ACSM top ten 2023

1. Wearable tech

This includes fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors, GPS tracking devices and trackers that monitor sitting time, sleep and so forth. Wearables have been in the number one spot since they were introduced to the survey in 2016, except for 2018 (when they were third) and 2021 (when they came second).

“Wearables are certainly not going anywhere,” said Thompson. “Not only are these devices becoming more affordable, but wearable data is increasingly being used in clinical decision-making so they’re continuing to hold their appeal.”

Strength training is a major trend globally says ACSM

3. Body weight training

This activity uses bodyweight resistance to weight train. It first appeared on ACSM’s trends survey in 2013 at number three and dipped to seven in 2020 and eight in 2022, but was in third position in 2021.

Operators can welcome older people by making thoughtful adjustments

4. Fitness programmes for older adults

This trend is coming back after being number two in 2007 and falling to 11 in 2017 and 2022. “People are living longer, working longer and desiring to remain healthy and physically active throughout their lifespan,” commented Thompson. He suggests older generations have more discretionary money, so fitness clubs can capitalise on this growing market. “Changing the atmosphere of gyms by adjusting the lighting and music to be more ‘older generation friendly’ during traditional slow times of day is the type of practice that seems to be catching on in commercial clubs,” he wrote.

5. Functional fitness training

This is defined as training to improve balance, coordination, functional strength and endurance to improve activities of daily living. Functional fitness first appeared in 2007 at number four and fell to number fourteen in 2021, so is making a comeback this year.

6. Outdoor activities

Activities can include group walks, rides, paddle boarding, mountain biking and organised hikes, and can be day-long or multi-day events.

“Perhaps because of pandemic restrictions, outdoor activities have become more popular,” said Thompson. In 2021 this trend ranked in fourth place and in 2022 it was number three. It first appeared in 2010 in position 25.

7. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Last year HIIT dropped out of the top five for the first time, coming in at number seven. It was first between 2014 and 2018 and is still in this position. Sessions vary in format, but can include training with dumbbells and bodyweight, as well as cycling, stair climbing and other cardio options.

9. Employing certified fitness professionals

“The importance of hiring certified health and fitness professionals through educational programmes and accredited certification programmes has remained a steady trend,” said Thompson. “More certification programmes have become accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, allowing employers easy access to certification.”

This trend first appeared in 2019 in sixth position, but was thirteenth in 2021 and 2022 before bouncing back this year.

8. Exercise for weight loss

Combined weight loss and exercise programmes have been a top 20 trend since the survey began in 2006. It was number five in 2022, but has dropped to eighth position for 2023.

“Perhaps because of the lockdowns imposed by COVID-19 and resulting perceived (or real) weight gain, exercise for weight loss made a comeback in 2022,” wrote Thompson. “Most diet programmes recommend including some form of exercise.”

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