Wearable tech has made a comeback as the 'hottest fitness trend' for 2019 – with group training, HIIT and programming for the elderly also expected to grow in popularity over the next 12 months.
In its latest global trends report, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) identified 20 trends it believes will shape the global fitness industry in 2019.
Now in its 13th year, the Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends surveyed more than 2,000 health and fitness professionals and ranked 39 possible trends on a scale of 1 (least likely to be a trend) to 10 (most likely to be a trend).
New to this year’s survey was the inclusion of potential new trends, such as virtual reality, community interventionist, and access pass – none of which made the top 20 trends.
Wearable tech had fallen down to third place in the 2018 trends report, but has now made a comeback following the emergence of a new generation of fitness and activity trackers.
The full list of the top 20 trends:
1. Wearable technology
2. Group training
3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
4. Fitness programmes for older adults
5. Bodyweight training
6. Employing certified fitness professionals
7. Yoga
8. Personal training
9. Functional fitness training
10. Exercise is medicine
11. Health/wellness coaching
12. Exercise for weight loss
13. Mobile exercise apps
14. Mobility/myofascial devices
15. Worksite health promotion and workplace wellbeing programmes
16. Outcome measurements
17. Outdoor activities
18. Licensure for fitness professionals
19. Small group personal training
20. Post-rehabilitation classes
To read the full trends report, click here.
