Group Fitness Trends for 2024

EFFECTIVENESS, INCLUSIVITY, AND HOLISTIC WELLBEING CONVERGE TO SHAPE THE COLLECTIVE PURSUIT OF HEALTH AND FITNESS

WELCOME TO THE DYNAMIC WORLD OF GROUP FITNESS TRAINING IN 2024. THIS YEAR MARKS A TRANSFORMATIVE PERIOD IN THE REALM OF COLLECTIVE FITNESS ENDEAVORS, WITH TRENDS THAT NOT ONLY CATER TO DIVERSE DEMOGRAPHICS BUT ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE UNIQUE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS ON THEIR FITNESS JOURNEY.

From specialized classes designed for active aging (also #1 in top 10 Health & Fitness Trends), emphasizing mobility and functional fitness for all four generations (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z), to the enduring appeal of strength training that transcends age and fitness levels, group fitness in 2024 is a tapestry of tailored experiences. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)/Tabata classes continue to hold on (#1 in 2022 and #10 in 2023), reflecting an ongoing desire for time-efficient, resultsdriven workouts. As we delve into the diverse trends shaping group fitness, it becomes clear that this year is all about specialized programming to cultivate engaging, effective, and personalized workout experiences, and nurturing overall wellbeing through dynamic training modalities. Let us explore the top trends shaping the future of communal wellness endeavors in 2024.

Maureen (Mo) Hagan, Chief Operating Officer at canfitpro and a certified group fitness instructor with 40 years of experience, enthusiastically highlights the shifts occurring in group fitness. Hagan emphasizes the pivotal moment where group fitness is evolving, urging instructors and personal trainers to refine and diversify their skill sets. This strategic approach, she believes, will empower both parties to skillfully meet the evolving demands of consumers.

Hagan asserts that certified fitness professionals, regardless of their teaching or training specializations, must wholeheartedly embrace these emerging trends to remain relevant. She sees a wealth of choices in

TOP 10 TRENDS FOR GROUP FITNESS

programming and demographics that promise to captivate and fuel the passion of instructors and trainers not just for the present year but for years to come.

Moreover, Hagan indicates that the expanding landscape not only provides increased opportunities for not only group fitness instructors but also opens doors for personal trainers looking to explore the dynamic realm of group training. The surge in interest for specialized classes catering to active aging, mobility, functional fitness, strength training, and recovery aligns perfectly with the diverse needs of all four generations. Personal trainers, armed with their skills and expertise, are well-positioned to create personalized workout experiences tailored to individual preferences.

In Hagan’s vision, advanced training prepares both instructors and personal trainers to address the unique needs of individuals, offering equal opportunities for both groups to venture into group fitness training or further expand their skill sets. It is a promising landscape where expertise meets demand, fostering a vibrant and evolving fitness industry for those ready to embrace the future.

1. Active Aging/Older Adult Classes

The trend of active aging/older adult programming moves from #2 in 2023 to #1 in 2024 and supports the pivotal shift in societal perspectives, championing the notion that advancing years can be synonymous with vitality, engagement, and well-being. Rather than viewing aging as a period of inevitable decline, this paradigm emphasizes proactive measures — like regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction — to optimize health and quality of life. Embracing active aging not only benefits individual health outcomes but also contributes to broader societal goals of promoting inclusivity, longevity, and holistic wellness across the lifespan.

Colin Milner, CEO/Founder of International Society of Active Aging, says the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations have come of age and the fitness industry, as well as society at large, is now paying attention. This group wants to live better for longer, and many of them have the financial means to do so. Milner adds that this trend reflects how, with over 50% of the adult population over 50, this overlooked opportunity is now front and center.

Following up on this, Gabriel Hardy, Executive Director of FIC, provides further insight into the dimensions of active aging, which he says is a concept that now extends to individuals aged 40 and above, who understand that investing in their health today is a key strategy for preventing illness in the future. This approach is about gaining more knowledge, applying more science, and offering more professional services.

Trevor Pickett, canfitpro PRO TRAINER, 2023 canfitpro Personal Training Specialist of the Year, and the founder of Offbeat Fitness does not think it is any coincidence that Active Aging/Older Adult classes and programming both appear at #1 on both the overall Top 10 Health & Fitness Trends as well as Group Fitness Trends and that Functional Fitness took the #1 spot on Personal Training Trends. Picket believes efforts should be made to incorporate more programs that can be done from home with clients’ specific movement needs taken into consideration, hence the prominence of these trends.

Curtis Christopherson, Founder & CEO of WRKOUT, explains that in the new year he will be launching a focus around longevity, coinciding with the Active Aging trend. He will be introducing a marketing campaign called “Live Longer. Live Stronger.” Christopherson also believes that with the strong trend toward Active Recovery and Regeneration (#4 in Health & Fitness Trends, #7 in Personal Training Trends, and #9 in Group Fitness Trends) this will be a campaign that really emphasizes the need to prioritize this important aspect of fitness.

2. Strength Training Classes

Strength training group fitness classes have continued their upward trajectory due to their multifaceted benefits and factors like advancements in fitness technology integrating with group workouts, personalized group training experiences tailored to individual needs, innovative class formats combining strength training with other modalities like HIIT or mobility work, and a growing awareness of the holistic benefits of strength training beyond just muscle building. These classes combine the motivation of group dynamics with expert-led instruction, fostering a sense of community and accountability, often pushing individuals to surpass personal limits, achieving results faster than solo workouts. Furthermore, the structured routines ensure proper technique, minimizing injury risks. As society emphasizes holistic well-being, these classes not only sculpt bodies but also cultivate mental resilience and self-confidence, making them a staple in the 2024 fitness landscape.

The rising demand for strength training and active aging will have a significant impact in Canada, remarks Nasser Obeid, President of Johnson Health Tech Canada, as fitness facilities respond to their customers’ needs and wants. Obeid says this will include relooking at the member experience many facilities are currently offering; ensuring they provide versatile and space efficient equipment to meet the demand for dynamic body-focused workouts.

Sherri McMillan, CEO of Northwest Personal Training, says that as consumers recognize the critical importance of preserving and growing muscle to overall health and functional aging, she is seeing an increasing demand for group strength classes. Not everyone can afford 1-on-1 training so her clients appreciate a small group format where they can access classes led by a personal training coach at a fraction of the cost of private training. McMillan’s classes focus on heavier lifting using a variety of strength training tools with class sizes small enough to enable the trainer to adjust, modify and monitor technique. These formats provide some level of personalization and customization while still providing the benefits of group camaraderie and cost effective coaching.

3. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)/Tabata Classes

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Tabata remain at the forefront of fitness trends (#1 in 2022 and #9 in 2023). Their adaptability to various exercises and minimal time commitment appeals to individuals seeking efficient workouts amidst busy schedules. The blend of short, intense bursts followed by brief recovery periods optimizes calorie burn, cardiovascular health, and metabolic rate. As research underscores their benefits, these modalities continue to dominate group fitness schedules in 2024.

Jen Hamilton, CEO of Oxygen Yoga & Fitness, is best known for offering a diverse range of classes, including speciality programming done in FAR Infrared heated studios. Hamilton discusses how her yoga fusion blend showcases the trends for group fitness and strength training to create a wellrounded approach to fitness. Group fitness at Oxygen Yoga & Fitness provides a sense of community and builds camaraderie, motivating individuals to stay consistent with their workouts. Incorporating strength training to enhance overall health, while high-intensity intervals boost cardiovascular fitness. This holistic approach at Oxygen Yoga & Fitness studios reflects the importance of addressing various facets of exercise for optimal wellbeing.

The group fitness landscape continues to adapt with a blend of personalization and community building trends. Mind-body classes have gained momentum, reflecting the growing emphasis on holistic health and stress management. These sessions prioritize mental clarity, flexibility, and core strength, catering to individuals seeking inner balance amidst hectic lifestyles and the uncertainty of real-world events/issues. Core conditioning classes remain pivotal, focusing on strengthening the body’s foundational muscles to enhance stability and posture. Concurrently, circuit and bootcamp training persist as popular choices, combining cardiovascular and strength exercises in high-intensity intervals to maximize calorie burn and muscle endurance. Cardio classes maintain their relevance, offering dynamic workouts that elevate heart rates and improve cardiovascular health. Dance-style fitness classes inject fun and rhythm into workouts, appealing to those eager to combine fitness with expression and music. Additionally, the rising interest in recovery and regeneration, as seen across all trend lists, includes classes in stretching, fascial stretch, and myofascial release techniques, which promote muscle recovery, flexibility, and injury prevention. Lastly, LIIT (Low Intensity Interval Training) emerges as an alternative to high-intensity workouts, providing effective yet gentler intervals that prioritize safety and sustainability for diverse fitness levels.

Overall, 2024 highlights a comprehensive approach to group fitness, catering to varied preferences while emphasizing holistic wellbeing and individualized training modalities.