Strength Training Surges in Popularity, Redefining Gym Spaces and Fitness Trends

Many elliptical machines are empty, yet heavy dumbbells are in strong demand, as noted by gymgoers and gym owners. Strength training has witnessed an unexpected surge in popularity in recent years, owing to a combination of pandemic-induced behavioral changes and a greater awareness of the health benefits associated with muscle strengthening.  

As per NBC, fitness experts have noted this trend and are taking initiatives to fulfill the increased demand for resistance training. According to Bente Smart, head of instruction at Crunch Fitness, the global gym company has been modernizing and remodeling its rooms to include more relevant areas. This entails increasing the quantity of grass accessible for battle ropes, medicine balls, TRX, and suspension trainers while lowering the amount of grass available for running.  

Strength training is also on the rise at ClassPass, which offers a wide range of fitness sessions. Last year, strength training was the most popular type of exercise, with a 94% increase in bookings over the previous year. More than 60% of ClassPass customers now include strength training in their fitness routines.  

Experts have presented several proposals regarding the adjustment in training habits. The epidemic’s surge in home workouts may have had an effect, as functional and resistance band exercises are simple to perform outside of the gym. Strength training exercises are becoming more accessible as a result of the availability of internet fitness videos.

Furthermore, there is a growing attempt to debunk the notion that weight training causes obesity. Lauren McAlister, a ClassPass health consultant and co-owner of a fitness studio, highlighted how their programs have adjusted to focus more on weight-bearing activities due to user demand. Strength training is a means for many people to relax and de-stress following the pandemic’s struggles.  

Strength training with free weights will be the second-most popular fitness trend in 2023, following only wearable fitness technology, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual research. Bodyweight training came in third, while online training and home exercise gyms, which were prominent in 2021 and 2022, fell to 21st and 13th position, respectively.  

Strength training provides several health benefits that have been well researched. Muscle-strengthening activities, according to Professor Duck-Chul Lee of Iowa State University, have been linked to positive outcomes such as diabetes prevention, better bone health, and greater functional ability in older people. Regular strength training combined with aerobic exercise has been shown in studies to lower the risk of mortality and a number of ailments such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lung cancer.  

Resistance training is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking to reduce weight, according to Dr. Jacob Erickson, a sports medicine expert at the Mayo Clinic. It raises metabolic rate, which results in ongoing calorie burning for up to three days after the exercise.  

In conclusion, the surge in popularity of strength training has reshaped the fitness industry, prompting gyms and fitness studios to adapt their offerings to meet the growing demand for resistance training. With its numerous health benefits and positive impact on overall well-being, strength training is likely to remain a prominent fitness trend for years to come.