We all always need to stay fit and healthy. That’s why the health and fitness industry has constantly grown over the last decade. By the look of things, the industry shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. And as more people continue to prioritize health and wellness, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, the health and fitness industry will likely boom in the coming years. Want to know the next fitness thing in the industry? Here are the top trends shaping the health and wellness industry in 2023.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology is already a popular trend in other industries. However, this trend is expected to become even more popular in the health and fitness industry this year. Technology is significantly revolutionizing how we live, work, and stay healthy. It involves wearing electronic devices like smartwatches, wristbands, fitness trackers, and smart devices on the body.
The devices are designed to collect data about your health, physical activity, and vital signs. They are synced to your smartphone, computer, or tablet and share information about your health and fitness, creating an integrative health care setting.
In 2023, the applications of wearable technology in the health and fitness industry have been particularly noteworthy. Technology is the next fitness thing in the industry. Healthcare providers can monitor patients remotely, obtain real-time data, and offer personalized health insights. The technologies have enhanced telehealth services in the industry.
The global market for wearable devices in the health and fitness sector is booming. According to insights from Deloitte, there will be more than 400 million units in 2024. Smartwatches and smart patches are seeing rapid adoption in the industry compared to other devices. Historically, using smartwatches was limited to helping people lose weight, get fit, and beat their best in their next race. However, people are now using these devices to monitor their health.
Some smartwatches contain FDA-approved heart rate monitors for detecting abnormalities like atrial fibrillation. And as wearable technologies get sophisticated, more people will likely adopt the technologies to manage conditions and discover symptoms of severe illnesses.
Outdoor Training/Biophilia Workouts
Outdoor workouts are the next fitness thing in the health and fitness industry in 2023. They involve exercises that you take outside your house to improve physical fitness. This trend has risen steeply since the pandemic and is proving effective to many. This has even compelled some gym clubs to offer their classes outdoors.
But what is a biophilia workout? The term sounds like a phobia of biology or some sort of illness, but it’s not. It refers to the natural human instinct to connect to nature and be outdoors. It’s why you feel calm and collected when you breathe fresh air.
So why are biophilia workouts the next fitness thing in the health and fitness industry? According to research, spending two hours in a forest can help you regulate your nervous system. Now imagine the benefits of doing it more often. Here are some benefits of exercising in a green space;
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- Fresh and open sensation in your lungs
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- Mood, memory, and cognition improvement
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- A reduction in stress responses
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- Reduced inflammation
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- Improved immunity
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- A deeper connection to the natural world
If you’re a first-timer, you don’t have to strain much doing biophilia workouts. We know it can feel too much for you because you’re simply not used to it. So you may try easy outdoor workouts within your compound or in your local park. And if you get injured in the process, you can try physiatry to help ease pain and avoid surgery. Physiatry jobs enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to people with disabilities or physical impairments.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT isn’t a new concept in the health and fitness industry. It’s been in existence for an extended period. However, it will be the next fitness thing in 2023. This workout involves intensive exercises for a set time (short period), followed by a less intensive workout, and repeating the process till you’re done or exhausted. For instance, if you’re doing a 20-minute treadmill workout, start with short sprints for about one minute, followed by two minutes of walking, and repeat the process about ten times.
HIIT workouts allow you to combine various exercises with different fitness equipment and machines to keep the workouts interesting. Moreover, the workouts provide various health benefits, including reduced body fat, muscle tone improvement, boosted metabolism, and increased endurance.
If you don’t always find enough time for exercise, this trend will benefit you the most. This is because you won’t need a gym membership to work out as most exercises use body weight. HIIT searches continue to rise in 2023 than the previous years. If you feel pain or inflammation after the training, local cold laser therapy can help ease the pain.
Functional Fitness Training
Functional fitness training focuses on strength training that prepares the body for daily activities. It involves twisting, pulling, bending, squatting, and hauling, among other movements. While functional training has existed in previous years, its popularity will likely soar in 2023.
The training prepares you for daily life, and the stresses constantly exerted on your body. It’s particularly crucial for those who work in the production, manufacturing, and construction industries. The training is person-centered to enhance longevity and support your health.
Functional fitness training replicates the daily activities you perform throughout the day, like climbing a flight of stairs, vacuuming your apartment, or hauling groceries. The workouts activate your muscles, making your day-to-day activities effortless.
Additionally, the training improves coordination, balance, and sense of position and movement because it’s full of body nature. You can try it and see how your day goes. This trend encourages you to train for life, enhancing your physical abilities and minimizing the risk of injuries.
Group Fitness Classes
If you’re still going to the gym alone, perhaps you haven’t adapted to this new trend. Exercising alone can be dull, and sometimes, you might lose interest altogether. And if you notice, when you exercise alone, you don’t do it for long. However, if you exercise in a group, you’re more likely to feel encouraged and endure perseverance throughout the sessions without giving up. Group fitness classes are the next fitness thing in 2023.
Group fitness is done in a group setting and is usually led by a group instructor, chiropractor, or personal trainer. And due to the growing trend, many gyms offer group fitness classes for interested individuals. Group fitness boosts motivation and creates accountability. A group class can motivate you to get to the gym daily.
Plus, it’s fun and feels like a party. Why? Because you’re not just working out—you’re also listening to great music and chatting with your group mates in the process. How can it not be fun? Also, group fitness can help you build confidence in your workout because you have expert guidance from qualified instructors. The classes foster a sense of community and accountability, making fitness more enjoyable and sustainable.
Plant-Based Diets
Plant-based diets are also trending up in 2023. This trend focuses on foods primarily from plants. The shift towards plant-based diets reflects an increased awareness of the environmental impact of meat consumption and concerns about health and animal welfare.
Plant-based diets emphasize fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and vegetables while minimizing or eliminating animal products. This allows you to embrace a more sustainable and ethical approach to nutrition.
However, it’s worth noting that going plant-based doesn’t make you a vegan or vegetarian. You can still eat meat or daily if you want. But the goal is to eat less meat and more plant-based food. But you have the freedom to eat anything you want. Remember, dental care is essential to your overall health. Therefore, be sure to brush and floss your teeth after every meal.
Mini Workouts
Who still spends an entire day in a gym working out? In 2023, you no longer need to dedicate more time to your workout. Instead, you can chunk it up into smaller, more frequent sessions. For instance, you can take quick bursts of 5-10 minutes, or a 15-minute session spread throughout the day.
It’s easier to fit shorter workouts into your daily schedule. For instance, you can do a 10-minute workout in the morning before going to work. Do another 20-minute session in the evening after work. Also, mini workouts allow you to focus on particular body parts during each session. For instance, you can focus on your upper body during the first session and then build leg power in another session. Doing all sessions together gets you tired more quickly.
What’s more, most of the mini workouts can be done at home without the need for gym equipment. This includes jumping squats, push-ups, bodyweight squats, and running or sprinting. Each exercise targets a specific muscle group in your body. Cold therapy services are ideal after completing your mini workouts.
Gamification
Gamification is the next fitness thing in the health and wellness industry this year. It involves integrating interactive games and fitness. This trend is fueled mainly by technological advancements. Some industry leaders are providing cardio training gear for clients.
Gamification motivates you to adopt healthier habits and behaviors. It also makes health and wellness activities more fun by incorporating game elements such as badges, levels, and points into health and wellness programs.
Remember, if you’re struggling to lose weight, perhaps you need to understand the cause of your weight gain and manage that. For instance, some conditions like hypothyroidism make patients gain weight.
If your health and fitness goal is to stay younger, consider integrating exercises with anti aging treatment. Although staying young forever is impossible, your skin and body can look much younger when you exercise and use anti-aging products.
Factors Driving Trends in the Health and Fitness Industry
The health and fitness industry is constantly evolving. Every year, you want to know the next fitness thing in the industry. But what are the driving forces behind these trends? Why are more people embracing outdoor workouts? Here are some reasons behind the 2023 trends in the health and fitness industry trends.
Technology
Technology is changing every sector, not just the health and fitness industry. It’s all technology at work, from wearable devices like smartwatches to gamification. These technological advancements are helping people stay motivated, track their progress, and find new ways to get fit.
The rise of wearable technologies like smartwatches and fitness trackers has revolutionized how people track and monitor their fitness progress. The devices offer personalized insight, real-time data, and motivation, enhancing the overall fitness experience.
Additionally, technology has made virtual fitness a reality. Numerous advancements have enabled virtual fitness platforms, interactive fitness apps, and streamed workouts. The digital solutions offer flexibility, convenience, and access to various fitness content.
Consumer Behavior and Demand
The increasing focus on health and well-being is driving change in the health and fitness industry. The next fitness thing in the industry is all about improving our health and well-being. More people have become health-conscious and now keep their well-being above everything else. As a result, people are actively looking for new and effective ways to improve their mental health, physical fitness, and overall quality of life.
Additionally, many people want personalized and customized solutions. For instance, not everyone has the time to go to a gym. Therefore, such people will want programs and solutions that don’t involve a gym membership. People want more tailored experiences, personalized recommendations, and targeted programs. And this is among the most significant trendsetters in the health and fitness industry.
Social Media and Influencer Culture
Social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok have become influential in shaping health and fitness trends in recent years. Fitness trainers, influencers, and enthusiasts now share workout routines, motivational content, and nutritional tips, inspiring others to adopt healthier habits.
Moreover, the platforms connect like-minded individuals who share common fitness goals. This creates a sense of belonging and support for people on their fitness journeys. You can easily connect with people worldwide, share your fitness progress, and find motivation from like-minded individuals.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
As much as you want to stay healthy and fit, you must do it sustainably. Environmental and social responsibility are driving changes in the health and fitness industry. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices. As a result, they are seeking sustainable fitness products, eco-friendly materials, and environmentally responsible practices in the industry.
The health and fitness industry has been constantly evolving over the years. The trend has continued in 2023, with new products, programs, and services like laser varicose vein treatment coming to light. Some of the biggest trends that will likely shape the health and fitness industry in 2023 include wearable technology, mini workouts, gamification, and functional fitness training. So what could be the next fitness thing in the health and fitness industry in the coming years?
