Biggest Fitness Trends 2021

2020 was and will always be a very memorable year. The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything and transformed how many of us train and are coached. I could focus here on the negatives because there of course, are many, but instead, I’ll focus on how the metamorphosis of the fitness industry has cultivated an industry that is actually more accessible, more inclusive and, for many, more cost-effective.

Back in 2018, I wrote an article entitled ‘ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINING IS THE FUTURE OF THE FITNESS INDUSTRY’. At the time, although I had absolute conviction in this statement, I did think it quite bold, and whilst I could not have foreseen the happenings of 2020, I did and I still believe that Online Personal Training has transformed the Fitness Industry and is here to stay. Little did I know that three years later,  The ACSM Health & Fitness Journal’s The Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends would fortify my beliefs by ranking ‘Online Training’ as the Number 1 Fitness Trend for 2021. These are exciting times, and as an Online Training veteran, I feel like the last few years have been an exciting build-up to a fantastic 2021.

For the last 15 years, ACSM has circulated a survey to thousands of global fitness professionals to determine trends for the coming year, which help the health and fitness industry make decisions for future growth and development. The survey was designed to confirm or introduce new trends (not fads - this is an important point) that will positively impact the industry, according to the professionals.

Here are the top 25 results:

We have, of course, been forced, to an extent, to embrace the online route – although, with the obvious benefit of Online Training for many, I still believe it was a foregone conclusion. 

Why have we seen such growth in Online Training?

Putting COVID aside, Online Training was already growing exponentially. It’s clear to see why:

1. Accessibility 

There are two factors to accessibility, you don’t need to go to a gym to find a trainer and you aren’t limited by trainers in your local area. That really widens the choice you have, and you can select the best of a large volume of trainers, rather than the best of a narrow group of trainers. 

2. Cost

In many instances, Online Training can be more cost-effective than 1-1 training sessions – two 1-1 sessions per week could cost around £400 a month. You also do not need to use a gym, which can be easily circumnavigated with dumbbells and bands at home, saving you that monthly gym subscription. 

3. Support

A good Online Trainer will provide unlimited support and arm you with a programme and all the tools and information you need to train each week. In contrast, a 1-1 Trainer may only offer support in session and may not provide a programme to use away from the sessions.

4. Expertise

You literally have a global bank of Online Trainers at your disposal. Obviously, there are financial implications to this, but you can choose to work with the best Online Trainers out there. I work with clients worldwide, and that just would not be possible without offering an online service.

5. Flexibility

A mature Online Training service will be able to cater to everyone’s individual needs. I have clients that would ordinarily go to the gym, some that train from home and vastly differing equipment, lifestyles and goals. My service can cater for all. Another great benefit is that as an Online Client, you can train when you want, a Trainers diary doesn’t restrict your training.

So, what does this mean for the future of Online Training?

I’m excited about what the future holds. I am excited about the new clients who will try and love Online Training, excited to see their transformations, excited to see the industry develop further and excited about the improvements I can make to my service to continue offering the highest standard of training and support.

The biggest factor for you to consider here is demand. As more and more individuals make the leap to Online Training, you’ll see the experienced and skilled Trainers being in very high demand. The ACSM will serve only to fuel those fires. If you are considering working with an Online Trainer, I suggest you do so now to secure an accomplished coach. 

Check out this article — it will arm you with all the guidance you need to select the best Online Trainer for you. Alternatively, you can click this link to hire me as your personal coach today!