Despite the volatility the recent pandemic has brought to the fitness industry, many gym operators have managed to remain resilient and profitable by paying attention to the trends in the industry. It’s important for gym owners to actively track the latest and top fitness industry trends so they can take appropriate measures to grow their business, prepare for the future, and keep an edge over the competition.
Top Fitness Industry Trends
Check out the following top 5 fitness industry trends gym owners should know.
- Online and Onsite Services
- Wearable Fitness Tech and Gear
- Community and Inclusivity
- Prioritizing Mental Health
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
1. Online and Onsite Services
The popularity of online fitness and training services is here to stay. At the start and height of the pandemic, there was a drastic decline in onsite fitness services. Gym business owners everywhere used online classes and training services to help recover memberships and revenue. At the end of 2021, online fitness services were up by 66.32%.
Gym owners can capitalize on this trend by adding virtual fitness and hybrid or on-demand services for members to utilize at their convenience from anywhere. It also gives members greater flexibility and control over their workout sessions and fitness needs because it keeps everything accessible and within reach, even when onsite training gym services are not available.
2. Wearable Fitness Tech and Gear
Wearable fitness tech and trackers are also a big trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Technology has evolved to the point of people being able to monitor their basic health and fitness biometrics like heart rate, blood pressure, stress, sleep, steps, and body temperature.
Keep in mind that smartwatches, mobile apps, and other wearable fitness-tracking devices don’t just benefit members. Gym owners and trainers can also take advantage of them by implementing challenges and missions to keep members motivated and engaged. Fitness tech and mobile apps make it easier to see the bigger picture regarding their health and fitness needs. Fitness professionals can incorporate these devices into their training and services to help customers develop a deeper appreciation of them as they work towards their fitness goals.
3. Community and Inclusivity
Although more people are working out at home and in other places outside the gym, plenty of fitness enthusiasts prefer to train onsite. Gym operators and trainers should cultivate a safe, diverse, inclusive workout environment for members. Providing members with their dream space where they can work out while surrounded by like-minded individuals is crucial to helping them to feel at ease and more loyal. Create hybrid sessions and use apps and tech to make the space more inclusive so members of all walks of life, regardless of physical condition and ability, can connect with others while pursuing their fitness goals.
4. Prioritizing Mental Health
Mental health is crucial for overall fitness and well-being. Today’s generation of fitness-minded individuals is focused on alleviating stress, relaxing, and putting their mental health first. To capitalize on this priority, gym owners should add training, amenities, and convenience services that optimize members’ mental health as they work towards their health and fitness goals.
5. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
CrossFit is about getting the most out of training in as little time as possible. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is the practice of doing multiple brief, intense exercises with short recovery periods between them. This training style offers CrossFit fans the ease and convenience of maintaining their workout routines with minimal time investment or commitment.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it requires more than basic business or fitness training skills for gym owners to promote their brand and increase clientele. Capitalizing on the latest fitness trends to grow their business is critical. Fitness professionals must stay on top of the hottest fitness industry trends so they can leverage them to optimize their organization’s growth and success.
Don’t just search online to see what trends members are most interested in. Study online and hard-copy fitness publications and keep an open mind. Go to community, statewide and national events to learn what the competitors are doing. Network with colleagues and gym owners to develop new, innovative ideas to transform old trends into new and more effective marketing, advertising, and operational strategies that grow memberships, revenue, credibility, reputation, and create longevity for success.
The fitness industry is constantly evolving, with consumer behavior paving the way. CrossFit trainers and affiliates who are committed to providing clients with fitness services that improve their physical and mental health use industry trends to gain access to various opportunities that help them meet the demand.
To learn more about fitness trends that impact the CrossFit community, contact CrossFit RRG today! 310-853-1764