By Lisa Turpin, Health & Wellness Coach
According to the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual international survey of 4,500 health and fitness professionals, released Dec. 28, Wearable Technology will be the top global fitness trend in 2023. The fitness professionals were polled on 42 potential trends, and ACSM reported on the top 20.
“Wearables are certainly not going anywhere,” ACSM Past President Walter R. Thompson, who served as the lead author of the survey, said in the media release. “Not only are these devices becoming more affordable, but wearable data is increasingly being used in clinical decision making so they are continuing to hold their appeal.”
According to the survey, as the COVID-19 pandemic decreases in severity, Online Training has decreased in popularity, falling off of this year’s list. In 2020, online training came in at No. 26, but it jumped to the top trend in 2021. However, in 2022 it dropped to No. 9, and the 2023 survey put it at No. 21. The decline of this trend is tied to the fact individuals are returning to the gym, and in many cases abandoning their home gyms. According to ACSM, the Home Exercise Gyms trend dropped in the ranks to No. 13 in 2023 from No. 2 in 2022. Exercisers seem to be returning to the basics in a more post-pandemic world, based on other surveys as well. Strength Training with Free Weights is No. 2 this year and Body Weight Training is No. 3. Core and Circuit Training still make the top 20 at Nos. 11 and 12. Variety is always a great idea and it’s great to see these trends stay important.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) remained relatively stable, regardless of the changes brought by COVID-19. For example, HIIT was the No. 1 trend in both 2014 and 2018, and now No. 7 in 2022 and 2023. This shows HIIT is still very popular and effective. Fitness Programs for Older Adults has been an important trend for years. These active agers are entering retirement and adopting a lifestyle that focuses on fitness. In 2018 it was No. 9, No. 4 in 2019, No. 8 in 2020, No. 9 in 2021, No. 11 in 2022 and now No. 4 in 2023. Doctors are encouraging physical fitness for older adults to increase quality of life, joint mobility and strength. Personal Training remains stable in the top 10 also, as I have experienced first-hand; exercisers are taking their health and exercise safety more importantly post pandemic scare.
The top 20 global trends for 2023, according to the survey are:
1) Wearable Technology
2) Strength Training with Free Weights
3) Body Weight Training
4) Fitness Programs for Older Adults
5) Functional Fitness Training
6) Outdoor Activities
7) High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
8) Exercise for Weight Loss
9) Employing Certified Fitness Professionals
10) Personal Training
11) Core Training
12) Circuit Training
13) Home Exercise Gyms
14) Group Exercise Training
15) Exercise Is Medicine
16) Lifestyle Medicine
17) Yoga
18) Licensure for Fitness Professionals
19) Health/Well-Being Coaching
20) Mobile Exercise Apps
The full list of top 20 trends is available in the article “Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2023.” You can also access key takeaways from the global rankings for Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and the United States in “2023 Fitness Trends from around the Globe.”
Lisa Leath Turpin is a degreed and certified health and fitness lifestyle coach and consultant who has devoted her life to motivating and strengthening the body and mind of others. With over 20 years’ experience, Lisa has a B.S. degree in Sports & Fitness Management from the University of Alabama, developed and managed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Health & Wellness Facility and programs in Huntsville, Ala., is board certified by the National Board of Fitness Examiners and possesses certifications from AFAA, Polestar/Balanced Body, Reebok U, SCW Fitness and American Heart Association. She is currently a group exercise leader at Destin Health & Fitness and an independent personal trainer in the Destin area, diversely and extensively trained in classical and modern Pilates, lifestyle management, personal training, group exercise and post-rehabilitation. Have a fitness question for Lisa? Email BeActive850@gmail.com.
