As 2021 approached and the future of fitness for studios, gyms and the entire fitness industry was still in doubt. However, due to the advancements in technology, including online classes connectivity, on-demand content or content hosting, as well as the desire of fitness owners to provide an excellent service to their customers and members, there was a moment of light at the end the tunnel. In the summer of 2012 the gyms and studios were reopened with no lockdowns in the near future, and clients were able go back to their favorite places to get back into fitness.
The beginning of the new year is a common occasion to look back on the previous year’s performance and determine the state of affairs and make a forecast of emerging trends in fitness. In 2021, we saw an rise in live streaming classes and online classes as well as more workouts that don’t require equipment and even celebrities investing in fitness via apps and brand names. We will walk you through the most significant trends we’re expecting to observe in the fitness industry in 2022 including the importance of physical well-being to the social aspect of exercising and everything in between.
1. Fitness enthusiasts will choose smaller-sized personal training groups versus an exercise facility that is commercialized
18 months of isolation and lockdowns created a challenge for many to maintain their intense training and fitness routines. Although online classes and streaming content helped customers and members keep track of their home and in the gym, this was a new approach and customers didn’t want their goals to slip away or lose focus on their goals. It’s no surprise that more individual methods of staying healthy and fit, along with boutique fitness centers gained popularity during this period.
These smaller, more personal studios and gyms offer clients the possibility of creating an individual training program that includes an individual trainer, instead of larger commercial gyms, where the member is mostly free to do what they want. Furthermore, smaller gyms may provide small-sized group fitness classes. The classes that range from two to 10 people mean that instructors are able to provide more time for clients than gyms that have larger classes and also make it simpler for the members to build a bond when working out.
2. Fitness centres are now the hub of socialisation
More than ever it is the camaraderie that we experience in the world of fitness is a popular choice. Many people want to return to socializing and this means that studios, gyms and fitness centers are now important venues for social events as well as the place for a workout. The members are informing their family and friends to return to classes and workouts with them. A sense of belonging and a greater level of confidence and security in an activity like fitness increases the likelihood that customers will continue to attend classes.
3. The topic of mental health is being spoken more than ever before and it’s causing division
However, not in the way you imagine. Media outlets have been pushing the notion that people’s mental health has been a disaster over the past two years. Although they encourage their followers and readers to remain optimistic but they still instill the impression of anxiety among individuals regarding their mental health which is not good for any person. Fitness companies can help their members and clients by offering encouragement and the motivation they require to continue their fitness regimens. Giving more one-on-one time and allowing more access to clients provides them with assistance that makes their gyms and studios focused on physical and mental wellbeing. Fitness centers can form communities or even a hub that can help and aid their clients and the more they’re in a position to prove what they’re doing to improve physical and mental health, the more successful.
4. People are cautious, but hybrids are going to be around for a while.
On-demand and online classes are the perfect solution for fitness establishments to continue running even during lockdowns. This also provided their clients with some sense of routine and normal. Although lockdowns have been lifted but that doesn’t mean that the internet is no longer required. Online classes offer fitness entrepreneurs an excellent chance to expand the number of classes they offer by providing class that are hybrid. In-person classes taught by streaming online means more people are able to sign up and get in. Live-streamed classes also allow instructors the opportunity to connect with clients from afar by promoting classes to fitness clients outside their location.
Related: The Benefits And Challenges Of Online Fitness Coaching
In-demand material will also continue be a huge benefit for fitness companies. For those who aren’t able to make an appointment having the option to attend the session at a time that will suit them is a major advantage of having an account. It’s not only a perk of enrolling in an account. It can help clients save money by eliminating the need to sign-up for several fitness memberships.
5. People have become accustomed to working out in a group
Being in a gym on your own using fitness apps and other aids like Peloton, Mirror, and Apple watches was the norm of course during the epidemic. That’s a good reason for studios, gyms and fitness centers to set up online classes up, and also to provide streaming content. However, clients are used to taking control of their fitness routines at the home comforts of their rooms or taking a walk outdoors in their backyards. It is now up to studios, gyms or personal trainers who provide an incentive to bring those homebodies to return to their former exercise facilities.
6. We’re fed up of being in the dark
It’s always good to play around with your schedule and change the locations of your classes and workouts regardless of the time. The fact that a lot of fitness enthusiasts are looking to spend to spend more time outside is a benefit on this aspect. The idea of offering classes outdoors will not only give the participants the fresh air they’re seeking and helps adhere to the social distancing rules. Outdoors are safe with greater freedom. Another advantage the online courses and on-demand provide you and your customers is that they are able to exercise while traveling. When they’re enjoying the ocean air or hiking the mountains, they can bring their favorite fitness instructor along with them.
The option of taking your classes and sessions outdoors also allows to accommodate more students for in-person training sessions. Indoor classes restrict the number of students that can attend a class however, instructors and trainers don’t wish to be overly busy and social distancing could make it difficult to control the number of students in your classes, based on the space you have. Outdoor classes can open the doors to a greater number of students you’re able to accommodate in your classes.
7. It is crucial to be punctual and customers are more aware than ever before.
Fitness enthusiasts have noticed that even shorter, but more intense exercises can provide similar results to more traditional ways of exercising. Offering them quick and effective exercises such as HIIT and programs like F45 or timed 20-30 minutes Tabatas are a great method of bringing people back to classes, particularly for people with hectic work schedules as well as their home lives. The normalcy is beginning to return and that means returning to routine schedules for work, school runs and the myriad of responsibilities that consumers face.
Related: The 5 Best Exercises You Should Do Every Day
8. Fitness clients are acutely aware of the dangers
Hygiene continues to have a significant impact on those who exercise and return to fitness studios and gyms. Be sure to are able to prove you’ve complied with all health and safety rules laid out by the local authorities. Let people know that you wash down and disinfect the workout space and equipment following each session can give them peace of peace of. Also, making sure that customers and participants have access to disinfectant and hand soap when handling equipment is something that is sure for the long haul.
9. Customers feel as if it’s their own A comprehensive method
A more comprehensive approach implies an approach that is more specific. Fitness enthusiasts don’t want to be lumped into a single class. Every person has their own requirements physically and nutritionally. Partnering with your members to design a workout program that is suited to their needs gives them an opportunity to take responsibility for their own health. In letting them feel like they’ve contributed to the creation of a fitness program and being able to enjoy nutritious choices of the food they love, creates a sense of trust in the fitness instructor. This lets them know that their needs are top priority. Take this time to learn about your clients again and see what has changed in them. This gives you the chance to offer an improved service, not the same services.
10. Restrictions on people’s activities are likely to turn them off
It’s not enough to keep your current set of customers. You’d like to welcome new clients to the business and say “Welcome again!” to all returning members. If there are numerous rules and regulations fitness establishments can turn customers off. Studio and gyms naturally require a set of guidelines and rules. Make sure you adhere to the right restrictions, but be careful not to overstep them and inform our customers what they can do to help keep your space secure. Altering long-term memberships to permit revisions or recurring memberships that do not have a contract gives flexibility to customers to make the most appropriate choices for themselves.
The year ahead in an encapsulation
After a turbulent 2 years of events, they have been getting more settled. We’re witnessing a return an equivalence, which is great news for the fitness sector. Many people want to go back to classes, they’d like to return to their old routines and they’re eager to set new goals for fitness. But there are certain aspects that seem to have changed in the longer term.
The use of online media to offer sessions is still very popular and is expected to rise in popularity. There will also be increasing numbers of fitness seekers seeking outdoors classes and workouts, as well as those who return to indoor classes more often are likely to expect the highest level of security and hygiene prior to and following classes.