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The fitness trends 2022 will look a bit different than you are probably used to due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While they used to be new sports and other novelties, online training is now high on the list of fitness trends, just like in 2021. The past two years have been chaotic to say the least, and Corona has made quite the mark on the fitness industry. Discover all fitness trends for 2022 and how you as a fitness entrepreneur can best respond to this!
Movement is an important part of our lives. And with the increase in awareness of this, several trends have emerged within the fitness industry. Lifemaxx gives you the 10 fitness trends 2022.
Top 10 Fitness Trends 2022
1. Exercise as medicine
The pandemic has left many of us rethinking the value of exercise and our health. Staying fit and healthy in the long run is more important than ever. The effect of sports on our mental and physical health is becoming clear to more and more people. Several studies show that both moderate and intensive exercise is beneficial for the functioning of the immune system. Exercise promotes blood circulation. As a result, white blood cells are distributed more quickly throughout the body. Exercise can literally boost the immune system. Something that we can always use, but is now even more important. You can respond to this by making your gym/ studio/box accessible to all target groups. This can be done, for example, by offering group lessons aimed at a specific target group or customized personal training.
2. Online training
In 2021, online training (livestream classes and workouts on demand) was number 1 in the top 10 fitness trends worldwide for the first time. Followed by wearables, bodyweight training, outdoor activities and HIIT (high-intensity interval training). These will all make their way back to the 2022 list, but online training is definitely number two.
In the future we see further development of online fitness. Online classes are also changing based on members' growing needs. Was this previously something for 'on the side', you can now build a complete business around online training. Do you already offer online classes? Then definitely keep doing this. If you don't already offer this, it's time to do it now.
3. Wearable Technology
They have become indispensable: smartwatches and fitness trackers. And these are no longer simple step trackers. The accuracy and options of wearable technology has improved over the years. Some of these devices now offer AI and VR to make sports even more fun and challenging. They make the workout experience multi-dimensional, making it easier to achieve fitness goals. Even if you are not an athlete, this can actually help you to exercise more. Offering VR or AI in your gym is therefore definitely something to keep an eye on for the future.
4. Mindfulness
The world is moving fast. Due to the constant digital presence, the brain is often 'on'. Sometimes too often. In many cases this results in stress or even in a burnout. In 2022, therefore, the focus will be on mental fitness as well as physical fitness. Fitness of body and mind is becoming increasingly important.
Although sports is a good outlet for many, it is not always enough to also create mental peace. That is why many people now (also) opt for yoga and meditation. Mindfulness, meditation and yoga classes have seen a major increase in 2021 and this increase will continue into 2022. Do you already have these classes on your schedule? If not, now is the right time to do so.
5. High Intensity Interval Training
High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, has been very popular for years and will continue to grow in popularity in 2022. HIIT is a form of training that combines high-intensity exercises with low-intensity intervals. High-intensity exercise is any form of exercise that raises the heart rate to about 90% of its maximum. It puts pressure on your cardiovascular system, making you breathe faster and sweat a lot.
The many benefits of HIIT make it a popular workout in gyms. For example, it helps you burn calories faster than with low-intensity workouts. It also takes very little time, making HIIT the preferred training for people with busy schedules. Implementing HIIT classes for young and old is therefore definitely something that should be on your to-do list for 2022.
6. Personal training
Those who have little time and still want to do a good, targeted training, will benefit greatly from a personal trainer. If you have a busy life, you often don't have time to put together a training program yourself. Personal trainers help design schedules that are tailored to the specific needs of the individual. In addition, personal trainers help to stay motivated and thus achieve fitness goals.
Because in 2022 the focus will be on 'exercise as medicine', there is an opportunity for personal trainers here. For many people, the first step to a fitter life is the most difficult. They know that it is important, but they also have many questions. What should they do and how should they approach it? As a personal trainer you can remove these insecurities. Make this clear in your communication. Fitness is not only important for everyone, but also doable by everyone!
7. Training with your own body weight
You can train with your own body weight anytime and anywhere. This is one of the reasons why this form of training will continue to grow in 2022. It is a cheap and easy way of training. You can supplement bodyweight exercises with materials like resistance bands, but you don't have to. You can easily adapt bodyweight training to the intensity or functional needs. And it requires little space.
Calisthenics is a form of training with your own body weight that will become even more popular in 2022. Calisthenics can be translated as 'beautiful power'. The word comes from the Greek words kallos (κάλλος), meaning “beautiful” or “beauty,” and sthenos (σθένος); 'power'. In practice, the term calisthenics is used for many different exercises and training forms. This varies from exercises that mainly require a lot of strength to exercises that mainly train endurance. Calisthenics training is still limited in gyms, so there is definitely an opportunity here for 2022.
8. Exercise outside
Training outside also fits into the category of 'exercise as medicine'. Walking in the park, running and cycling have become more popular since the start of the pandemic. Just going outside for some fresh air, sunlight and greenery is good for mood and mental fitness. According to researchers at the University of Rochester, walking in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression and improve overall well-being. They found that exposure to nature leads participants to value community and belonging over superficial concerns. Green spaces, gardens and mini-parks will play an even more important role in the future. Do you want to expand your sports location with an option to train outside? Have a look at our Crossmaxx® Outdoor collection.
9. Hormonal Balance
Open conversations about menstruation and menopause have led to more research on the role of hormones in female fitness. This is therefore one of the fitness trends of 2022. Although men and women have the same number of hormones, the level of each hormone varies. For example, women have higher levels of estrogen and progesterone. Men have higher testosterone levels. This influences the way we train. This is because progesterone and estrogen levels are lowest when menstruation begins. These levels then gradually increase throughout the cycle. Lower levels of these hormones can make you feel tired. This affects the (sports) performance. In 2022, fitness professionals, especially those with knowledge of hormone-balanced workouts, will pay more attention to this. For example, by putting together specific training sessions to support and balance these hormones. An opportunity for every gym.
10. Clean, Neat Gyms
There's nothing wrong with being 'raw and industrial', but gyms should be clean and tidy. You used to get away with dust balls in the corner and dumbbells all over the floor. After all, that was part of the gym culture. “You come to train hard, not to whine about the facilities.” COVID-19 is changing this culture. According to an industry survey, many people only return to gyms if they are sure it won't increase the chance of infection. The pressure is now on gyms and other training facilities to ensure the highest standards of hygiene for their members. Gyms that observe the highest level of hygiene by 2022 are significantly more popular than gyms that pay little attention to this. Do you want to win back the members who have chosen to train only at home? Make sure you have a clean, tidy gym!
These are the fitness trends of 2022. While there are challenges, there are also many opportunities for the innovative fitness entrepreneur. Do you want to know how you can get the best out of your gym in 2022 in terms of materials and layout? Feel free to contact us.
