10 WORLDWIDE FITNESS TRENDS OF 2020

By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer

For the 14th year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) released its annual worldwide fitness trends survey in its Health & Fitness Journal. More than 3,000 health and fitness professionals in North America, South America, Europe and China ranked 38 possible trends on a scale of 1 (least likely to be a trend) to 10 (most likely to be a trend). The ACSM distinguishes trends (a development or change) from fads (something taken up with great enthusiasm for a brief period). The annual trends are seen in clinical settings as well as gyms and at-home fitness. The top 10 worldwide fitness trends (in order of popularity) for 2020 include:

1. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

With the exception of a drop to No. 3 in 2018, wearable technology has ranked as the No. 1 fitness trend since 2016. This includes fitness and activity trackers, smart watches, heart monitors and GPS tracking devices. Wearable technology, an estimated $95 billion industry, shows no signs of slowing.

2. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

These exercise programs involve short bursts of high-intensity bouts of exercise followed by a short rest period. HIIT was the No. 1 fitness trend in 2014 and 2018. It dropped to No. 3 in 2016 and 2017 but has maintained a place in the top five since 2014. HIIT isn’t for everyone, however. Fitness professionals warn of potentially increased injury rates using HIIT. Proponents of HIIT claim it not only makes you fit but also boosts brain health, eases stress, improves body composition and fends off chronic diseases.

3. Group Training

Exercises led by an instructor for five or more individuals can include cardio, dance, step and cycling classes. Although group exercise has been around a long time, it has only made the top 20 world fitness trends since 2017.

4. Training with Free Weights

This includes strength training performed with free weights, barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells and medicine balls.

5. Personal Training

One-on-one training – in gyms, at home via TV programs and DVDs or even online – has been in the top 10 since the ACSM survey began in 2006. Personal training includes fitness testing and goal setting with a trainer who works one-on-one with clients, designing workouts specific to their needs and goals.

6. Exercise is Medicine (EIM)

EIM is a global health initiative focusing on encouraging primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to include physical activity assessments and associated treatment recommendations as part of every patient visit. EIM recognizes fitness professionals as part of the healthcare team.

7. Body Weight Training

Body weight training uses a combination of variable-resistance and neuromotor exercises employing multiple planes of movement. This program stresses using body weight as the training modality. It uses minimal equipment, making it an inexpensive way to exercise effectively. It first appeared in the survey in 2013 and has usually ranked among the top 10 each year since.

8. Fitness Programs for Older Adults

Fitness programs catering to older adults can help them with overall health, maintaining muscle strength and stamina. It also helps prevent falls.

9. Health/Wellness Coaching

Health/Wellness integrates behavioral science into health promotion and lifestyle medicine programs. Health/Wellness coaching uses a one-on-one or small-group approach to coach, provide support, help with goal setting and offer guidance and encouragement. The coach focuses on the client’s values, needs, vision and short- and long-term goals using behavior change intervention strategies. This category has been among the top 20 fitness trends since 2010.

10. Employing Certified Fitness Professionals

Fitness professionals who have been certified by fully accredited educational and/or certification programs have the base of knowledge for personal training or class instruction. They even help design and implement wellness plans for organizations. Sources: • American College of Sports Medicine • Bicycling.com