ACSM's Global Fitness Trends Study predicts a return to in-person fitness and advancements in technology, among other predictions.
In a shift from pandemic-era achievements, the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) 2024 Global Fitness Trends Survey points to a return to in-person fitness experiences while continuing to emphasize the role of technology in the fitness industry. . The annual survey highlights evolving consumer needs and the industry's adaptive response.
ACSM's annual survey, launched in 2006, has historically been a reliable indicator of trends in the fitness industry, reflecting changes in social attitudes and technological advances. The 2024 version brings together insights from nearly 2,000 professionals across the fitness industry, including personal trainers, exercise physiologists, and group exercise instructors.
The 2024 study points to a variety of upcoming trends, with a particular emphasis on boutique fitness studios and subscription-based memberships. This marks a departure from the previous focus on online training and home gyms, which gained prominence during the pandemic.
Other trends highlighted in the report include:
Wearables continue to lead
Wearable technology is leading the top trends, demonstrating strong consumer interest in personal health data and fitness tracking. Wearable technology has ranked in his top three since 2016, highlighting the growing popularity of devices that track health metrics such as heart rate, calories burned and sleep.
“We know that social support is one of the strongest predictors of exercise self-efficacy,” said Anaja Newsome, Ph.D., research spokesperson for ACSM-CEP. “It is important for exercise professionals to leverage the capabilities of wearable technology to improve client adherence and autonomy.”
Corporate health is a top priority
In second place is workplace health promotion, a new addition to the top 10 list. Companies are increasingly investing in health promotion initiatives, such as providing access to fitness facilities, organizing employee wellness programs, and offering health education workshops. By incorporating these health-focused strategies into the workplace, employers will realize that a healthy workforce has a significant impact on an organization's success and sustainability.
Grace DeSimone, Wellness Director at Wyckoff Family YMCA in Wyckoff, New Jersey, has more than 20 years of experience in the corporate wellness sector. She says people returning to the office post-COVID-19 may be increasing the focus on workplace health.
“People are more anxious and cautious than ever,” De Simone said. “Employers offer wellness education and programs such as coaching, mental health awareness and training, meditation, yoga, and physical activity.Full-time employees spend one-third of their day at work, whether at home or in the office. Opportunities for preventive and effective services for their health are critical efforts.”
Older generations also use fitness
The third spot is a fitness program for seniors. As more baby boomers enter retirement, this group is placing an increased emphasis on staying active and independent. The population aged 65 and over increased by 38% from 2010 to 2021 and is predicted to continue to increase over the next 20 years. Regular exercise helps seniors maintain health and independence as they age.
Debbie Belanger, owner of DB Fitness & Wellness Solutions in Campobello, South Carolina, says it's important for fitness professionals to acquire specialized training and development in working with older adults. .
“We need to closely track longevity research and understand that this population expects more than physical health. Their overall health is key,” Belanger says.
“Learning about common age-related health conditions, fall prevention, and balance and mobility issues will help you develop an appropriate program,” she added. Age-appropriate cues, music, and relatable communication styles should be used. Pre- and post-assessments help monitor client progress. ”
Looking ahead, Belanger advised that the industry needs to grasp concepts such as recovery periods to avoid overtraining older people.
“With neurodegenerative diseases on the rise, we need to be aware of the symptoms and customize our plans accordingly,” she says. “Promoting social connections within groups can have a direct impact on health, as loneliness is also a major factor. We are creating tools to support older adults in finding purpose in retirement. I need it.”
Other top trends
Other trends in the top 10 demonstrate a focus on using technology and customized programming to improve mental and physical health. Mobile apps, mental health exercises, and personal training all made the list. Policy changes are also called for to increase access to and affordability of qualified exercise professionals.
De Simone, who is also a mental health first aid instructor serving corporate wellness personnel, said the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased in the first year of the pandemic, according to a scientific brief published by World Media. It pointed out that the disease rate increased by 25%. Health Organization (WHO). Just two weeks ago, the WHO declared loneliness a global health threat. DeSimone recommends that fitness professionals obtain certification in mental health first aid to meet the needs of their clients.
“We hope that this combined publication and the addition of the Trends category will help (people) understand the trends that are predicted to drive the health and fitness industry here in the U.S. and abroad,” Newsom said. .
Read the full 2024 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends Report here.