RESUMO
The physical activity, exercise and wellness sector is rapidly growing and seems to be an exciting field for business and professional development with great potential globally. The purpose of this observational and cross-sectional study was to determine the most popular health and fitness trends in Southern Europe for the first time, including data from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus, and to investigate any potential differences in this area compared to the Pan-European and global fitness trends for 2023. A national online survey was conducted in five Southern European countries, using the methodology of similar regional and worldwide surveys conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine since 2007. In total, a web-based questionnaire was sent to 19,887 professionals who worked in the Southern European physical activity, exercise and wellness sector. A total of 2645 responses were collected from five national surveys with an overall mean response rate of 13.3%. The ten most important fitness trends in Southern Europe for 2023 were personal training, licensure for fitness professionals, exercise is medicine, employing certified fitness professionals, functional fitness training, small group training, high-intensity interval training, fitness programs for older adults, post-rehabilitation classes and body weight training. The present findings are aligned with those reported for the European and worldwide fitness trends.
RESUMO
The health and fitness sector is evolving and appears to be an important field not only for consumers but also for gym operators/managers, exercise professionals, training providers and educators with great potential worldwide. Our aim of this cross-sectional survey was to investigate the most attractive health and fitness trends in Iran for the first time and to observe any potential differences with the recent results reported in other regions. A national online survey was conducted, using the methodology of similar international surveys conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine since 2007. In total, a web-based questionnaire was sent to 7158 professionals who worked in the Iranian health and fitness industry. A total of 408 responses were collected with a response rate of 5.7%. The 10 most important health and fitness trends in Iran for 2024 were strength training with free weights, exercise for weight loss, group training, low-cost and budget gyms, dance-based workouts, outdoor activities, Pilates, bodyweight training, core training and aquatic exercise. The present findings are not fully aligned with those reported for the top health and fitness trends internationally, showing that trends related to technology and health are not yet popular nationwide. Such outcomes may support all industry stakeholders with making important business decisions, professional development opportunities and innovative concepts to enhance customer engagement through positive exercise experiences.