insights for success

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of the new trend or think it’s just another gimmick, you need to be able to comment on it confidently. That’s how you keep that expert status; by staying informed, staying adaptable, and continually expand your knowledge. And who knows? You might find something that’s worth integrating into your own offerings, something that could give you a fresh edge in a crowded market.

THE ONLINE FITNESS BOOM

We all know that the online revolution hit us hard, and let’s be real—many of us were caught off guard when it happened. But now that we've all experienced the shift, it's clear as day: the online fitness boom is here to stay, and it's only going to get stronger.
The pandemic accelerated this shift, and now people have fully embraced the convenience and flexibility of online fitness. And with that, we've seen a rise in hybrid fitness models—combining the best of both worlds by blending in-person training with online sessions. Some clients now want the flexibility to switch between attending a physical class and logging in from home and many fitness professionals are creating models that allow for the best of both worlds.

HYBRID FITNESS MODELS

Fitness related wearables have been around for a while, but their integration into personalised fitness programs has stepped up in recent years. Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and heart rate monitors aren’t just for data collection anymore—they’re becoming key components of coaching. Offering guidance on how to use these tools effectively or incorporating them into your programs can help you stay ahead of the curve.
VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) FITNESS
This is an interesting area which is emerging right now. It could be the next revolution, who knows? If it sparks your interest you should stay on top of its progress as you may want to jump on this wave before everyone else does. I know you might be thinking it’s just some fancy tech gadget or maybe even competition for what you currently do. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, VR can be your secret weapon. Instead of just sending your clients the same old workout videos or running a standard online session, you could be guiding them through a VR workout where they feel like they’re jogging through the Swiss Alps or doing yoga on a beach in Bali. You can still be there, if that’s how you want to do things. You can coach them virtually and give them that real-time feedback they expect. It’s next-level stuff, if it continues to evolve it could keep things fresh and exciting.
A lot of these VR platforms are actually looking to collaborate with fitness professionals. You can sign up, create your own workouts, and get them out there. Some even have affiliate programs or partnerships. So, if your clients buy the VR gear or subscribe through you, you’re making money from that too. It’s like getting paid twice for the same work—who doesn’t want that? These platforms have a global audience too, so we’re talking about reaching people you’d never even dream of connecting with otherwise. You could be coaching someone in Tokyo in the morning, someone in New York in the afternoon—all from your living room.

MICRO-WORKOUTS: OFFERING QUICK FITNESS FOR BUSY LIVES
With attention spans getting shorter and busier lives becoming the norm, there’s been a surge in “micro-workouts”—quick, intense bursts of exercise lasting anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. These are ideal for clients who don’t have a lot of time but still want to stay active and fit. I get it, it’s not the traditional approach to fitness, but we are seeing more and more innovative methods. If this aligns with what your target market needs, micro-workouts could be a great addition to your offerings.

HOLISTIC FITNESS APPROACHES

At the same time, there seems to be more of a demand for holistic fitness approaches. The industry is increasingly acknowledging that factors like recovery and mindfulness are important too and see it’s also about nurturing the body and mind. This is where practices like guided meditation, breathwork, and mobility sessions come into play, becoming popular complements to regular exercise routines. So, you could look at adding these elements into your services and appeal to clients seeking a more well-rounded and complete fitness experience.

NUTRITIONAL GENOMICS: THE FUTURE OF PERSONALISED NUTRITION

This might sound all fancy and science-y, but it’s basically the study of how your genes interact with the food you eat. Think of it like this: your genes are like a map, and the food you eat is the fuel. Depending on your genetic makeup, your body might respond differently to certain foods compared to someone else. You know how some people can eat all the carbs in the world and not gain an ounce, while others just look at a piece of bread and feel bloated? Yeah, that’s nutritional genomics in action.
Imagine two people, Lisa and Tom. Both want to lose weight. Lisa cuts down on carbs, and boom—she’s shedding pounds like nobody’s business. Tom, on the other hand, tries the same low-carb diet and…nothing. He’s stuck. Why? Because Tom’s body, thanks to his unique genetic makeup, actually thrives on carbs but doesn’t do well with fats. If Tom knew this, he’d probably eat differently, right? That’s where nutritional genomics comes in. It takes the guesswork out of what diet might work best for you by looking at your genetic profile. Adding something like this to your offerings could seriously set you apart. It would be a case of partnering with one of these companies that offer DNA testing and providing your clients with a detailed report on how their bodies respond to different types of foods, and even what supplements might be beneficial for them. You could charge a premium for this added value, which could significantly increase your revenue. Once you’ve had a few clients go through this process and see results, make sure you collect testimonials and success stories to show future clients how this unique approach works, as well as the science behind it all.

BROADER TRENDS IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY: SUSTAINABILITY AND INCLUSIVITY

Outside of your actual services, there are broader concepts that recent thought leaders have helped to change the way we look at things in general. Emerging trends like sustainability and inclusivity seem to be shaping the future of every industry currently. So much so that it’s becoming more of a demand rather than a trend.

SUSTAINABILITY IN FITNESS

We know there's a massive push towards being more eco-friendly these days. People want to support businesses that are doing their part to protect the planet, and the fitness industry is no exception. Using equipment made from sustainable materials and promoting outdoor workouts to cut down on that carbon footprint are ideas that can make your business more attractive, especially if your audience is environmentally conscious.
Materials like recycled rubber for your yoga mats or resistance bands, bamboo for equipment handles, or even eco-friendly clothing made from organic cotton or recycled polyester. These might seem like small changes, but they can add up to make a big difference. And if you promote this in your marketing? It’s a huge selling point.
Plus, outdoor workouts are a fantastic way to lean into this whole sustainability thing. Not only are you getting people outside, which has its own health benefits, but you’re also reducing the energy consumption that comes from running a gym. Angles like “Join our eco-friendly boot camp, get fit, and save the planet all at once!” is catchy, it’s relevant, and it speaks directly to a growing market of eco-conscious consumers.

INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY: BEYOND BUZZWORDS

When it comes to inclusivity and diversity, these are buzzwords you’re hearing everywhere, but they’re more than that. They’re becoming essentials in how businesses operate, especially large and corporate businesses. The thought is that people want to see themselves represented, no matter their age, ability, body type, or background. In the fitness industry, this means offering services that are accessible to everyone—whether that’s adaptive workouts for people with disabilities, programs for older adults, or even just marketing that features diverse body types and ethnicities.
But listen, I’m not saying you need to suddenly turn your whole business model upside down if this isn’t your focus or your target market. Don’t force it just to look trendy—that’s not the point. The point is to be aware. Know how the industry is shifting. Understand what’s becoming important to your potential clients and the market in general.