2024 Fitness Trends That All Gym Owners Should Know About

The fitness industry is a thriving and dynamic sector that continues to experience remarkable growth. Annually, Australians invest approximately $8.5 billion in fitness services and equipment, and another 11,800 new job positions have opened up in the last 5 years.

The future looks promising too, with projections indicating a further 16% increase in fitness jobs, reaching a total of 43,900 by 2024.

As the fitness industry evolves, it is crucial to stay abreast of the latest trends that shape consumer preferences and expectations. In this article, we will explore the key fitness trends that are set to expand in 2024. 

Whilst some of these aren’t new, they have grown a lot in demand. These trends are reshaping the way people approach fitness, providing exciting opportunities for fitness professionals, gym owners, and enthusiasts.

Fitness Programs for Older Adults 

Hitting the gym isn’t just for young people. Australia’s ageing demographic means there is a growing demand for fitness programs tailored to older adults. These programs go beyond standard regimens. They incorporate cognitive exercises and flexibility routines, fostering both mental and physical agility. 

The exercises focus on enhancing cardiovascular health, improving muscle tone, and ensuring joint flexibility. Importantly, the social component, often seen in group-based activities, helps older adults stay engaged, counteracting feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Functional Fitness Training 

Whilst functional fitness isn’t new, it has become increasingly popular in recent years as the general population is more educated in health and wellness, looking for a holistic approach.

Functional training isn’t just about building muscles – it’s about making everyday tasks easier. This fitness method trains the body for activities like lifting heavy bags, bending, or even reaching for objects. 

The goal is to make daily tasks more efficient and reduce the risk of injuries. By simulating day-to-day activities in exercises, it ensures muscles are ready for real-world challenges.

Strength training with free weights like kettlebells and rings have also seen an upward trend, as people look for a dynamic workout. 

Using free weights demands stability, which means more muscles are at work, especially the core. This results in a comprehensive workout, building functional strength that's useful in daily life.

Group Exercise Training 

Even though the COVID pandemic seems behind us, the lasting effects of social isolation remain, which is why group fitness has become even more popular.

Group sessions have a variety of benefits, one of the main ones being that they offer something solo workouts can't – community. The camaraderie felt in a group class helps people stay more accountable, boosts motivation and often boosts results.

The collective energy in a group setting often propels individuals to push beyond their perceived limits. The social interaction makes the workout experience more fulfilling.

At Stepz Fitness we’ve put a big focus on combining 24/7 gym access AND group fitness training under one roof, to provide the most value to our members.

Pilates 

With its holistic approach and offering a variety of benefits that you can’t get from regular workouts like improving posture, building core strength and stabiliser muscles, reducing injury and improving mobility, pilates is the workout of choice for more and more people.

Pilates isn’t just about physical exertion but also mental concentration. The emphasis on controlled movements, posture, and breathing makes it a holistic fitness practice. 

Its adaptability means it's suitable for all, from beginners to seasoned athletes, promoting core strength and mental tranquillity.

Wearable Technology 

The age of wearables has ushered in a new way of monitoring health. From tracking the quality of your sleep, measuring heart rate variability, to even gauging stress levels, these devices provide a holistic view of one's health. 

Wearables like Whoop and Oura smart rings have exploded in popularity (along with the standard Apple Watch, FitBits and MyZone belts).

This continuous feedback encourages better health choices and provides real-time data to adjust workouts and recovery.

Embracing Fitness and Wellness Apps 

Paired with wearables, apps have also become more commonly used. From tracking workouts to monitoring diet, optimising sleep or improving mindfulness, there’s always something new.

There is an abundance of technology (almost an overwhelming amount) to help boost your health and wellness.

As people become more health conscious, we expect both the volume and efficiency of apps to increase.

Virtual Reality in Fitness 

Virtual Reality (VR) is taking fitness into the realm of the fantastical. Instead of merely doing an exercise, you’re on epic adventures, climbing virtual mountains or boxing opponents in a digital ring. The immersive experience, offered by pioneers like Oculus, makes exercising more entertaining and engaging.

Embracing the Future of Fitness 

As the fitness industry progresses, it's imperative for enthusiasts and professionals alike to keep pace with emerging trends. By integrating these trends into one's fitness journey, you can not only elevate personal health goals but also capitalise on evolving industry opportunities.

Whether it's specialised programs for older adults, innovative training methods, or the integration of tech enhancements, the fitness arena offers diverse avenues tailored to various needs.

Thinking About Owning A Gym?

Dive into the Fitness Industry with Stepz Thinking of making a mark in the dynamic world of fitness? Look no further than Stepz Fitness. Our unique hybrid model not only provides diverse revenue streams but also ensures streamlined operations.

We're proud to be among Australia's rapidly ascending fitness franchises and we're inviting you to be part of our success story. And guess what? You don’t need prior gym experience. Our dedicated team is with you every step of the way, from setup to running the show. All we ask for is your passion and drive.

Enquire today to learn more about opening a Stepz franchise and becoming your own boss.