Five global fitness trends for 2022

Some trends are here to stay. Other hypes pass and reappear years later. For 16 years, the "Health & Fitness Journal" has wanted to know where the industry is heading. To do so, every year people who work in the health and fitness industry are asked for their take on things. This year, 4546 responses from around the world were included in the results. Half of the respondents have more than ten years of professional experience and have therefore seen a number of trends come and go. They work as doctors, physiotherapists or personal trainers, but in any case they have their finger on the pulse of the fitness world. If they have their way, 2022 will be dominated by the following trends.

1. wearables

Surprise! Even in 2022, technology seems to be the biggest promise of the future. Trackers, smartwatches and other gadgets shot from 0 to #1 back in 2016, when they were first up for selection in the survey. Since then, they've always been in the top 3, surpassed only last year by the big buzzword "online workouts" that flushed the pandemic to the top. Now wearables are back in the top spot. The industry is now estimated to be worth $100 billion and is no longer just for fitness freaks. From blood pressure readings to ECGs, the data they collect is gradually becoming medically relevant. They're also transforming from clunky plastic pieces into little trinkets like the Movano Ring, which will be unveiled at CES.

2. home gyms

In last year's survey, the term online workout made a career for itself, often consisting of impromptu Zoom sessions at first. That makes this year's number two spot sound a bit more polished: home exercise gyms. The fitness community has upgraded and adapted to the new circumstances. Home exercise will remain relevant even if the pandemic eventually dies down. You just pick up the coaching and community online as the mood strikes you. Whether the Vaha mirror connects you with a coach or Zwift is your thing, the world is open to you even in your own home. Accordingly, the industry is increasingly offering not only equipment, but also the matching community.

3. outdoor activities

It's nice to see that the real world is still interesting, too. The fact that people are drawn to the outdoors to do sports together is understandable and not only sensible in the current situation. Fitness and yoga in the park, guided bike tours or running groups - the industry trend has been a topic since 2010 and climbs up one rank from fourth place last year. Good thing. After all, we can't just stare at screens anymore.

4. strength training with free weights

Barbells and dumbbells, kettlebells or medicine balls are things that are becoming more important again in the view of those surveyed. For fitness professionals, this means that demand for such courses is increasing and they are required to teach participants efficient exercises and how to perform them correctly. After 8th place in the previous year, strength training with free weights has climbed to fourth place.

5. losing weight as a training goal

In fifth place, the pandemic seems to have struck again. After ranking 16th last year, losing weight didn't matter, but it's back on the radar after more months in the home office and with other restrictions. Seems like more people want to work out again to lose a few pounds. If they are successful, this trend is gone again the next year. Clear case of yoyo effect.

What other topics are on the list, you can read here.