TOP 10 HEALTH & FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2024

IN THE EVER-EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF HEALTH AND FITNESS, CANADIANS ARE GEARING UP FOR A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR AS THE CANFITPRO HEALTH AND FITNESS TRENDS SURVEY REVEALS THE TOP PREDICTIONS FOR 2024.

The canfitpro Health & Fitness Trends Survey 2023, conducted from October 23 to November 3, 2023, garnered insights from over 65,000 fitness professionals and business owners across Canada. Utilizing Dynamics 365 Marketing, the survey predicts trends with a margin of error of +/- 2%. With insights from over 1,000 fitness professionals, this year’s canfitpro Health & Fitness Trends Survey reflects a paradigm shift towards holistic well-being, emphasizing active aging, mental health, and novel approaches to fitness.

This special canfitpro issue serves as a comprehensive guide, offering insights into the latest projections for the Top 10 Health & Fitness trends in Canada. It delves into the main trends within three primary disciplines: Group Fitness, Nutrition, and Personal Training. The valuable information and data presented herein are indispensable tools for fitness professionals, owners, and operators seeking to make strategic business decisions, guiding them in allocating resources and fostering professional development. By dissecting trends across these key disciplines, this data enables a subtle understanding of emerging themes, facilitating a holistic perspective on the evolving landscape of health and fitness.

The predictions for 2024 have been carefully curated with input from esteemed industry experts, underscoring canfitpro’s appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by these leaders in shaping the future trajectory of the Canadian fitness industry. According to Wellness Consultant and Educator Debbie Bellenger, the industry trends are shifting as consumers’ needs change. This is wonderful to see and presents a remarkable opportunity for fitness professionals to expand their skill sets. One great action item for club owners, directors and managers going into 2024 would be to complete an audit of programs and services to see if you are offering classes and programs in the top four categories on the trends list, says Bellenger.

The resounding theme of active aging takes center stage in 2024 as older adults and younger generations alike acknowledge the pivotal role of fitness across the lifespan. Both Gen Z and Baby Boomers are actively committing to the pursuit of lifelong mobility, preventive healthcare, and an elevated quality of life. This signifies a profound shift in perspective—one that embraces fitness not merely as a physical pursuit but as a holistic practice of self-care, nurturing physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Functional fitness, a perennial favorite, will continue to make waves in 2024. This approach focuses on bodyweight exercises designed to enhance stability, balance, and core strength for everyday movements. Fitness enthusiasts are increasingly aware of the impact of functional exercises on the enjoyment of daily activities and overall quality of life, leading to its consistent presence on the trends list.

Mental health, mindfulness, and stress reduction take precedence as Canadians turn to fitness for more than just physical gains. The fitness industry is witnessing a transformation in coaching approaches, with trainers emphasizing the role of fitness in building confidence, enhancing the mind-body connection, and reducing stress. Additional training in mindfulness and mental well-being is becoming a staple for fitness professionals aiming to support their clients comprehensively.11%

Active recovery and regeneration emerge as vital components of the fitness landscape in 2024. While the past has seen fitness enthusiasts pushing their limits, there is a growing acknowledgment of the importance of recovery. Gyms and studios are adapting to this trend by offering specialized equipment and regenerative programming, responding to the increased demand for recovery facilities. Recovery Rooms, equipped with foam rollers, massage guns, cryotherapy, hot yoga, and guided stretching, are becoming integral to fitness routines.

Santino Pompeo, Divisional Manager of Personal Training at GoodLife Fitness believes more people are aware now that recovery-focused training and technology can help you feel better, with less soreness, faster recovery, and better performance and mobility. Fitness enthusiasts and recreational gym members alike are benefitting from rest days, active recovery workouts, foam rolling, and massage as part of their balanced fitness programs. In fact, Recovery Rooms are among the most popular amenities at GoodLife Fitness clubs.

Group fitness classes maintain their popularity, but 2024 sees a surge in interest for unique and customized formats. Fitness professionals report High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)/ Tabata classes, myofascial stretching, tai-chi, and dance-inspired group fitness programs are gaining traction. The move towards more specialized classes that combine effective training techniques with and without equipment along with inspiring music and atmosphere foster a sense of community and experiences, even adventure.

As we usher in 2024, the Canadian fitness industry stands poised to embrace a new era — one that celebrates active aging, prioritizes mental well-being, and encourages unique and personalized fitness experiences. canfitpro’s Health & Fitness Trends Report for 2024 not only illuminates the path for fitness professionals but also acts as a guiding light for every facet of the fitness industry, steering both seasoned experts and individual enthusiasts toward a more holistic and gratifying approach to health and fitness. In doing so, these trends have the transformative power to impact lives across generations, ushering in an era where fitness and wellbeing seamlessly intertwine into a singular, shared journey. Paul Galloro, canfitpro’s distinguished 2023 Fitness Instructor Specialist of the Year, sees great benefit in curating hybrid experiences that offer participants a multifaceted and well-balanced package. Considering the overarching trends spotlighting mental health and active recovery/regeneration, Paul is committed to seamlessly integrating these elements into his High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes. His approach involves infusing a touch of Low-Intensity Interval Training (LIIT) strategically into mind-body classes, thereby not only counterbalancing the intensity but also enhancing the holistic well-being of participants.

In this newfound landscape, the prospects to carve out meaningful careers within the vibrant profession of the fitness industry shine brightly, signaling individuals to embrace a future marked by both personal wellness and professional fulfillment. canfitpro’s education partner, Human Kinetics (HK), navigates the intersection of academic research and industry trends, including the invaluable insights from canfitpro’s annual Global Conference & Tradeshow. Year after year, HK’s Managing Director, Jake Rondot, closely observes the lineup of presenters and the array of topics at the conference and relies on canfitpro’s Health & Fitness Trends Report to discern future content publishing needs that will significantly contribute to the overarching demands of the physical activity sector. All ten of these trends are topics that can be found in most recent and/or upcoming releases, and many have multiple books covering diverse sub-topics of them.

canfitpro aspires to deliver accessible learning experiences to a global audience, making fitness and mental health a part of personal wellness for everyone. canfitpro provides inclusive learning experiences on a global scale, aiming to integrate fitness and mental health into the fabric of personal wellness for individuals worldwide. As active members of canfitpro, the responsibility lies with each of us to absorb, apply, and leverage the wisdom and insights from this year’s annual trends report. Armed with this knowledge, let us collectively champion the charge with courage and credibility, forging ahead into this new era of fitness united and empowered.

Maureen “Mo” Hagan

Chief Operating Officer