These are the fitnesstrends for 2023

We have arrived in a new year. That means new fitness trends! What's popular, what's becoming less popular and what new developments are on the horizon this year? In other words, what should you really do (or not do) in your gym this year? You can read all about it in this blog. These are the 9 fitness trends for 2023.

Last year we saw, among other things, 'exercise as medicine', 'online training', 'wearable technology' and mindfulness as trends for 2022. Some of last year's trends will also return this year. After the pandemic, the focus is still on physical and mental health. Below you can read the 9 fitness trends for 2023.

Fitness trends for 2023

1. Wearable technology
   Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, is nothing new. Last year they were also mentioned as a trend for 2022. Wearable technology is now estimated to be an industry of about € 100 billion. However, the next generation of wearable technology will be even more advanced, with features such as heart rate monitors, GPS tracking and even blood sugar monitors. This type of technology not only helps you track your progress and set goals, but also gives you valuable insights into your health. It makes your training more complete and contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
   
   
2. More focus on mental health
   More people now exercise not only to lose weight or build muscle, but also to reduce stress, improve their mood and clear their heads. This is a trend that will continue in 2023. The pandemic has taken its toll on everyone's mental health and it's clear we need to focus on our well-being more than ever.
   
   Here are a few key findings according to the latest research from the John W Brick Foundation:
   * Existing scientific research indicates that exercise and physical activity benefit mental health.
   * 89% of all published peer-reviewed research between 1990 and 2022 found a direct link between exercise and mental health.
   * Three to five 30-45 minute moderate to vigorous exercise sessions per week are the sweet spot to reap optimal mental health benefits.
   
   
3. Home gym
   Working out at home became a hot item during the pandemic and home/garage gyms popped up everywhere. Their popularity will also remain high in 2023 because significant investments have been made for home gym equipment. However, many people have realized that nothing beats the motivation and energy that comes from exercising with others. Now that the gyms are open again, athletes can enjoy the best of both worlds. The majority of exercisers now prefer a 60:40 mix between live and digital workouts. According to research from McKinsey, the number using hybrid fitness routines grew by 41% between 2020 and 2022. The study also found that these consumers achieved significantly better results from their hybrid training.
   
   
4. Boutique fitness studios
   The rise of boutique studios is set to continue into 2023 and beyond, although at a slower pace than before. More than ever, people are looking for the sense of community that boutique clubs typically provide. Boutique gyms, thanks to their small class sizes and personal approach, have the advantage of making it easier to control fixed costs and manage service quality, thanks to a closer relationship with customers. It is also easier to control service quality on a human level, again thanks to this closer contact with the customers.
5. Virtual fitness classes
   Virtual fitness classes have been around for a while, but thanks to the pandemic they really took off in 2020. It seems that this trend is here to stay. In 2023, we can expect more people to benefit from virtual fitness classes. Virtual classes offer a convenient and affordable way to train from home. Do you also want to offer virtual fitness classes? The first step is deciding what type of fitness classes you want to stream live. This will affect your approach and the gear you need. We've seen successful online fitness businesses built around many different types of workout videos, including cardio, aerobics, HIIT, Pilates, strength training, and more.
   
   If you're wondering where to start, we recommend choosing one style of teaching. Pick the one you feel most comfortable with and slowly expand your video library as you gain experience. The first goal is to launch live streaming workouts and see how the process works for you. Live streaming your fitness classes on Instagram or Facebook is a great way to attract new students. Is it going well? Then you can consider broadcasting your live streams from a platform. Which platform works best for you depends on your goals, time and lessons.
   
   
6. Virtual reality workout
   Virtual reality workouts will become increasingly popular in 2023 and the coming years. The global augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market size is estimated to grow at €125.19 billion over the period 2020-2024. Recent research shows that VR workouts can burn just as many calories as their traditional counterparts and help improve physical fitness, muscle strength and balance. All you need to do is put on a VR headset and immerse yourself in everything from rock climbing and boxing to dancing, meditation and more! You'll be able to sweat it out in exotic locations or workout with your favorite celebrity without leaving your living room!
   
   
7. Personal training
   The personal training world is booming. The global market size for personal fitness trainers is estimated to reach €39,740 million by 2022 and is expected to surpass €63,800 million by 2023. People are increasingly asking for personal trainers because, among other things, they provide safe training conditions by paying close attention to technique. They have knowledge and expertise that is often not available in a gym, motivate their customers and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition, a personal trainer can help you set realistic goals and achieve them. Since the pandemic, it is no longer seen as a 'luxury', but more as a need. Don't you offer personal training yet? Then it is definitely worth looking into whether there are possibilities to do this.
   
   
8. HIIT
   High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a method that has become very popular in recent years. While trends come and go quickly, some manage to stick around for a while, like HIIT. HIIT workouts are short and intense, making them perfect for those short on time. In addition, more and more evidence reveals that HIIT can be an injury-free, efficient, time-saving and enjoyable form of exercise for improving metabolism, health, physical fitness and wellbeing. Even more, HIIT workouts can be adapted to any fitness level.

   Fitness experts predict that more and more strength training and plyometer movements will be added to this form of training. 'CrossFit style', but even more accessible.

9. Company fitness
   CEOs and other executives around the world have become well aware of the impact of employee health and fitness at work and overall well-being. A happy and fit work team means a productive workforce. That is why corporate fitness will also become increasingly important in 2023. Setting up a gym in the office space is a convenient and accessible way for employees to keep fit and build relationships with colleagues outside of working hours. Are you interested to turn an office space into a gym for your employees? Please contact us for advice and a custom 3D drawing.

    

    

A key factor in growing your gym is not only adapting to the trends expected in 2023, but also standing out. Those who excel in the market are more likely to retain customers and attract new ones. Customers are increasingly looking for new concepts and different training approaches.

Start by looking at how your gym users behave. You can even create a questionnaire to get more specific data on what they expect from their gym in 2023. This way you can respond very specifically to what your customers want!

We hope these current fitness trends will inspire you to get even more out of your gym/box in 2023 and push you to reach your goals.

Sources:
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/03/22/2407884/0/en/The-Online-Virtual-Fitness-Market-Is-Expected-To-Reach-79-Billion-By- 2026-With-The-Rising-Penetration-Of-Smart-Devices-As-Per-The-Business-Research-Company-s-Online-Virtual-Fitness.html

https://www.johnwbrickfoundation.org/move-your-mental-health-report/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7312871/

Deloitte. European Health & Fitness Market Report 2022.
EuropeActive, Brussels, Belgium, 2022.

International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association.
The 2022 IHRSA Global Report. IHRSA Publications,
Boston, MA, USA, 2022.

https://www.mdpi.com/429838

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891422208000413

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/sweating-for-the-fitness-consumer