How the fitness industry has changed over the past 10 years

Fitness trainer, senior lecturer of the Department of Physical Education of SUUU

Physical activity is important to improve the quality of life. Sport is good for health. It also reduces the risk of early death from a number of causes. For example, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, overweight, risk of dangerous falls, depression. Although advances in technology and digitalization are impacting physical inactivity, there has been a definite shift in the last decade. Artificial intelligence is the leading fitness trend. It represents the future of the industry.

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How the type of exercise has changed

Statistics and scientific data compiled by experts from the American College of Sports Medicine and Walter Thompson of the University of Georgia say that 10 years ago, strength training and bodyweight training were at the peak of popularity. The trend was among both men and women. They were being incorporated into exercise programs or used as the primary form of exercise.

Historically (also due to the popularity of bodybuilding), many gym customers exercised exclusively using weights. Today, they too are relevant for achieving muscle growth. However, the sport is now popular among those whose primary goal is to improve and maintain health.

Nowadays, most LFC professionals incorporate them in some form or another into the program for their clients and patients with medical conditions. It is not uncommon to include weight training as part of an exercise package for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation or the treatment of metabolic disease. They also remain popular in commercial, community, clinical and corporate fitness centers for a wide variety of populations.

In 2013, these bodyweight workouts were at the peak of popularity in gyms around the world. People have been performing these exercises for centuries. Today, they are also popular. Why? Often minimal equipment is used, making them an inexpensive way to exercise effectively. Most people mistakenly think that weighted exercises are limited to push-ups and pull-ups, but there can be so much more.

A new trend is outdoor physical activity

Outdoor exercise is becoming more popular: in parks and squares. Fitness clubs and even government organizations are forming groups and hiring special trainers.

The reasons for this popularity are very simple:

clean air improves the functioning of all body systems;
oxidation-reduction processes are enhanced;
rugged terrain in parks promotes the development of endurance;
you don’t have to rush to the group classes, you can simply choose the time, place and comfortable for you load, pace and equipment;
there is an opportunity to train absolutely free of charge;
the sun gives you vitamin D. It improves muscle tone. Muscle cramps, osteoporosis, weakness, fatigue and depression can occur if it is deficient.

Health or beauty?

Fitness mentor, creator of 24Onlinegym

The sports industry is a dynamic and constantly evolving field. It has undergone significant changes over the last 10 years. This applies to many aspects, including the purpose of exercise.

In 2010, the fitness industry was focused on aesthetic goals. Most people sought to achieve a beautiful body, sculpted muscles. Over time, the demands of clients have changed a lot. Today, people have become more conscious about their health and sports in general. Instead of striving for the perfect figure, they prioritize their overall well-being and HEA.

Group VS Personal

Popular formats 10 years ago were group workouts. Such as aerobics, yoga, Pilates and Zumba. Now, client demands have shifted towards personalized functional exercises that improve fitness, flexibility, endurance and strength. Therefore, there is a wide variety of classes. Everyone can find something new for themselves.

What tools and equipment are on trend right now?

With the development of fitness, the following sports accessories have become popular:

fitness resistance bands. They provide an opportunity to exercise using their own resistance and work effectively for muscle recruitment;

weights. Dumbbells and weight cuffs allow you to increase the load and intensity;

fitness mats. Provide a comfortable exercise surface and joint protection;

Influence of modern technology

New technologies such as online workouts, smartphone apps and fitness gadgets have greatly influenced the industry. YouTube classes offer convenience and flexibility in terms of time and location. They also offer a wide range of physical activities and personalization to suit individual needs.

Smart watches track activity, heart rate, calories and other health metrics to help monitor progress and motivate.

Denis Kokorev: Fitness gadgets allow people to track their own activity to make progress. There’s a feature to share data with a doctor or trainer. So, they can be an effective tool in solving physical activity problems.

But you should be careful with social media marathons. Their disadvantage is the lack of systematicity and training plan when practicing without a trainer. In some online workouts there is no warm-up, the specialist immediately shows the main exercises. Those who are just starting to exercise may not know about the need to warm up.

But the main disadvantage is that there is no personal contact with the instructor. He can not come and correct your position during the exercise.