The annual worldwide fitness trends for 2020 survey results have been published and the findings reveal we are becoming savvier and less influenced by fads and gimmicks.
The survey of more than 3000 fitness professionals and experts around the world, named wearable tech as the top trend, followed by HIIT; group training; free weights; personal training; exercise is medicine (EIM); bodyweight training; fitness programs for older adults; health and wellness coaching; and employing certified fitness professionals.
Although tech still reigns, the social connection of fitness remains important.Credit:Getty
Dropping out of the top 20 from 2019 were mobile exercise apps, mobility/myofascial devices, small group personal training, and post-rehabilitation classes. Mobile exercise apps, which were ranked 13th in 2019, dropped down to 25th for the year ahead.
Amelia Phillips, a registered exercise scientist, nutritionist and podcaster (Healthy Her), says the 2020 list gives her “great joy”.
“I see health-focused trends rising and gimmicks falling,” Phillips says. “This list is such an insight into what role fitness plays for society. It's not just about looking good, staying slim, getting fit and gaining muscle, as once pigeonholed, but now is viewed as a much broader approach to health.
"This year's trends indicate that we are looking to fitness to support mental health, community, connection, disease prevention and innovation.”
The rise of wellness coaching, for example, which uses behavioural science and positive psychology to support physical and mental health, suggests a growing interest in “how our mind and body work together”, Phillips says.
“EIM (exercise is medicine) is climbing too, along with exercise for older adults. These trends all have a strong health focus which is really encouraging to see.”
Libby Babet, the founder of BUF Girls and former trainer on the Biggest Loser, is equally enthusiastic.
“Usually when I look at the top 20 I do a bit of an eye-roll at a few fads or quick-fix trends, but this year everything in the top 20 is things I feel get real results,” she says.
We're all a bit more clued in on health and fitness these days, society as a whole is more informed and more curious about what works.
“I think this is because we're all a bit more clued in on health and fitness these days, society as a whole is more informed and more curious about what works.”
The continued trend of wearable tech (it has been number one since 2016) reflects its continued innovation.
“Wearable tech is just getting better and better, isn't it? Most devices aren't just clocking your energy spent or distance covered anymore, they're monitoring your health and wellbeing and really getting to know you and how your body is adapting. They've become a real guide,” says Babet, who favours the Apple Watch.
Founder of Flow Athletic, Ben Lucas says a trend towards active transport is also driving the popularity of wearables.
“People are doing more incidental exercise today (walking, cycling) and they like to have a benchmark to hit,” Lucas says. “Also the element of gamification (movement streaks, competing against friends) keeps consumers engaged.“
Despite the technology trend, mobile exercise apps are on the decline. Lucas attributes this to the lack of accountability and impetus they provide to exercise.
“It is so easy to register, download, sign up but it will just sit there on your phone if you don’t open it and take the time to commit to the program,” he says. “[It’s] the same reason that people have exercise equipment at home that goes unused, they are not missing a means to exercise, they are looking for motivation to get it done.
People still value the face-to-face connection gained through social fitness as well as the desire to exercise in a different location.
“In that way I don’t ever believe that group exercise and personal training will ever completely go out of fashion. Having the accountability to someone else and the inspiration from a group setting will help you commit and get results.”
Phillips agrees that the social aspect is crucial for many people.
“People still value the face-to-face connection gained through social fitness as well as the desire to exercise in a different location (be it outdoors or the gym),” she says. “I am a big believer in combining fitness with fun and friends, so to see group fitness still in the top three makes me smile. Jane Fonda was really onto something wasn't she!?”
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