The personal training industry is currently in a state of flux. With the pandemic now over, many people are wondering where the industry is headed and what changes may be in store. In this article, we will explore the current state of the personal training industry and discuss some potential changes that may be forthcoming.
What is the current state of the personal training industry?
The pandemic created a kind of forcing mechanism for fitness—a chance for people and fitness companies to think through everything from what makes for a better workout to how people can live better, happier, healthier lives. With the recent closures, schedule reductions, and cutbacks of gyms and studios, people are having to get creative with their workouts. Now, fitness is happening in any setting where people move, whether that’s outdoors, at home, or even at work.
The outbreak of Covid-19 presented an opportunity for people to reevaluate their fitness journey and how they can strive for a healthier lifestyle. This forced many companies in the fitness industry to change the way they operate, including what goes into making a successful workout routine.
The fitness industry has been bullish in recent years, as more and more people are looking for ways to get in shape. This has led to a corresponding increase in the number of personal trainers, who are now able to offer their services to a wider range of clients. However, the industry is not without its challenges. First and foremost among these is the issue of trainer certification. In order to be certified, trainers must have completed an accredited course, which can be both costly and time-consuming. In addition, there is a lack of regulation around the use of the title “personal trainer,” which means that anyone can call themselves a trainer without having any formal qualifications.
As a result, the industry is plagued by fly-by-night operators who are more interested in making a quick buck than providing results for their clients. Despite these challenges, the personal training industry is still growing as more and more people look for ways to improve their health and well-being.
What changes are in store for the fitness industry?
For better or for worse, the fitness industry has always been quick to change with the times. In the past decade alone, we’ve seen the rise of boutique fitness studios, at-home workout programs, and “wearable” technology that tracks our every move.
So what does the future hold for the fitness industry? If history is any guide, we can expect to see even more changes in the years to come, and here are just a few examples of what those changes may look like:
1. Increased demand for certified trainers.
With the current lack of regulation, it is likely that we will see an increased demand for certified trainers who can provide a higher level of service. This could be achieved through more stringent laws and regulations or by providing incentives for trainers to become certified.
Clients are always conscious of trusting the trainers with their health and fitness. As the industry shifts more towards online training, having certifications will be paramount for building trust.
2. Increased focus on customised fitness plans tailored to each individual’s needs, goals, and abilities.
With the increasing availability of data and technology, trainers will be able to develop personalised plans for their clients that are tailored to their exact needs, goals, and abilities. This could include anything from tracking progress on specific exercises to analysing a client’s diet and nutrition habits in order to create a plan that works best for them.
The need for certified, qualified professionals to help individuals reach their goals remains constant. With the right qualifications, personal trainers can continue to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
3. A shift towards health and wellness rather than just “fitness”.
The fitness industry has seen a shift in recent years from focusing solely on physical fitness to embracing the broader idea of health and wellness. This could include anything from mindfulness training and mental health programs to cooking classes, nutrition advice, and lifestyle coaching.
With the ease of access to the internet, people have more access to information today than ever before. This has led to more awareness of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, which has in turn, driven an increase in demand for wellness-based services.
4. The rise of on-demand studio classes and virtual personal training.
As more and more people look for ways to work out on their own schedule, the demand for services such as on-demand studio classes and virtual personal training is likely to increase. This could also be combined with tracking technology in order to ensure that clients are getting the most out of their workouts.
The fitness industry has seen a lot of changes over the past few decades and, if the trends of the last decade are any indication, we can expect to see even more in the years to come. By staying ahead of the curve and adapting to these changes, personal trainers will be well-positioned to capitalise on the future of fitness.
5. Fitness content creators and personal brands are booming
When the pandemic struck, it was a wake-up call for fitness professionals. With gyms closed, many trainers had to shift their focus to providing online content and services in order to stay afloat.
This has created an opportunity for personal brands and fitness influencers to reach a much wider audience than ever before. Personal trainers can now reach people from all around the world through social media, blogging, video streaming, and other digital platforms, allowing them to tap into new markets and grow their businesses.
These changes in the fitness industry are unlikely to slow down anytime soon. Personal trainers who are able to adapt and take advantage of these trends will be well-positioned to capitalise on the future of fitness.
Final Thoughts
The fitness industry is increasingly becoming more diverse, with changes being made to adapt to our ever-evolving lifestyles. What remains constant though is the need for certified, qualified professionals to help individuals reach their goals. With the right qualifications, personal trainers can continue to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
