The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) latest annual Global Fitness Trends report has revealed the top 20 fitness trends for 2024. As in previous years, the list of current trends is dynamic, responding to the changing needs of the fitness industry, although some trends are relatively static.
Wearable technologies
This year’s number one trend has been in the top 3 since 2016. Wearable technology includes a variety of devices that can be worn on the body or attached to clothing, and are typically connected to a smartphone.
These technologies provide a range of real-time data, including heart rate, steps, activity and sleep duration, and more.
Wearable technology allows exercisers to further personalize their exercise routines by tracking their results and progress over time.
Workplace Health Support Programs
A newcomer to the list of trends, taking 2nd place. This again confirms the importance of caring for the health and quality of life of employees, which directly affects their productivity. With a 40-hour workweek, a person spends on average about a third of their life at work.
Organization of health-promoting activities by the employer minimizes sick leave, increases productivity and improves the mental health of subordinates.
A good example of office wellness activities can be the creation of a training zone, corporate sports teams or preventive examinations.
Fitness programs for seniors
The number of people aged 65 and over has increased by 38% worldwide in recent years, with approximately 27% of them living independently. The elderly population is projected to continue to grow rapidly through 2040, and fitness clubs can capitalize on this growing market.
Regular aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity is essential to reducing illness, maintaining independence, and improving quality of life in old age.
Exercises for weight loss
Exercise for weight loss ranks 4th (vs. 8th in 2023). It is widely accepted that regular exercise helps improve metabolism and reduce body fat percentage.
Such exercise should include aerobic and strength training, and be accompanied by dietary changes necessary to create a calorie deficit.
Physical activity not only helps actively reduce body fat during weight loss, but also helps maintain good shape over time.
Fitness reimbursement
This trend ranked #5 and is a reversal of a trend from previous years that involved licensing fitness professionals.
Reimbursing fitness expenses and including them in health insurance policies helps to recognize fitness professionals (such as personal trainers and exercise instructors) as part of the health care system.
In 2021, an ACSM task force was formed to advocate for policy changes that allow insurance to bill for services provided by fitness professionals to improve physical activity and quality of life.
Hire Certified Fitness Professionals
Fitness and wellness professionals have increasingly been offering their clients outdoor exercise, such as group walks, bike rides, or organized walking tours. These can be short sessions or full-day or multi-day activities, such as excursions and ECO challenges, including canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, and cross-country hiking.
The rise in popularity of outdoor exercise may be due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2021, it was ranked 4th, and in 2022, it rose to 3rd place. Typically, participants in such workouts meet in local parks, on hiking or cycling trails, and work out with an instructor.
Since 2010, trainers have increasingly offered outdoor exercise to their clients, making this trend. In 2010, this trend was ranked 25th in the annual survey, and in 2011, it was ranked 27th.
Mobile apps for training
Among the top 10 trends this year, smartphone apps allow for a more personalized approach to programs. Apps have had a major impact on the fitness market in recent years, offering a variety of unique self-care options and demonstrating effectiveness in increasing physical activity among the population.
Mobile apps allow you to customize programs, track your workouts, and receive detailed feedback on your results. Some apps also include support options from an online community and tips on how to reinforce new habits — key components for staying motivated.
Exercises for mental health
Creating exercise programs to improve mental health is also in the top 10 trends. This shows that people are beginning to understand the importance of the impact of sports on brain activity and the psyche. Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being.
About one in eight people in the world (according to WHO) suffers from mental disorders to some degree, and regular exercise can serve as protection against such ailments. Physical activity and training help cope with stress and improve mental health.
Physical development of youth
This trend is an approach to training children and adolescents that focuses on developing motor skills, strength, and coordination. There are a growing number of training centers and programs that focus on building self-confidence, developing social skills, and improving athletic performance.
Children and adolescents learn basic movement patterns and develop healthy habits. Trainers working with this age group should be continually trained in specialized programs.
Personal training
Personal training involves working with a personal trainer to set goals, conduct fitness testing, and develop programs tailored to the client’s needs. Personal trainers teach exercise techniques, monitor progress, and gradually adjust clients’ training programs based on their performance.
Personal training continues to be a popular trend as personal training jobs become more and more available in health clubs, homes, and offices.
Personal training involves working with a personal trainer to set goals and conduct fitness testing to meet your needs. This allows for the development of the most effective program for each client.
Since the first publication of this study in 2006, personal training has been a consistent presence in the top 10 trends. In 2008 and 2009, it rose to number 3, and this year, 2023, it has dropped to number 10.
Healthy lifestyle instead of medications
With the increased attention of people and the fitness industry to longevity and quality of life, it will come as no surprise that the “Healthy Lifestyle Instead of Drugs” trend is on the list this year.
This trend encourages a healthy lifestyle as a basis for disease prevention and health promotion. Increasing physical activity and minimizing sedentary behavior are common recommendations for improving health for anyone suffering from chronic diseases.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine also recommend prioritizing improved eating habits, reducing stress, and strengthening social connections.
Outdoor training
In 2010, the trend was ranked 25th, but has risen to higher positions in recent years due to COVID-19 restrictions. Even as the fitness industry has adapted to the new reality, outdoor workouts remain an important focus for many fitness operators and sports professionals.
Typically, participants meet in parks or sports fields to work out with an instructor. These can range from short workouts to full-day or multi-day activities such as running, hiking, cycling, and other sports that encourage people to engage in fitness and expand their social connections.
Wellness coaching
First appearing on the list in 2010, the trend is more relevant than ever in 2024. Wellness coaches integrate behavioral change principles into health promotion programs.
In this model, the client plays a decisive role, independently paving their way to creating a new lifestyle, while the coach provides support and feedback using scientifically proven methods for changing habits.
Sessions with a wellness coach can be individual or held in small groups.
Functional training
This is a training format where exercises are aimed at improving balance, coordination, strength, power, and endurance to help cope with the challenges of everyday life. Functional training programs replicate the stresses that people have to deal with throughout the day.
While improving muscle strength, power, balance, and proprioception are important for all adults, this is especially true for older adults, as older adults have low levels of physical activity on average.
Trainers and fitness centers should continue to prioritize functional training because it reduces the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases and improves basic physical function.
