You know better than anyone that the life of a personal trainer is a perpetual balancing act.
It can be tricky, juggling diverse clients and their schedules, monitoring their progress — all while maintaining a vibrant and engaging presence. And that’s before even mentioning the time it takes to contemplate the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness!
Much like personal trainers, the fitness industry itself is also constantly flexing and adapting — to new research, new technologies, and the latest societal shifts.
In a world where trends change quickly and drastically, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just an advantage – it’s a necessity. This is particularly true when it comes to working in the fitness industry, and that’s why we’ve put together this article. Based on recent personal training trends and the latest tech, we hope it helps you navigate the exciting landscape of fitness and wellness as we enter 2024!
2023: The key takeaways
Sometimes to prepare for the future, we must take a quick look at the past!
Online training is here to stay
Back to 2019, online training was rising in popularity — and then the pandemic saw its popularity surge to new heights. This popularity hasn’t gone away, in fact, coaches offering online training truly became the norm in 2023.
Online training represents a huge opportunity for personal trainers. Not only can you deliver more training to more clients, but there are also several platforms out there to help you streamline your operations and get creative with how you deliver content. If you haven’t embraced it yet, make sure 2024 is the year that you do.
Clients value community values
According to Mindbody, 43% of all consumers say that community is a very important part of wellness experiences in 2023. So, it’s clear that there’s a correlation between connectedness and wellness.
Many people enjoy sharing a fitness journey with others for extra motivation, while many people crave that ‘third space’ to hang out with like-minded people — particularly those who are part of the large workforce.
Group fitness challenges are a great way to bring your community together, and a fun way to motivate your clients. They’re also a great way to attract new leads, and boost client engagement in 2024 and beyond!
Check Out:
The Ultimate Guide to Running a Fitness Challenge
2024 outlook – what’s likely to change?
The future of fitness looks as bright as ever, and trainers who stay on top of the personal training trends below are sure to shine in 2024!
More weights, more fun
According to a worldwide survey of fitness trends for 2023, strength training with free weights was the second most popular trend of the year — and this looks set to continue into 2024 and beyond.
As fitness knowledge continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the importance of strength training for overall health and fitness. Clients are becoming more aware that incorporating more weights into their workout routines can lead to increased muscle mass, improved metabolism, enhanced functional strength, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Essentially, it’s key to a longer and healthier life!
With a broader understanding of the benefits of resistance training, clients are seeking diverse ways to incorporate weights into their workouts. Personal trainers may need to stay updated on various weight training techniques, such as functional training, circuit training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), to meet the diverse needs of their clients.
This provides trainers with such a good opportunity to help clients avoid workout fatigue. The more you can mix things up a little, the more fun it is for your clients! The less repetitive things are, the more likely they are to see it through and achieve their goals. It’s a win-win situation!
More time for sleep
Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans doesn’t get enough sleep, while approximately 1 in 5 Canadian adults get less than 7 hours of sleep on average?
All trainers know that good quality sleep is vital for recovery, and in 2024 we could see major recognition of this. Clients are becoming more and more educated about how adequate sleep can positively impact their performance, muscle recovery, and overall well-being. This is mainly down to two things, the first one being technology.
The use of fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other wearable devices has become commonplace, and has provided the average fitness customer with more information than ever before. Clients are increasingly looking for trainers who can leverage technology to monitor progress, provide real-time feedback, and track various health metrics, including sleep.
This takes us to our second point, which is a more holistic approach to health. This approach is gaining traction, and sleep is a significant component of this approach. Personal trainers may find that clients are not only seeking guidance on workouts but also on optimizing their sleep patterns for better fitness outcomes, as well as other healthy daily habits they can incorporate into their routines.
Check Out:
How Habit Stacking Helps Clients Achieve Health and Fitness Results
A more data-driven approach
As we’ve mentioned, technology has put more information in the hands of fitness enthusiasts than ever before. With more access to more data, clients are becoming more interested in evidence-based practices and scientific approaches to fitness. This includes understanding the science behind different training methods, nutrition strategies, and recovery techniques.
The ultimate result of all of this? Soon, all clients will expect a more tailored and personal approach to training. Each body is different, and the data proves it. In 2024, expect more clients to seek a personal trainer who utilizes scientific principles to tailor programs that suit their specific needs, goals, and body types.
How may AI assist you?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize the fitness industry, and make the lives of PTs a little bit easier!
AI can aid personal trainers by automating scheduling, client management, and personalized workout plans. With AI-powered tools, trainers can efficiently organize appointments, track progress, and provide tailored exercise routines based on individual goals and preferences.
Additionally, AI analytics can offer insights into client trends. These insights help trainers make informed decisions, which enhances overall service quality.
Let 2024 be the year you use AI technology to help you with streamlining business operations and optimizing training plans — but don’t lose sight of why your clients chose to work with you. They chose you for your skills, experience and because of your personal approach.
Pricing switch ups
Many personal trainers are business owners, and a critical part of running a successful business is having a pricing strategy that works. As the cost of running a business rises due to inflation, many pricing strategies will need to be reassessed in 2024.
Getting your pricing right allows for greater resilience. This helps to ensure that you’re protected from whatever lies around the corner. It needs to be realistic—but it also needs to be motivating. There’s no point choosing pricing that’s so high that no one will pay it, but there’s also no victory in charging—or earning—too little. Finding that sweet spot can feel like an algebra problem without a solution, but it can be done!
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the pricing approaches you can take to make 2024 your best year yet. Download a free copy to elevate your pricing strategy!
Key takeaways heading into 2024
As we quickly approach 2024, personal trainers stand at the intersection of innovation and human connection.
Embracing technology isn’t just a personal training trend; it’s a necessity. From virtual training sessions that transcend geographical boundaries to incorporating wearables for real-time insights, tech amplifies the personal training experience. Remember, it’s not about replacing the personal touch — but enhancing it!
A holistic approach to training isn’t just about sets and reps; it’s about recognizing that health is a mosaic of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Clients crave guidance beyond the gym floor – understanding the science behind their workouts, optimizing sleep, and tailoring nutrition. Trainers who provide this comprehensive support create lasting transformations.
Beyond the individual, success in 2024 is about building a thriving community. Many clients aren’t just seeking a workout; they’re seeking a fitness family. Nurturing a community of clients fosters accountability, motivation, and a shared journey towards wellness. In an era where connection matters more than ever, trainers who prioritize community-building can find major success. Not just in numbers, but in the genuine impact they make on lives!
TLDR: embrace the tech that elevates your craft, provide holistic guidance that transcends the gym, and cultivate a community that thrives on shared goals!
How ABC Trainerize can help trainers thrive in 2024
Embracing technology can unlock so many opportunities for personal trainers in 2024.
Not sure where to start? Well look no further than ABC Trainerize! Trainers who power their coaching with our platform can boost their PT profits, while easily engaging with their community every day. Here are just a few ways how:
– Building training programs: Create personalized fitness journeys for individuals or groups with scheduled workouts and high-quality videos, then deliver them straight to your clients’ phones with easy automation.
– Tracking client progress: Get a 360º view of your clients’ progress. Collect body stats and progress photos, set fitness targets, and monitor personal bests. Integrate with your clients’ favourite wearable tech for real-time tracking.
– Fully engaging with clients: Build stronger relationships with your clients through in-app messaging, video calls, and push notifications. Pair these features with ABC Trainerize Groups to build online fitness communities and spark social motivation.
We provide everything you need to empower your clients to set goals, make better choices, and achieve their full potential. Why not see for yourself by starting a 30-day FREE trial today?
