TeamUp’s Top 10 Emerging Fitness Trends for 2022

The software management solution company crafted a list of fitness trends 2022 & offers creative ideas for fitness businesses & trainers

With major advances in tech, customer and consumer behavior changes, and a pandemic, the fitness industry has expanded and changed in the last two years. 

It has been an unpredictable time, but getting fitness consumers back to the gym can be tricky as things settle down. TeamUp, a software management solution company, examined emerging fitness trends for 2022 and offers insight on how fitness businesses and trainers can have a successful year. 

#1: Fitness consumers will opt for personalized training with small groups versus a commercial gym experience

While fitness enthusiasts were enduring pandemic-related lockdowns, the surge in online classes and on-demand content offerings helped fulfill personal accountability and reach goals. Even with a fitness contingency in place, the sudden shift to independent fitness made some concerned about losing momentum.

For fitness trends in 2022, TeamUp predicts that boutique-style fitness studios will continue to grow in popularity due to their more personalized concept. 

“These smaller and more personable gyms and studios give clients the opportunity to create a bespoke training program with a personal trainer as opposed to larger, commercial gyms where a member is largely left to their own devices. Additionally, smaller gyms can offer small group PT. These classes of two to 10 members mean instructors can give more one-to-one time to clients than bigger gyms with larger class sizes, but it also makes it easier for members to create a rapport while working out together,” TeamUp reports.

#2: Fitness studios are becoming a socialization source

People who have either spent the pandemic embarking on a new fitness journey or continuing their training are eager to experience “fitness camaraderie.” TeamUp says that fitness members are more likely to encourage friends and family to attend classes with them, creating a sense of community and repeat gym guests.

Nick Wardle, owner of Body Transformation Centre, says, “I think people are more compliant when they’re both doing something together because they are on the same journey. The support is generally better.” 

#3: Mental health is having its moment in the spotlight, but it’s creating a divide

TeamUp says that the media has been problematic at times, pushing the idea that mental wellness has become a significant issue in the last couple of years. The software solution company says that constantly pushing this narrative can create unnecessary worry in people about their mental state. That being said, fitness studios can still find ways to be supportive.

“Fitness businesses can support their clients and members with encouragement and offer them the motivation they need to get back into their fitness regimes,” TeamUp suggests. By offering support, gyms and studios can create a safe space for both mental health and physical health. 

“Fitness centers can create communities or a hub to help and support their clients, and the more they are able to show it and show proof of what they are doing to boost mental and physical health, the better,” TeamUp says.

#4: People may be hesitant, but hybrid is here to stay

The pandemic showed a surge in online classes and on-demand content, as these solutions allowed fitness businesses to pivot from in-person offerings to a digital presence quickly.

However, TeamUp suggests that even with lockdowns having ended, online classes can still prove to be an asset to fitness businesses, allowing them to increase class sizes and offering hybrid models, where an in-person class is live-streamed for those at home.

On-demand content, TeampUp says, will be a great feature for fitness businesses. However, the flexibility to join a class that fits a member’s free time will prove to be a nice perk of their gym membership.

#5: Consumers have adapted to working out solo – which means it’s time for gyms to get creative

Fitness tech equipment, like Peloton, Mirror, and Apple watches, saw considerable consumer gains during the pandemic. This motivated traditional brick-and-mortar gym studios to offer online classes and on-demand content, says TeamUp.

However, some have become accustomed to working out alone in the comfort of their own homes or outdoors, and TeamUp says that gyms and studios need to offer incentives to get “homebodies back through the doors of their old exercise spaces.”

#6: People are sick of being stuck inside

The great outdoors has never been so enticing, especially after a brutal two years. Fitness enthusiasts see the mental and physical benefits of fresh air and sun, so offering classes outdoors can be a safe way for gyms to fulfill that craving while still maintaining social distancing. 

The outdoors represents safety along with more freedom, says TeamUp. Online classes will also help clients log on if they are traveling, whether near the sea or in the mountains. 

#7: The clock is ticking – and clients are more aware of that than ever before

Shorter, more intense workouts can offer the same results of traditional modes of fitness, TeamUp says, and fitness consumers have taken note. 

Offering shorter workings like HIIT or programs like F45 will appeal to those with busy schedules. 

#8: Fitness enthusiasts are hyper-aware of safety

Health concerns are heightened after enduring a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and studios need to prove that they are following strict health and safety regulations.

“Letting people see you wipe down and disinfect workout spaces and equipment after each session will give them peace of mind,” TeamUp suggests. Having hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray is also important to keep handy…and permanently. 

#9: Fitness consumers desire a holistic approach – they want their individual needs to be recognized & met

“A more holistic approach means a more tailored approach,” says TeamUp. There is no one-size-fits-all approach and fitness consumers have different nutrition and physical needs. 

When fitness enthusiasts feel that their individual needs are recognized and met, it fosters a better relationship of trust and makes them feel valued. TeamUp says that getting to know your fitness clients is key and will lead to “better service, not [just] the same service.” 

#10: Restrictions make people run

Retaining your current clients is important, but the goal should be to welcome new faces, too, says TeamUp. Rules and policies are part of the fitness business model, but studios shouldn’t go overboard. 

Being flexible can be attractive to new and current members.  “Altering long-term memberships to allow for revision or recurring memberships without a contract offers flexibility for a customer to make the best decisions for them,” TeamUp says.

Lastly, the pandemic threw many industries for a loop and made many adapt to new models, both temporarily and permanently. However, as for fitness trends next year, TeamUp says that things are calming down and fitness consumers still want to attend classes, get back to old routines, and have new fitness goals for 2022. 

Even if fitness businesses need to adjust, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. “It’s a chance for fitness businesses to adapt to a new, exciting trend that will help trainers and instructors to grow their businesses,” TeamUp says.