Looking for more of the top trends our experts called out for the next decade? We ran out of room in print for these facility-specific trend predictions, so we’re summing them up here.
Sports
The Health & Fitness Association said that the next decade will be recognized as the “Mega Decade of Sports” in the U.S., “as the nation prepares to host a series of high-profile global sporting events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These landmark events present an exceptional opportunity for the fitness industry to demonstrate the transformative benefits of physical activity on a global stage.”
Fitness
Anne-Marie Spencer of Playcore called out “considerable change in the gym space,” with “free weight benches and strength machines continuing to grow as the busiest sections of the gym. While there are still many cardio pieces available, there are only ever about 20-30% of the treads, ellipticals, Stairmasters, etc. in use.
“Meanwhile, the group exercise room numbers are dwindling, and the median age of group exercise participants is rising. It is rare to see anyone in the GX room under the age of 35—many are between 40 and 70 years old. One club we met at a recent show said that they were talking to franchise owners about making the footprint of their Group X space smaller to make more room for strength, etc. and size the space closer to fit 15 to 20 participants max – rather than 30 to 40. They said some were even considering not putting in a GX studio at all. Another club owner/operator said that they were having trouble finding group exercise instructors. (When he approached a twenty-something in the club that comes very regularly, was friendly, approachable, and seemed to have all the qualities of a good instructor – she said, “no, I don’t want to teach, that’s what my mom does”. (OUCH!)
“The under 30 crowd continues to sign up for spin classes I’d say the classes are about 50/50 split with half being college-aged and the other half young pros up to their late 40s.”
The HFA called out potential changes under a new presidential administration: “As the nation begins a new chapter under President Trump’s administration, the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is committed to ensuring that the fitness industry has a seat at the table in all discussions about physical health, mental health, and healthcare policy. We are encouraged by early indications that the new administration is receptive to the role of physical activity in promoting public health and well-being. With HFA leading the way, the industry can speak with one unified voice, bringing legitimacy and credibility to our efforts to position fitness as a cornerstone of public health strategy.
“We are closely monitoring discussions around potential tariffs under the Trump administration. We are concerned that increased tariffs on imported fitness equipment and technology could increase costs for fitness operators, not only in the United States but globally.
“Higher costs for essential tools and technologies could hinder operators' ability to upgrade or maintain their facilities, ultimately impacting the accessibility and affordability of fitness services for consumers. These challenges could disproportionately affect smaller operators and communities that rely on fitness facilities as key resources for health and wellness.”
Aquatic Programming
Kevin Post of Counsilman-Hunsaker described some of the ways the general industry trends of sustainability, wellness and more will impact aquatic programming. He listed several ways programming might be affected:
- “Holistic Wellness Programs: In response to the growing focus on mental and physical well-being, aquatic facilities will offer more than just swim lessons. Expect expanded programming that includes relaxation classes (e.g., water yoga, meditation), hydrotherapy sessions, and wellness-focused fitness classes such as aqua Pilates or water aerobics tailored to different age groups.
- “Family and Community-Oriented Activities: Community pools and waterparks will likely emphasize family-friendly programming, including swim classes, family swim sessions, and water play zones for younger children. There will also be increased programming for multi-generational groups, such as ‘grandparent and me’ swim lessons or senior water fitness programs.
- “Adaptive and Inclusive Programming: As inclusivity becomes a priority, aquatic centers will offer specialized programs for people with disabilities, including adaptive swim lessons, sensory-friendly swim times, and therapeutic water activities for those with mobility or developmental challenges. Waterparks may create quieter, less stimulating experiences for guests with autism or sensory sensitivities.
- “Seasonal and Hybrid Programming: With the continued popularity of hybrid offerings, facilities may offer seasonal activities that can be accessed in-person or virtually. For example, an aquatic center might provide online fitness classes for swimmers to participate in from home during off-peak months.”
Dog Parks
Finally, Spencer called out some specific trends around the still-tremendously-popular wave of dog park development: “Dog ownership surged during the pandemic and now comprises 66% percent of all US households. That’s up from 56% in 1988, pet ownership statistics show. Relationships with the family dog is important, and 97% of pet owners consider their pets to be a part of their family. Dog parks remain the fastest-growing type of park and off-leash dog parks are the fastest-growing type of dog park. Often seen as a differentiator in attracting park-goers, dog parks can be small or large, but will often contain dog-focused amenities, benches, waste bag dispensers, and shade in areas with heavy sun exposure.”