A lot has changed in physical fitness trends for the past 10 years or more.  Before, stability balls were only found in physiotherapy clinics, and Crossfit was men who worked out in dresses.

One of the largest organizations of fitness professionals in the world, IDEA, has the most recent report of fitness programming and equipment trends, gathered from club managers and program directors:

1. Almost 90% of clubs offer personal training. I’m thinking the 10% of club owners aren’t very smart.
2. Not surprisingly, partner and small group training have really jumped in popularity, with people looking for more affordable options.
3. Bootcamps and small group circuit training also increased – presumably for the same reason. In my city, bootcamps have absolutely exploded over the past couple of years.
4. In the traditional group exercise realm, hybrid classes (hi-low/step) have experienced a 35% decline in the past 9 years.
5. Dance classes have seen a marked increase in popularity over the same time span. Classes like Hip-hop, Funk and Zumba have really taken off – a 20% increase in the same time frame.
6. Surprisingly, regular aerobics (hi-low, mixed impact) have seen a re-emergence in popularity – jumping 8% in the past year.
7. Pilates has seen a steady increase in popularity, going from 47% of clubs offering it, to 70% since 2001.
8. The most widely used pieces of equipment over the past few years have been of the portable and versatile variety – with stability balls, resistance bands, medicine balls, foam rollers and small balls being offered in the vast majority of facilities.
9. Respondents expect both balance training and suspension equipment to increase in popularity in the near future.
10. The largest projected equipment decline according to respondents? Stair-climbers, pneumatic machines and interactive computer training programs.
11. Other programs slated for growth potential? Mind-body fusion classes, teen fitness, social activity classes (running/hiking groups), bootcamps, dance-based classes.
12. Another sector of programming that has grown in popularity is exercise programs for those with chronic medical conditions (diabetes, coronary heart disease).

As fitness leaders look for new and innovative ways to keep people fit, the industry is continues to evolve.  Perhaps with more publicity and promotion through media, more people will be motivated to move and adapt this healthy lifestyle.