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Happy New Year and welcome to 2022! It's been two years and we are still having to manage restrictions around how members use gyms! We've put together our top trends for 2022 to help you navigate this coming year, working with restrictions, changing fitness trends and customer's needs.
Personal Training
With gyms closed over lockdown there were many people who lost momentum on their fitness plans with no-one to hold them accountable. As we start a new year there will be a resurgence of new and returning gym goers who will need support.
Personal training will be a priority for those who need to get back on track. With changing needs it's important that trainers continuously enhance their knowledge through learning and development. At Origin we work with Premier Global NASM to support personal trainers who offer continuous development. Nutrition, strength & conditioning and corrective exercise training are some areas where trainers can support their clients through a return to fitness.
Group Training
Small group pt will also be a focus for gym-goers, particularly for those not yet willing to return to full classes but want to socialise.
Smaller and more personable experiences give more 1-1 time for clients that also create a community in a secure environment. It also allows trainers to take on more clients in a time-effective way, helping them to rebuild after the closure of gyms.
For gyms, creating a structured scheduled timetable or publishing a workout of the week with open gym times will work for members.
Flexibility & On Demand Training
Through lockdown apps were the perfect solutions for gyms to continue operating, giving members a sense of normality and routine. With many apps requiring a large initial investment and continuous updating, we've spoken to customers who don't know where to go with them next.
The behaviour of gym-goers is also changing, home working becomes the norm and flexible working allows people to create their own work life balance. Speaking to Ian McGregor, Customer Experience Manager with Les Mills UK, from the Global Fitness Report we know that people are leaning towards a 60/40 split in favour of going to the gym but their ideal is a hybrid offering.
A fitness trend we will see this year are gyms offering hybrid memberships. Hybrid memberships allows members to workout at home or in the gym at their convenience. On demand training through apps or working with partners like Les Mills UK means members don’t have to worry about missing a class if the time doesn’t fit with their schedule. For gyms, they can increase class sizing regardless of restrictions by allowing members to join online or in person.
Wearable Tech
Wearable tech has quickly become part of everyday, no longer just tracking gym activity but sleep, health and recovery to ensure users have their health data available at all times.
Gym and trainers should be using their to their advantage by integrating opportunities for check-ins with members. From challenges and bench marking, wearable tech allows gyms to form stronger relationships with their members.
We will be running a teaser session on Thursday 27 January with Excelsior Training showcasing how wearables can be integrated by instructors and trainers when working with clients. To find out more email [email protected].
Lifting
Lifting continues to grow in popularity. The popularity of lifting continues to grow. The demand for your free weights zone is higher than ever. Whether you're squatting, benching, or deadlifting… but what should you be focusing on?
Introduce a HIRT (High Intensity Resistance Training) class in addition to your HIIT options will be popular this year. With the aim of tiring out your muscles and spiking your heart rate with short rests between sets. This is set to be the next big thing, ensure your facility is ready for this trend and update bar selection.
Make each rep count by focusing on quality over quantity. Technique is key as more people take up lifting to progress in lifting and avoid injury. We would recommend introducing technique plates to your facility. Origin Technique Bumper Plates are designed in 2.5kg or 5kg weights, allowing users to add resistance to the bar without adding a lot of weight to focus only on the technique of the power movement.
Well Being
Mental health has become a buzzword over the past two years. The media has intensified this by emphasising that mental health in the Uk has deteriorated, leading to individuals worrying about it more than they otherwise would.
Gym owners and training should be ensuring that people are supported and have a secure environment to establish routine. Offering support to those who require some extra help but also creating an atmosphere that promotes wellness.
This could be a friendly face greeting them to working with members 1-1 to give them control over programme building.
The most important thing is to treat members as individuals. Offering classes that focus on stress relief and mental health such as yoga to a simple check in on the gym floor to make sure they have what they need.
Safety First
Hygiene will continue to be at the forefront of gym members concern. Keeping sanitizer and disinfectant spray available at all times but also cleaning guidelines to avoid damage to your gym equipment. Refer to our cleaning guide for more information.
For those who want to avoid sharing equipment, we would recommend creating solo workout areas. Using our Origin Fitbox and accessories, gyms can create individual zones for members which will cut down on unnecessary movement around your gym.
After the unpredictability of 2020 and 2021, we are all looking forward to a calmer 2022 and restrictions lifting. Members want a sense of normality and the routine that fitness can offer them. Setting new goals and being held accountable by their trainer or community with their gym.
Hybrid will become key to delivering for all. Allowing gyms to deliver against an increase in demand. However, members may still expect the same health and safety standards they have become accustomed to.
Remember, changing member behaviour isn’t a bad thing. It offers the opportunity to adapt to new trends that support trainer development and business growth.
Interested in enhancing your facility to meet the needs of members and help your business grow in 2022?Speak to a member of our team by email or phone.
Thanks for reading!
