IDEA’s 16th Annual Fitness Programs & Equipment Trends Report

Contact: Kelly Nakai IDEA Health & Fitness Association 858.535.8979, ext. 212 knakai@ideafit.com

 

 

What is the next Zumba®? Who is the next Tony Horton or ShaunT?
What’s next in fitness programming and equipment?

IDEA’s 16th Annual Fitness Programs & Equipment Trends Report
Provides Answers to These Questions and More With Trend Data

San Diego – August 11, 2011 –As the action unfolds this week at the IDEA World Fitness Convention™ (August 11-14), more than 5,000 estimated attendees will be living, breathing and sweating the latest fitness trends as presented by an elite corps of educators and trade show exhibitors. But for those who aren’t able to attend, it’s still essential to know what the latest sizzle in the industry is.

To get an accurate read on the action at the front lines of fitness, this trends report is a one-stop source for credible information. IDEA’s 16th annual IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Trends Report comes from the perspective of fitness program directors and facility managers who witness the trends unfolding each day. The survey summarizes what fitness equipment their customers are using the most and what fitness programs they are demanding more or less of.

The following highlights from the report include a solid picture of the most up-to-date fitness research available. Detailed results of these fitness industry statistics are available to the media at http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/2011-idea-fitness-programs-equipment-trends.

Top Write in Trends are Balance Training and Functional Resistance Training

This year we again asked IDEA professionals to write in their opinions regarding the top programming trends. Here are the Top 10 (please note that several categories tied in rank order):

1. Balance training
2. Functional resistance training
3. Mind-body programs (e.g., Pilates, yoga, Gyrotonic® or Gyrokinesis®, tai chi, meditation)
4. Body weight leverage training (body weight only, TRX® Suspension Training®, GTS®, climbing ladders, ropes, push-up and pull-up devices).
5. Personal training, 2 clients share
6. Stretching and/or flexibility
7. Personal training, 3-5 clients share
8. Group exercise programming (e.g. dance, cycle-based, core conditioning, muscle conditioning, boxing-based/kickboxing, branded choreography, circuit classes)
9. Strength training
10. Outdoor activities (e.g., walking, outdoor personal training sessions, group activities such as hiking, running and cycling)

“It’s pretty clear from the front-line program directors that they see things trending even more strongly toward more functional, life-enhancing types of training and equipment,” says Kathie Davis, IDEA’s executive director. Given the millions of Baby Boomers who are aging into active seniors, training is all about balance and function (i.e., promoting an increased quality of life, reducing injuries and keeping people more actively engaged in life as they age). Boomers exercise to live life more fully, and I think we're going to see that continue to grow.”

Balance Equipment, Body Weight Leverage Equipment, Rated as 2011’s Top Equipment Trends

This year we again asked IDEA professionals to write in their opinions regarding the top equipment trends.

Form follows function, so it’s not surprising that balance equipment landed at the top of this year’s equipment list. As for body weight leverage equipment, Davis observes that the growth in this category is a reflection of fitness professionals being creative enough to keep training fun and interesting with new tools. “The industry must be constantly evolving and innovating or we're going to lose people. As clients demand more ‘fun,’ we will see those types of equipment gain popularity.”

Here are the Top 10 equipment pieces offered by write-in vote (please note that several categories tied in rank order):

1. Balance (e.g., BOSU® Balance Trainer, disks, wobble boards, balance board)
2. Body weight leverage equipment (e.g., TRX® Suspension Trainer™, GTS®, climbing ladders, ropes, push-up and pull-up devices)
3. Foam rollers and small balls
4. Kettle bells
5. Stability balls
6. Computer workout tracking
7. Fitness assessment equipment
8. Medicine balls
9. Yoga mats and equipment
10. Elliptical trainers
11. Resistance tubing or bands
12. Heart rate monitors

For full analysis of all the fitness program and equipment trends, go to http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/2011-idea-fitness-programs-equipment-trends There you will find more statistics including the Top 10 Programs and Equipment With Growth Potential as well as insight on the data from many of the industry’s leading fitness professionals.

 

About IDEA Health & Fitness Association
IDEA Health & Fitness Association is the world’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals including personal trainers, group fitness instructors, fitness directors and fitness business owners. These professionals coach, train and influence millions of health-minded individuals. Through IDEA professionals in over 80 countries, we “Inspire the World to Fitness®”. 
We deliver world-class content and continuing education to fitness professionals through three vehicles:

• IDEA Fitness Journal, our award-winning monthly magazine plus four additional, specialty niche e-publications
• World class fitness conferences for health and fitness professionals, including IDEA World Fitness Convention™
• Streaming video and DVD courses available on our website (www.ideafit.com)

With the launch of IDEA FitnessConnect, we have created the largest national industry-wide directory linking over 200,000 US fitness professionals to more than 16 million consumers. By providing verified profiles of fitness professionals, we give consumers confidence in their choice of fitness services while strengthening the credibility and professionalism of our industry.
For more information on IDEA fitness and wellness conferences, publications, professional fitness education and products, member services and other activities, visit IDEA Health & Fitness Association.