We all know that there will forever be a need for treadmills, free weights, and a squat rack at a gym. But as a gym owner, do you know what the latest hot thing is in the fitness industry? Growing trends are what keep your members coming back for more. Read up on the ACSM’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends that you should be capitalizing on and offering in your facility in 2018.

1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT was number one in the ACSM’s survey in 2014 and now again in 2018. HIIT typically involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by a short period of rest or recovery. It’s considered to be much more effective than normal cardio because the intensity is higher and exercisers are able to increase both aerobic and anaerobic endurance while burning more fat. So if you are looking for the next big thing to keep your exercisers engaged and excited about going to the gym, be sure to work some HIIT classes and equipment into your facility.

Equipment to Consider

The new Precor 731i treadmill offers the ability to conduct small-group interval training on treadmills by allowing exercisers to change the interval intensity using the one-touch speed and incline keys. Also, Assault Fitness products really hit the mark on HIIT training. The Assault AirRunner and AirBike are perfect for getting quick, high-impact workout done anywhere, in a matter of minutes with zero electricity needed.

2. Group Training

From aerobics, to Spin® and dance classes, and even to weight lifting, group training programs are designed to be effective sessions for all different fitness levels. They are led by motivational instructors and are taught using special techniques that help individuals achieve fitness goals. Group exercise training programs have been around for a long time and have appeared as a potential worldwide trend since this survey was originally constructed, but it is just now starting to reach its full potential in the gym environment.

You want to make sure you are not missing the bus on this growing trend. Don’t know where to start? Our Group Training Business Manual will consider how you can tap into a new revenue-generating market within your facility, and even attract new members by way of a compelling and truly differentiated group training program.

Equipment to Consider

Queenax™ is the ultimate group training unit with its unique and functional options, the possibilities are endless. From increasing training space to allowing for circuit, bodyweight, and tabata training, Queenax™ is a great addition when thinking about incorporating group training. Another way to set yourself apart from the competition in a group training environment is to offer Spin® classes. The classes keep member interested and coming back for more. Plus it provides them the necessary tools to achieve their health and fitness goals.

3. Wearable Technology

Tracking activity through number of daily steps, heart rate, and calories burned has become extremely popular to the modern day exercisers. You see people walking around the gym with all different types of accessories, from Apple Watches®, Polar® heart rate monitors, or Fitbits®. Heart rate-based training technology can also better equip your trainers to identify select workout intensities for members’ different fitness goals. It is hard to say how wearable technology will advance but it’s probably safe to say it will only go up from here.

4. Bodyweight Training

Bodyweight training has been around for centuries but truly has only become very popular over the past few years. This kind of training can be performed anywhere. It does not require free weights or machines, only the exerciser’s own body weight to perform. A lot of the exercises performed during bodyweight training are variations of the basics. They target major muscle groups but still activate and work supporting muscles. Giving your members the knowledge to know how to properly perform and formulate a bodyweight training program equips them with the tools to reach their fitness goals, whatever they maybe.

5. Strength Training

Strength training has and probably will always remain a high contender in fitness trends because it appeals to many different types of exercisers. It is essential for reaching fitness goals and is used in many facets of recovery and medical rehab. Ensuring you have everything your members need in terms of equipment is essential for the success of your facility. Learn how Precor can help with our full line of strength equipment from plate loaded, benches and racks to selectorized and even functional strength options.

6. Educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals

This trend has hovered in the middle of the top ten trends for the past few years. Having educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals continues to be a key component for your facility’s success. One of the largest factors today’s exercisers take into consideration when deciding on a gym is its staff. It is important that you ensure you have a well-trained staff that is staying up on not only their accreditations, but the growing trends as well to ensure your members are getting the best there is to offer as far as training and programming. Your staff is one of the most vital components that can create the difference between a member deciding to join your facilities or your competitors.

Learn more about the importance of investing in education for your trainers.

7. Yoga

Yoga first appeared in the top ten on the Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends in 2008, fell out of the top trends in 2009, but made a great comeback in the 2010, and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Yoga comes in a variety of forms and tests exerciser’s limits in a variety of ways from strength, flexibility, recovery, and breathing. The popularity of yoga seems to be due to the fact that it’s forever changing and keeps things interesting and new for the exerciser, making it an essential offering at your facility.

8. Personal training

Always in the top ten of this survey, personal training is not something to put to the wayside when thinking about what makes your facility stand out. Personal trainers will not only continue to be an important to members but add a pertinent point of revenue for you facility. Securing personal training clients helps ensure member retention, but there isn’t a sure-fire approach for acquiring more personal training clients. In other words, a variety of techniques will likely work better than the use of only one or two personal training methods.

There are so many different education options today your staff can choose from now and it is important that they are continually educating themselves on the growing trends of the industry.

As you can see, there are a variety of growing trends that you will want to ensure are on your list for 2018. Members are looking for variety in your offerings and are increasingly seeking unique, personalized experiences. Get a jump start on the New Year, whether it is by adding one of the above trends to your facility or brushing up your current programming and offerings.

Precor is here to help. Contact us today to learn how!