Top 10 fitness trends: what the industry expects for 2023
12/1/2023
Translation: machine translated
Every year, the American College of Sports Medicine's "Health & Fitness Journal" surveys the industry to find out which topics will dominate the next twelve months. The result: pandemic hype is dying down, exercisers are getting older and number 1 remains number 1.
What's heavier than a dumbbell? The crystal ball - or at least looking into it to predict the future. For 17 years now, the "Health & Fitness Journal" has ventured a forecast for the coming twelve months, relying on swarm intelligence. A total of 3735 people from all over the world who work in fitness professions or related disciplines took part in the survey. For example, as physiotherapists, doctors or personal trainers. If they have their way, some things will change in the new year - but the number 1 trend will remain the same.
#1 Wearable technology
It's not a big surprise: according to the professionals, in 2023 we will continue to diligently equip ourselves with fitness trackers, smartwatches and related devices that measure our heart rate and oxygen saturation, set training plans, nudge us off the sofa or send us to bed. The Tamagotchis have grown up and now take care of us as long as we feed them with data and supply them with power.
Since 2016, wearables have always been in the top 3 and for the sixth time in first place. When I look at the wrists of my fellow human beings, there is something to it. Namely a smartwatch or sports watch. We at digitec and Galaxus will just as certainly be testing a bunch of devices again in 2023 - and possibly even wearing the watch on a mountain.
#2 Strength training with free weights
Dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and medicine balls are still on the rise. They have risen from 8th place (2021) to 4th place (2022) and are now in 2nd place. Naturally in perfect form, as taught by the fitness professionals surveyed in their studios. In their view, the home fitness wave of the pandemic is now finally ebbing away. After taking second place last year, this item tumbled out of the top 10, falling just as low as the share price of Peloton & Co. after the coronavirus hype.
#3 Body weight training
It's hard to believe that this is a trend. But training with your own body weight - known as calisthenics in ancient Greek and modern German - is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Push-ups, pull-ups and gymnastic elements first appeared in the Trend Report in 2013. Around the same time, public calisthenics parks were sprouting up in many places. Since then, the exercises that have always been around have become part of everyday culture. It doesn't have to look like this book cover by Paul Wade - also known from the "Train like in prison" volume 1 and 2.
#4 Fitness programmes for older people
This trend is ageing well and so is the target group. The baby boomers are gradually reaching retirement age, are doing well financially on average and want to stay fit for hobbies and grandchildren. It's no wonder that the industry is gradually adapting to offerings for older people. Instead of sweat on the walls and boom-boom-boom from the speakers, they expect a more dignified atmosphere and age-appropriate offers. They are prepared to pay accordingly. And the money is well invested.
#5 Functional training
Functional fitness training is heading in the same direction: up in the rankings and in importance. Especially, but not only for older people. Balance, coordination and everyday stabilising strengthening exercises involving several muscle groups are always smart. See also 2nd place: Body weight training. This will help you get fit, prevent injuries and take care of skills that would otherwise gradually atrophy.
#6 Outdoor activities
A coronavirus classic that remains in the top 10. Outdoor activities have become an important mainstay for fitness suppliers. Running and hiking groups, cycling, kayaking or stand-up paddle tours under expert guidance are still in demand and are undoubtedly a great thing. But you can also do it without a guide. Off to the nearest forest for a run. It's good for body and soul.
#7 High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Another long-term (calorie) burner. The HIIT hype surrounding high-intensity interval training has been going on for almost a decade and is sure to remain a topic. Regardless of whether it's spinning, running or strength training and regardless of what the form of training is called: The muscles and lungs of ambitious athletes will continue to burn.
# 8 Losing weight as a training goal
It is also difficult to suppress the justified desire to get closer to your own feel-good weight. The fitness professionals help with training planning and nutritional issues. It's their bread and butter business, so to speak, and will remain so as long as the fat years are not quite over.
#9 Hire certified fitness professionals
The fact that this is supposed to be a trend also says something about the problems in the industry. In any case, it's also a good idea from the customer's point of view to employ trained staff instead of people who can only tell you roughly where the equipment is. This development should become even more important.
#10 Personal training
If you don't just want to buy a protein shake from a gym staff member, but spend a lot of money on personal training, it would be nice if they were properly trained. Because that's the end of the top 10 and if your coach is no good, you might as well listen to your smartwatch - which brings us back to number 1.
Cover image: Shutterstock
Sports scientist, high-performance dad and remote worker in the service of Her Majesty the Turtle.