As with all trends,
nothing is set
in stone but the
way things are
shaping up for
2016, technology
and fitness are
going to continue
interlinking.
Claudio Bertozzi
awareness about how important
a healthy and active lifestyle is as
we grow older, these 50 to 69-yearolds are taking to the gym to keep
fit. Andrew says that in order to see
a real increase in participation
from this demographic though,
the industry needs to become
more responsive to their physical
limitations, by providing tailored
programs. ‘The degree to which this
[baby-boomer market] will occur,
will depend on the industry’s ability
to become less intimidating.’
programs, which produce fast and
effective results, is as prevalent as
ever. Much like the baby-boomers’
desire for social interaction, Lauretta
also predicts that community-based
events will be large drawcards
for many people. With events
like the Melbourne Marathon,
Ironman Triathlon and The Colour
Run attracting tens of thousands
of participants every year, these
types of events are sure to attract
significant participant numbers
again in 2016.
Mirroring this belief is Lauretta,
who says the baby-boomer
demographic requires agendas
specific to their mobility and
flexibility, and while group fitness
isn’t a new phenomenon, 2016
will see the emergence of group
classes tailored to the needs of this
age bracket. This means leaving
HIIT Fitness and Body Attack classes
to Gen X and Y, and focusing on
strength training for the ageing
population. ‘The role of strength
training will become increasingly
important as evidence continues
to emerge about its efficacy and
this begins to filter into mainstream
health consciousness,’ Lauretta
explains.
As with all trends, nothing is set
in stone but the way things are
shaping up for 2016, technology
and fitness are going to continue
interlinking. The ability to monitor
individual progress is proving to
be a huge motivating factor for
consumers who are becoming
increasingly aware and involved
within the industry.
For younger people who are
predicted to remain time-poor
in 2016, the desire for exercise
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SUMMER 2015
Embracing such technology and
diversifying the activities on offer
are the best strategies that gym and
industry professionals can employ to
make the most of 2016 and provide
the most comprehensive health
services to the public.
Sure, just like spandex, we might
look back on wearables one day
and cringe. But for now, it looks like
they’re here to stay.
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