IHRSA 2022, Miami South Beach, was a hot one – and not just because of the location and time of year, with over 250 vendors showcasing their latest and most exciting updates and innovations. There was a lot to take in over the two days of exhibition, however, three key themes were apparent for those attending, matching the trends seen across other recent global shows.
Members and clients are becoming more and more health conscious, which has many benefits for our sector. However, it also comes with your members wanting to understand their training and progress, and for this they need data.
It was evident many exhibitors in IHRSA this year have recognised this growing demand for details and statistics, with the provision of both personalised information and more immediate metrics (real-time workout data). Nonetheless, the important part to remember from this key takeaway is simplicity – members want data they can actually understand and work from rather than being overburdened and confused by multiple statistics that they can’t appreciate or use.
A trend that has grown, is growing, and is projected to continue to grow over the coming decade. As operators and suppliers recognise the benefits of improving their digital landscape, we are seeing AI coaches, equipment that adapts to suit the consumer’s ability, and a greater variety of digital training options designed to support the facilities’ demand for hybridisation.
Overall, a fast-growing area of the fitness sector that you need to be consistently keeping up to speed on.
There is a renewed sector recognition for truly understanding our consumers, beyond the ‘I want to lose weight’, ‘I want to get fit’ or ‘I don’t enjoy cardio’. We’re recognising that we need to offer excitement, gamification, community interaction and, more importantly, the need to be flexible so that you fit into their day – not trying to get them to fit into yours.
This means embracing training tools that can be used indoors or out, classes that vary in style and content, and providing the opportunity for people to join PT sessions and group training from wherever they are - be it on holiday, at home or in the club. Supporting this is the ever expanding provision of personal data so that consumers and clients can feel empowered and motivated, with your support.
The sector is certainly progressing as we listen, learn and innovate. The big question now is: where are we going next as an industry and as individual businesses?
The future’s exciting and there are many right answers. How we progress, grow and evolve our individual and collective offering will take positive partnerships and genuine empathy for the needs of everyone we’re striving to serve.
We look forward to sharing this journey with you as we advance into the future.
If you would like to learn more on how Myzone can support you on your journey please reach out to info@myzone.org