Fitness trends are more of an informative topic rather than what you should be doing to reach goals. Nevertheless, it is interesting to see how the list evolves over the years. Technology has had the greatest impact on the list in recent years. Here is the latest.

10: Functional Fitness Training

This has remained in the list for some time now. Using fitness as a bridge to make activities easier is the concept. It generally includes exercises with little or no equipment. Think old school calisthenics with the purpose of making daily activities easier. Generally used in the world of therapy, higher intensity versions benefit more active and athletic populations.

9: Adult Recreation and Sports Clubs

This is new to the list. Combining fun with fitness for adults versus the traditional cardio and strength training equipment is becoming more popular. Pickleball just may have something to do with this.

8,4, and 1: Data Driven Technology(8), Mobile Exercise Apps(4), and Wearable Technology(1)

This isn’t exactly sequentially correct on the list, but these three really belong in one category. Yes, wearable tech tops the list and rightfully so as smart watches are all over the place. But when using this tech, it always comes with an exercise app (4) of some sort that tracks your data (8). The only other app aspects that can be pulled from under this technology umbrella are those that include streaming recorded or live instructors for your exercise session.

7: Traditional Strength Training

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), less than 30% of U.S. adults meet the recommended guidelines for strength training. It remains in the top ten due to its importance and relatively low participation percentage. Remember, you don’t have to be an athlete or “muscle head” to strength train.

6: Exercise for Mental Health

Mental health benefits and happiness are byproducts of regular exercise. Relieving stress, improving mood, and improving confidence are just as important as fitness and appearance goals. The ACSM notes that as many as 80% of those surveyed list this category as the number one reason for exercising, above physical appearance or other fitness goals. This trend has moved up a couple of spots over last year.

5: Balance, Flow, and Core Strength

The tried-and-true methods such as Yoga and Pilates continue to remain popular. Adding the mind/body connection to the physical benefits these provide point to the increased popularity of exercising for mental health.

3: Exercise for Weight Management

You knew this would be on the list. Over 40% of U.S. adults are technically obese. There are individual exceptions that are considered obese based on body weight (athletes, bodybuilders, etc), but a population with this obesity rate is sure to show high risk for and occurrence of metabolic disease such as diabetes. Also noted are the weight loss medications (GLP-1) gaining prevalence. Whether necessary or not, the use of them seems to increase exercise adherence as the goal of weight loss/management becomes a focus while using them.

2: Fitness Programs for Older Adults

As more and more take heed of the industry’s continuous promotion of exercise for health and wellness, more have made it a part of their lifestyles. This combined with the baby boomer generation all reaching age 60 and over has made active aging very popular.

Knowing how the industry is trending isn’t just interesting. It can also give you some ideas for your own routine. Whether you fit into some or none of the categories on the list is of little importance. Making exercise part of your life is more important than being trendy.