps, walking symmetry, blood oxygen levels, heartbeats per minute, and sleep consistency. These details can help exercisers feel like they know their bodies better, allowing them to have more control over how they develop their nutrition, routines, and overall fitness journeys. 

3. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT workouts have been popular for a while, and there’s a reason for it: they’re an effective calorie-burner. HIIT workouts involve short bursts of high-intensity activity combined with a brief period of downtime, followed by another burst of high-intensity activity. Exercises like box jumps, sprints, and rowing can all be HIIT workouts with the right energy behind them. 

4. Functional Fitness

Functional fitness has experienced a rise in popularity over the years. This type of training incorporates movements you would use outside a gym setting in order to improve your function in everyday life. For instance, squats and deadlifts can help strengthen the body for lifting heavy work equipment, your delivery packages, or even children. The goal of functional fitness isn’t to bulk up, it’s to prepare your body for common movement patterns and reduce the risk of injury. (Nobody wants to pull their back out bringing in groceries!)

5. Wellness Coaching

Wellness coaches offer guidance and support for their clients’ overall health. They don’t just steer them toward better life choices, they give them the tools they need to make better choices for themselves. In addition to exercise and other physical activities, this type of holistic health coaching provides both mentorship and accountability for those looking for a more rounded training experience. Wellness coaches can help their clients make lifestyle changes that benefit their entire bodies—including mental and spiritual health. 

6. Gamification

Gamification is a way to make exercise more enjoyable, and can be an effective way to get people moving. After all, who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? (Even against yourself!) Elements like leaderboards and awards can be a highly motivating factor, giving clients the drive they need to get active and helping them reach their fitness goals through hard work and fun. 

7. Low-Intensity Workouts

Low-intensity workouts have also seen a spike in popularity, with activities like walking and yoga becoming a preferred way for some to get their exercise on. Low-impact workouts can be a better choice for those with injuries or bad knees, or those simply looking to preserve their current condition while ensuring they get enough physical activity to make a difference. It can also be a better choice for fitness beginners who are intimidated by hardcore strength training or intense cardio, and want to ease their way into an enjoyable workout experience. 

8. Outdoor Exercise

After lockdowns, people were desperate to leave their homes and take in the fresh air and sunlight, making outdoor activities the perfect avenue for fitness and wellness. And outdoor exercise is still enjoying its boom in popularity following the COVID-19 pandemic. With many jobs still allowing work from home, people have more time to actually get outside, and many take that time to work on their physical health. Outdoor exercise is also cost-effective–taking a stroll with friends costs nothing, and is always available even during the worst of economic times. 

As a trainer, offering outdoor exercise classes can be a great way to recruit clients who’d rather not spend their free time inside a sweat cube or under harsh, fluorescent lighting. 

9. Virtual Reality

Virtual reality fitness is a relatively newer exercise trend, offering anyone from fitness enthusiasts to casual exercisers a chance to be transported into another space entirely without leaving their home or gym. VR workouts often involve wearing a headset, which allows users to interact with the digital space and participate in an entirely immersive experience. VR has been around for a few years in the video gaming industry, only recently developing into a technology specifically geared for workouts. According to an article published by NPR earlier this year, an estimated 1-2 million people work out in the virtual reality space per month. 

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Thrive Your Personal Training Business With GlossGenius

Staying current with fitness trends and adapting your services to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers can significantly improve your business. New technologies and advancements have made it possible to customize and personalize workouts, as well as connect with your clients and enhance their overall experience. The right personal trainer software can contribute to your success and make it easier for you to focus your energy on clients. 

GlossGenius is an all-in-one platform for personal trainers, providing the necessary tools to smoothly run their daily operations. With handy features such as Marketing, Client Insights, and Online Booking, you can streamline your efforts and create a seamless experience for your clients and staff.