Wearable Technology is going to be the no. 1 fitness trend hit in 2019 based on the latest survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine or ACSM.
Group training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) rank second and third respectively. The annual survey, now on its 13th year, aims to use the worldwide trends in the fitness industry in a bid to encourage physical activity.
Worldwide Survey Of Fitness Trends For 2019
A total of 2,038 professionals working at commercial gyms, medical facilities, corporate health organizations, as well as non-profit organizations participated in the ACSM's Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2019. The respondents were asked to rank 39 possible fitness trends.
The results from the survey showed some surprising changes. The top 20 fitness trends for 2019 no longer includes core training and circuit weight training. The popular exercise routine Pilates and virtual or online training have not made it to the top 20 either.
New entries to the 2019 survey include possible new trends such as virtual reality, community interventionist, and Access Pass, although, not one of these made it to the top 20.
Wearable Tech Ranks First
Wearable technology ranked first as a fitness trend in 2016 and 2017. Although it dropped to no. 3 for 2018, wearable tech is now back to no. 1 for 2019.
"The wearables, even the low-end ones, have gotten more accurate," said Walter R. Thompson, author of the study and ACSM president for 2017-2018. "That may help explain why they're back at the top."
Wearable technology refers to smartwatches, heart rate monitors, GPS-tracking devices, and fitness trackers. Popular makers of fitness and activity tracking devices include Fitbit, Misfit, Garmin, and even Apple. These smart devices are capable of tracking the heart rate, the number of burned calories, sitting time, and a lot more.
Group Training, HIIT Make It To Top 5
The group training, meanwhile, comes second to wearable technology as a big fitness trend hit for 2019. This result goes to show that people still want to be a part of a group or a community who have similar fitness goals.
"Group exercise is the future," said Devin Maier, managing director of Balance Gym operating in D.C.
On the third spot is the HIIT, which the study describes as an exercise program that usually requires a short period of intense physical activity followed by a short interval of rest. Fitness program for older adults ranks fourth while bodyweight training is the no. 5 fitness trend hit for 2019.
The complete list of the top 20 fitness trends for 2019 is found in the new study published in ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal.
