ACSM predicts wearable technology as the top fitness trend for 2023

Wearable devices including exercise trackers, smart watches and heart rate monitors are predicted as being the key trend for this year in the newly published American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends For 2023.

Now in its 17th year, ACSM’s respected survey of the 4,500 health and fitness professionals (published in the January/February 2023 issue of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal) tracked a range of several emerging trends that will influence the fitness industry in the coming year.

ACSM Past President, Dr Walter R. Thompson, the lead author of the survey advised “wearables are certainly not going anywhere.

“Not only are these devices becoming more affordable, but wearable data is increasingly being used in clinical decision making so they are continuing to hold their appeal.”

Dr Thompson suggested that the results of this year’s survey could also very well be titled “post-pandemic recovery impacts the fitness industry” or “what happened to online training and home gyms?”.

With this year’s survey assessing 42 potential trends, another key development is that exercisers are returning to fitness clubs and facilities and, in many cases, are abandoning their home gyms.

The ACSM study is not alone in identifying that more people are returning to in-person fitness with virtual fitness seen as a feeder for your in-person memberships.

Recent trend research from Les Mills reveals that 85% of gymgoers are interested in trying live, in-person classes at their respective facilities.

Other trends have remained relatively stable, regardless of the changes brought by COVID-19: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), for example, was the top trend in both 2014 and 2018, and is in seventh place this year (and was also in the same place last year).

Fitness Programs for Older Adults experienced fluctuations that seemed to be caused both by the pandemic and other external factors including the fact that many ‘Baby Boomers’ are entering retirement and adopting a lifestyle that focuses on fitness.

ACSM’s top 10 trends for 2023:

1. Wearable Technology - fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors, and GPS tracking devices and technology that performs functions such as heart rate monitoring, calories, sitting time, sleep and more.

2. Strength Training with Free Weights including the use of barbells, dumbbells and/or kettlebells.

3. Body Weight Training. Techniques that focus on body weight as the primary resistance. Body weight training uses minimal equipment and space, making it an inexpensive and functional way to exercise.

4. Fitness Programs for Older Adults. Programming focused on the aging population and its unique needs.

5. Functional Fitness Training. Training to improve balance, coordination, functional strength and endurance to improve activities of daily living.

6. Outdoor Activities. Pursuits like group walks, bicycle rides or organized hiking led by health and fitness professionals. Activities can be short events, day-long events, or planned multiday excursions.

7. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - programs that typically involve repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise combined with periods of rest.

8. Exercise for Weight Loss. This trend incorporates weight loss programs like dieting and cooking classes with an exercise routine.

9. Employing Certified Fitness Professionals. Hiring certified health and fitness professionals who have completed educational programs and fully accredited health/fitness certifications.

10. Personal Training. Personal training includes goal setting, fitness assessment and exercise programming with a trainer in one-on-one settings.

Trends differed slightly by region. Australia ranked Fitness Programs for Older Adults as its top trend while Europe placed Body Weight Training in the top slot. Mexico favoured Exercise and Weight Loss Programs. Portuguese respondents were most interested in Licensure for Fitness Professionals while the the United States reflected the overall global trend, placing Wearable Technology in the top slot.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Vanessa M. (Martinez) Kercher from the School of Public Health at Indiana University, stated “this survey allows the fitness industry to consider trends globally and to use these rankings to better meet consumer needs and drive business growth.”

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