WORLDWIDE FITNESS TRENDS OF 2015 & THE AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE TO IT
We therefore investigated further into what Australian Fitness Professionals had to say about fitness trends. For the most part, the survey results were comparable to the Australian market.
1. A MORE PERSONALIZED AND RESPONSIVE APPROACH TO TRAINING
There is a general move towards a personalized and responsive training approach, whether it be for an individual or a group. Technology allows instructors to provide group workouts that allow each participant to work at his or her own pace.
Although this is not new, more and more clubs are adopting the notion that one size does NOT fit all. The more personalized a group class is, the more likely each participant will achieve their goals and be motivated to return.
At the same time, one on one personal training will decline at large health clubs in favour of small group or semi-private training program. These programs will become fee-based and makes greater economical sense to both the trainer and the participants.
Training is becoming more responsive
- Energy systems training powered by technology (such as a Bluetooth Heart Rate monitor) allow personal trainers to measure and understand how energy systems work. This type of training allows PT to know whether their clients are over-training or under training as well as how their body is recovering post session.
- Behaviour modification programming is able to adapt sessions depending on their client’s emotions and feelings. Usually they will have three types of programs ready (recovery, strength, or HIIT). The days of the “no pain no gain” theology is being left behind by better scientific understanding.
2. CHANGING CONSUMER ATTITUDE TOWARDS EXERCISE AND WEIGHT LOSS
Trends are powered by consumer’s changing attitude towards exercise and weight loss.
Women developing a growing appreciation for weight training
Female role models highlighting the benefits of following a structured weight training program (that includes heavy lighting) has had positive impacts on women’s perception of the weight training. As a result, more and more women are stepping out of the group fitness studio and into the free weights section.
Holistic and sustainable approach to health and fitness
Fitness professionals such as Thy Nguyen (Lululemon IVY ambassador and yoga teacher) and Michael Cunico (PT manager at Fitness first) noticed a change in a positive direction away from fad workouts and diets and towards a more holistic and sustainable approach to health and fitness.
“Most of my clients and students have moved beyond the quick fix mentality and have embraced long term health and wellness goals – such as balance, happiness, strength and flexibility – the overall package.” – Thy Nguyen
“As a health and lifestyle choice, more people are becoming mindful of what they eat. Nutrition plays such an integral role to weight loss and overall health. How things are prepared and the impact food production has on the environment – which also reflects how we may feel by ingesting it –are growing concerns for many. – Michael Cunico
Demand of changing attitude
Changes in attitudes towards health and fitness are leading practitioners to provide a one-stop-shop solution for consumers. There is a move towards a more balanced, integrated approach to fitness, health, nutrition and well being by offering a complete fitness and health program.
“Addressing nutrition, mental and physical wellbeing – I feel like that’s going to be a strong trend worldwide,” Luke Istomin, found of F45.
3. WORKOUT TYPE
There is a general trend in consumers focusing more on functional exercises, rather than isolated movement. Consumers are also increasingly time poor and focused on routines that require little time and equipment. Coupled with the changes in attitudes, consumers are adopting longer-term and time specific programs.
The continued rise of HIIT (high intensity interval training)
“With people being more and more time poor expect to see a continued rise in fitness training such as Tabata, 4 minute workout routines. They will require minimal equipment and be focused on mainly body weight exercises, rather than complex heavy weight lifting.”Luke D’Astoli, Director of Training at Acumotum, Lululemon Chapel Street Ambassador
Time-specific programs
“2015 will see a continuation of time-specific training programs – for instance, 12-week regimens – coupled with clean eating diets.There will also be an emphasis on long lean muscle training, moving away from building bulk and bigger bodies to focus on building functional, leaner bodies that perform at their optimum in all facets of exercise and life.’ Cora Geroux, Writer, Yoga Teacher & Lululemon ambassador
DIY workouts
“I see a definite trend towards exercise that doesn’t require a lot of equipment or a fancy set up. People want a routine that they can incorporate into their everyday lives, whether they are at home, on the road or in the studio. People are now exercising to be the very best they can be at life – instead of focusing on how much they can lift, or how much weight they can drop. This to me, is what health and wellness is really about and I am so excited to see this sentiment catching on in 2015.”- Cora Geroux
4. TRACKABLE TECHNOLOGY
More people will utilize wearable technology to monitor and record personal biometric data.
Watch these trends start to integrate into social networks, have built-in rewards programs and gamify for extra personal motivation. With Samsung & Apple both investing billions into this technology segment, it will only become more and more acceptable in everyday life.
Links is already developing this technology into its Links software with SWIMTAG integrations, integrating with Precor Previa machines, RFID technology giving access & all functionality in a facility as well as developing gamified leaderboard technology.
References
http://www.theglow.com.au/fitness/fitness-trends-2015/#i1OWwVhrhSAjY6sv.99
Infographic vector designed by Freepik
Information compiled by Melanie Sarian for the Links Marketing team
