Notable Trends
Wearable Technology ( 1 )
With wearable technology topping the survey for the second year running , Pettit reflected on this seemingly unassailable trend ; ‘ Health and fitness wearables continue to experience rapid growth . The personalised data that these devices provide allows for people of all ages and fitness levels to take control and improve their health , fitness and general wellbeing like never before . Their ability to not only track our bodily responses to energy expenditure , but also discover what is going on inside the body , is quite incredible .
‘ Many users still don ’ t understand the full capabilities of health and fitness wearables , including how to effectively utilise heart rate training zones , which provides real-time feedback on the intensity and energy systems targeted during a session . As such , their popularity will likely continue to grow next year as the technology further evolves and consumers become more adept at utilising all they have to offer .
‘ In 2022 , we expect to see brands like Apple and Garmin continue to dominate all segments of the market – appealing to everyday fitness and leisure consumers , as well as gym junkies and fitness professionals in areas of programming , training and recovery .’
Online Training (# 3 )
Discussing the way in which the past couple of years has impacted delivery of exercise , Pettit said ; ‘ During the early stages of the pandemic , fitness organisations and trainers saw a need to quickly evolve and expand into the online space . Now , almost two years on , consumers have become accustomed to working out anytime they like , wherever they like . The rise of live streaming and on-demand offerings , including online apps and virtual PTs , will likely continue their upward trajectory as consumers prioritise flexibility and variety in fitness .
‘ Key online fitness players to watch in 2022 include LES MILLS On Demand ; Peloton ; SWEAT app ; Lululemon ’ s Mirror hardware ; iFit / NordicTrack ; Apple Fitness +; Emily Skye FIT ; Keep it Cleaner ; and KIXXFIT ’ Pettit concluded .
Exercise is Medicine (# 2 )
Exercise is Medicine was voted the second biggest trend for 2022 - maintaining its position from last year ’ s ranking . Exercise is Medicine is an integrated healthcare model that empowers primary healthcare providers to effectively counsel patients about physical activity leading to sustained behaviour change , and to refer patients to appropriately trained health and fitness professionals to deliver exercise treatment .
AIF ’ s Head of Compliance and Training , Kate Kraschnefski , illustrated the link between this trend and the all-consuming societal preoccupation of the past couple of years - namely , the pandemic ; ‘ While many of us thought we would leave COVID in the rearview mirror of 2020 , the reality for millions of Australians ended up being continued lockdowns , sedentary lifestyles , and physical and mental isolation . These factors wreaked havoc on the holistic wellbeing of many people , and boosted risks associated with chronic disease , mental illness and injuries ’.
‘ We have also started to see Australians experiencing Long- COVID , who report a myriad of symptoms including fatigue , dizziness , shortness of breath , brain fog , memory loss , loss of taste and smell , numbness and muscle spasms . In 2022 , the fitness industry will look to work alongside healthcare providers to develop programs to assist recovery from Long-COVID , as well as proactive programs to improve overall health , fitness and immunity .
‘ There will also likely be collaboration between medical industry , health care providers and fitness professionals to start serious and consequential work as Australia tries to recover and ‘ live with ’ the virus . This work will arguably be most effective by targeting both general health and mental health .’
Health and Wellness Coaching (# 5 )
Assessing the societal shift in thinking with regards personal health , Kraschnefski said ; ‘ Now , more than ever , we are seeing many Australians take a proactive rather than reactive approach to holistic health and fitness . Consumers not only want guidance on exercise and fitness , but also things like food , goal setting and happiness . Next year , in the new COVID-normal world where routines and priorities are being adapted and re-established , health and wellness coaches will have a key role to play in helping people achieve what they want out of life ’.
50 | NETWORK SUMMER 2021