Fitness trends 2020: wearables and free weights
In 2020, wearable technology remained number 1. A striking point was the high position of training with free weights, which made classic strength training more visible again.
Top 10 fitness trends in 2020
The ranking below follows ACSM's Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends. We keep the original terms recognizable, so the list remains easy to compare with other years.
- Wearable technology
- HIIT
- Group training
- Training with free weights
- Personal training
- Exercise is Medicine
- Body weight training
- Fitness programs for older adults
- Health/wellness coaching
- Employing certified fitness professionals
What stands out in 2020?
Wearables, HIIT and group training formed the top three again. That confirms that technology, intensity and community do not exclude one another.
Training with free weights entered high on the list. Dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells received more attention as a clear, measurable way to make progress.
Health and wellness coaching in ninth place shows that lifestyle and behavior became more strongly connected with fitness.
What does this mean for exercisers?
For exercisers, 2020 was a good year to take strength training more seriously. Free weights make progress visible and transferable to other sports.
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Wearables could help with load and recovery, but strength training still depends on technique, planning and realistic progression.
What does this mean for gyms and coaches?
For clubs, 2020 meant that strength zones and coaching became more important again. Free weights require space, supervision and clear programming.
Health coaching offered an opportunity to go beyond individual workouts. Sleep, stress, nutrition and consistency became logical conversation topics.
How does 2020 fit into the longer trend?
2020 is the last pre-pandemic year in this series. The top still shows a lot of club logic; in 2021 the ranking changes sharply because of online training.
Continue reading in the series: Fitness trends 2019: wearables, group training and HIIT | fitness trends by year | Fitness trends 2021: online training tops the list due to COVID.
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