The year 2024 marks a turning point in the fitness and health industry, characterized by innovative movements and changing priorities. As the shadows of the pandemic slowly fade, an era of new challenges and opportunities is dawning for the fitness industry. Both national and international developments are emerging, with the German Employers' Association of Fitness and Health Facilities (DSSV e. V.) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) providing key insights into future directions.
At the forefront of the 2024 trends is a focus on the best agers - with tailored programs to meet the needs of this demographic. With increasing life expectancy and a growing interest in healthy ageing, fitness programs for the older generation are becoming more and more important. This target group also holds considerable potential. In 2022, for example, only 8.4% of over-60s were registered in fitness studios, while the proportion of 40 to 50-year-olds was over 22%, according to a survey conducted by the DSSV in 2023.
In second place is free weight training, which has been a constant in the fitness industry for decades. Strength training with free weights or dumbbells is characterized by a natural freedom of movement, which promotes muscular stability and coordination and thus increases muscle strength and general performance.
The importance of qualified specialist staff in the fitness industry is emphasized in third place. The expertise and qualifications of trainers are crucial to providing optimal support, especially for newcomers to fitness training. In 2022, more than a fifth (22.8%) of employees in the fitness and health industry were already academically trained. In the future, it will be even more important for fitness trainers to have completed comprehensive training or a relevant degree in order to guarantee holistic and professional care for clients, according to a survey conducted by the DSSV in 2023.
Functional training (functional fitness training), an effective approach to strengthening the muscles and movement sequences required in daily life, ranks fourth among current fitness trends. This training, which includes a wide range of exercises to strengthen core muscles, improve strength endurance and flexibility, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Functional training helps to promote health and well-being and improves physical performance. It also helps to prevent injuries and offers a variety of exercise options suitable for all fitness levels and age groups.
Fifth place signals the increasing relevance of workplace health promotion. In view of demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers and an increase in sick days, companies are increasingly recognizing that a healthy workforce not only contributes to the well-being of employees, but also has a positive impact on the company's success. Workplace health promotion(WHP/ WHM) can reduce sickness costs, increase productivity and improve job satisfaction. The measures range from internal fitness programs to paid memberships in fitness and health facilities.
Fitness and health checks occupy sixth place. This trend illustrates people's growing awareness of their own health and fitness. Many are interested in understanding the effectiveness of their exercise routine and checking whether they are achieving their set goals. To make this possible, fitness and health checks offer an analysis of various health and fitness parameters. These include measuring endurance, strength, body composition (such as fat percentage and muscle mass) and flexibility. Based on this information, the expert staff develop tailor-made training plans and continuously monitor the progress of the trainees.
Weight loss training, which is dedicated to combating overweight and obesity, takes seventh place. In 2024, there will be an increased focus on measuring the effects of weight loss training in order to assess the effectiveness of such programs and show participants their progress.
Prevention courses to promote health and prevent illness occupy eighth place. These courses, which focus on exercise, nutrition and relaxation, are increasingly supported by health insurance companies and are very popular.
Rehabilitationsports programs offer the opportunity to regain fitness after illness or injury and are in ninth place. Rehabilitation sport is prescribed by a doctor and is covered or subsidized by health insurance companies. Compared to prevention courses, rehabilitation sports programs are individually tailored to the needs of the participants and are led by qualified trainers. They promote health and support the return to work.
Wearables, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and heart rate monitors, are in tenth place. They have been an integral part of the fitness industry for years and will continue to be a trend in 2024. Wearables offer an easy way to monitor your own fitness and are constantly evolving.
A look at international fitness trends shows that wearables, workplace health promotion and fitness programs for older people are also gaining in importance worldwide. This underlines the global trend towards digitalization and individualization in the fitness sector.
Conclusion: The German and international fitness trends for 2024 illustrate the versatility and adaptability of the fitness and health industry. They show how the industry is constantly evolving to optimally meet the needs of a diverse clientele.
Editorial team fitnessmarkt.de
Source and image source: FIBO Global Fitness
Published on: 30 January 2024