These are the top 20 fitness trends for 2019 according to a survey of thousands of industry professionals around the world.

For the past 13 years, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has conducted annual surveys to predict the most important trends that will drive the fitness industry for the upcoming years.  This year, the survey was answered by 2,038 fitness professionals from countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, China, France, Russia, Germany, Italy, Japan, India, and Taiwan. The questionnaire listed a wide variety of trends in commercial, clinical, community-based, and corporate fitness for the international respondents to rank.

Respondents were asked to rate certain terms or phrases based on what they believed were most likely to be trends in 2019 and which would be the most popular. The results were then published in a full report for ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. Scroll down to see which fitness trend ranked the highest.

The Top 20 Fitness Trends for 2019

20. Postrehabilitation Classes – These programs are specifically developed to help patients manage chronic health conditions like cancer, stroke recovery, post-traumatic disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

19. Small Group Personal Training – This refers to classes in which a personal trainer handles a small group of two to five clients.

18. Licensure for Fitness Professionals – More countries are enforcing regulations on the health and fitness industries by requiring licensure of professionals such as physical therapists, dietitians, and personal trainers.

17. Outdoor Activities – Health and fitness professionals are expected to offer more outdoor activities ranging from short hikes, walks, and rides to weeklong excursions.

16. Outcome Measurements – There will be greater efforts to define and track outcomes to determine the concrete impacts that exercise has on overall health and disease management.

15. Worksite Health Promotion and Workplace Well-Being Programs – Employers will offer more programs, services, and facilities to promote the health and wellness of workers.

14. Mobility or Myofascial Devices – These devices, like deep tissue rollers, are designed for massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy.

13. Mobile Exercise Apps – Fitness apps are packed with features including progress trackers and exercise instructions to facilitate workouts.

12. Exercise for Weight Loss – Weight loss programs will combine diets, pills, and supplements with daily exercise routines.

11. Health or Wellness Coaching – Coaches incorporate behavioral science into their lifestyle programs which provide clients with motivation, support, guidance, and goals.

10. Exercise is Medicine (EIM) – This global health initiative encourages physicians to recommend physical activity for the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

9. Functional Fitness Training – Functional fitness utilizes real-world movements to improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance in daily life.

8. Personal Training – Personal trainers tailor workouts to each client’s individual needs and goals with sessions conducted either online, at home, in health clubs, or in fitness facilities.

7. Yoga – Yoga is still a hot trend around the world for those with intentions to get fit or relieve stress.

6. Employing Certified Fitness Professionals – Gyms, clubs, companies, and organizations are recognizing the importance of hiring fitness professionals that are certified by fully accredited programs.

5. Bodyweight Training – Bodyweight training uses minimal equipment, making it an inexpensive, convenient, and popular way to effectively exercise.

4. Fitness Programs for Older Adults – Physical activity has been found to help aging adults remain healthy, active, and mentally alert for much longer.

3. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) – HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by short periods of rest, and its benefits have increased its popularity over the past several years.

2. Group Training – Group classes have been around for a long time and they’re still going strong thanks to their cost-effectiveness, dynamism, and social facilitation.

1. Wearable Technology – Wearable fitness devices can track heart rate, calories, steps, GPS location, and more—as well as connect to gym equipment and various health assistant apps. Wearable devices have been around the tops of fitness trends lists for the past several years, and the market is growing with no signs of slowing down for 2019.

For more news about global fitness trends, visit the E-Sports International newsroom today.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Photo Credits:

Images are from American Council on Exercise, ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, and Les Mills.