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What is Trending in Fitness for 2023

As we adapt to a post-pandemic world with a New Year upon us, 2023 looks set to be a year of interesting fitness trends, some old and some new. From at-home workouts using minimal equipment to high-tech gear and innovative apps, there are plenty of ways for us to stay healthy and active in a way that fits with our lifestyle.  

As we slowly emerged from the COVID bubble, we saw a heavy pivot toward fitness trends and programs that offered flexibility, both within the gym and at home. However as we recover from the years of isolation, some new trends are emerging and it looks set to be a year of fitness exploration. 

Here we take a deeper look at the top 12 Australian fitness trends set to dominate in 2023, as ranked by AUSactive following a national survey of industry professionals and businesses.

 

 

  • Fitness Programs for Older Adults

Fitness programs for older adults have been trending across Australia over the last year and this looks set to continue into 2023. The concept of ‘active ageing’ has taken a stronghold as older generations seek to feel physically and mentally stronger, as well as maintain their independence. You can also find out more about our courses for Older Adults Health and Fitness here!

 

  • Functional Fitness Training 

Functional Fitness took the world by storm in 2021 and continued strongly in Australian fitness trends throughout 2022 to secure its position as #1 across an array of industry surveys. It looks set to remain a staple training method in 2023 and therefore a must-have skill for instructors across the country.

Focusing on the completion of multi-joint movement patterns that one would likely perform in daily life, Functional Fitness Training takes activities such as bending, twisting, lifting and loading, and turns them into a practical full-body workout. 

This training method is a fantastic solution to an inclusive exercise program for a diverse range of fitness levels and capabilities. Benefits include increased flexibility, coordination and mobility, and a decreased risk of injury. 

 

 

  • Strength Training with Free Weights 

The benefits of Free Weight strength training will also remain a hot topic within the Australian fitness scene in 2023, being an adaptive form of training that arose to popularity during snap lockdown periods when machine training was not an option.

Using objects such as kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells and medicine balls to perform resistance exercises, Free Weights allow a flexible approach to strength training that is a perfect introduction to a tailored fitness program. 

Used to tone and build muscle, this method further allows significant improvement in the health and well-being of those who frequently participate, providing benefits such as reduced heart rate and cholesterol.

Due to its versatility and flexibility, Free Weight Training is a trend that is here to stay! At Onfit, we offer a Fundamentals Course on Kettlebells which provides CEC Accreditation upon completion. Learn more about the course here!

 

 

  • Group Training

This one comes as no surprise! Group Training is a fun, social, and inclusive way to exercise with your peers, and we can’t see this trend going anywhere for the remainder of 2023!

Group training with an instructor allows for the benefits of one-on-one personal training with the added bonus of a supportive atmosphere usually associated with team sports. Classes can be catered to a diverse range of fitness levels and capabilities, and have proven to increase levels of motivation, accountability, and results amongst participants. 

Not only will Group Training improve the fitness of patrons, but will further satisfy the intrinsic need to achieve holistic health and wellbeing, a trend commonly sought in Australians following the pandemic. The Conversation looks further at the benefits of group exercise here.

If this sounds like something that you want to be a part of, read more about our Group Exercise Instruction Course here!

 

  • Employing Registered Exercise Professionals. 

This trend continues to rank higher in Australia than any other country, proving that Aussies want to ensure the people who train them are certified! While it is possible to be a great trainer without a certification, people are increasingly looking for professionals to achieve their fitness goals. 

This is potentially a by-product of the influx of exercise and nutrition-related ‘fake news’ reaching millions of viewers online each day, with people unsure who and what to trust.

In any case, it’s vital in today’s culture for personal trainers to be certified with an accredited course. Read more about our accredited Personal Trainer courses here

 

  • Wearable Technology

Wearable technology exploded onto the scene in 2016, and continues to boom in Australia. These devices were initially used as step counters and to track heart rate, body temperature, calories, and sleep time, but they have continued to innovate and include measurements such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, body temperature and respiratory rate. 

Keep an eye out for new devices headed our way such as Smart Rings, Smart Glasses and Smart Clothing with Sensors. If you’re in the market for a fitness tracker, TechRadar has done all the  hard work and lists the best fitness trackers for 2023. Note, some might not yet be available in Australia.

 

  •  Pilates

Also ranking higher in Australia compared to other countries is Pilates, reaching the top 10 in Australia for the first time. This trend reinforces that Aussies are returning to health and fitness centres, not just for exercise but also for the sense of community and social nature of exercising with other people. 

The interest in Pilates is likely also representative of the surge in interest in the connection between mind and body, with people pursuing exercises that not only strengthen the body but also improve self awareness and enhance spiritual growth.

 

  •  Outdoor Activities 

Following on from people being stuck indoors over a couple of years due to Covid restrictions, there has been a huge surge in outdoor activities such as running, cycling, hiking and camping trips becoming popular again! This new appreciation of nature, born out of lockdown, could prove to be a new way of life and is definitely expected to remain a hot trend throughout 2023 so get out there and explore nature! 

 

  •  Personal Training 

This is a trend we know all about and we’re thrilled to see it in the top ten for 2023! For those who are new here, Onfit Training College offers accredited online courses to get you qualified as a personal trainer. For the uninitiated, personal training is a form of one-on-one fitness instruction that typically involves a trainer creating an individualised plan for clients to meet their desired health and fitness goals. 

The personal training industry continues to grow and is expected to continue its rise as people become increasingly health-conscious and many remain wary of large groups. Personal trainers will continue to play an important role in providing both a personalised and motivating role for clients, as well as safe training conditions particularly for older clients,

 

  •  Body Weight Training 

We can expect more Aussies to break a sweat with Body Weight Training in 2023! This type of exercise is an effective way to build and maintain muscle strength, enhance your coordination and balance, and increase flexibility without requiring any special equipment. 

Body weight is the primary resistance that defines this trend so it requires minimal equipment and space, making it an inexpensive and functional way to exercise.

Plus, you can easily do it anywhere—at home, in the park, or on the beach. 

 

  •  Exercise is Medicine 

It’s not surprising to see this trending for 2023, with more and more Australians understanding that exercise is not just about keeping fit – it’s also an important form of medicine. Exercise has been proven to reduce risk factors for multiple diseases and improve mental as well as physical wellbeing. 

Studies have shown that regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders while also reducing the chance of developing serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease.

 

  •  Inclusive Exercise Services

Rounding out the top 12 trends for 2023 is more businesses providing accessible and sustainable exercise support for people with special needs and chronic health conditions. These businesses understand that fitness should be available to all individuals and are creating an environment conducive to inclusive training to ensure the special needs population are given every chance to improve their health and quality of life. 

 

These trends show that no matter what lies ahead in 2023, fitness can still be fun and exciting by using cutting edge technology mixed with the traditional activities we all love doing outside! Whether you prefer one-one instruction, group classes or tackling trails through nature, make sure you get out and exercise. Remember to stay safe, take care of yourself and just enjoy being fit and healthy.

 

If a career in fitness and personal training has piqued your interest this year, now is the perfect time to start learning! 

Onfit Training College provides training programs including Personal Trainer Courses and Certificates III & IV Fitness that will set you up with a lasting and rewarding career in the fitness industry. Click here to learn more about studying online with Onfit Training College or please reach out to one of our friendly career advisors for assistance. 

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