The Top 5 Fitness Trends of 2022, According to the Worldwide Survey

As 2022 comes to a close, we're looking back at some of the top fitness trends this year. The American College of Sports Medicine released its annual global survey results laying out which fitness trends made the cut for 2022. Here we're breaking down the top five fitness trends, according to the survey published in the Health and Fitness journal.

1. Wearable Technology

Coming in at number one, wearable technology was the most popular fitness trend in 2022. This comes as no surprise since wearable technology has made the top spot before in the survey results of previous years. Some products that fall in this category include fitness or activity trackers, smart watches, heart monitors, and GPS tracking devices.¹

Some big brands that produce wearable tech products include Apple, Fitbit, and Samsung. Devices like fitness and activity trackers are used to track steps, heart rate, body temperature, calories, sitting time, and sleep time, to name a few.¹ The latest innovations in the wearable tech field include trackers for blood pressure, oxygen saturation, body temperature, respiratory rate, and a wearable electrocardiogram, which tracks electrical signals in the heart.¹

Wearable technology is super helpful for collecting your own fitness and health data. The devices allow people to outline and achieve their health and fitness goals as well as understand their bodies' limits. Some of the gadgets are also geared towards helping people with specific health problems, such as heart problems, monitor their stats. With new wearable tech devices continuing to pop up, the field of technology is providing quantifiable data to the fitness world and allowing people to take charge of their health.

2. Home Exercise Gyms

At the number two spot this year we have home exercise gyms. This again should come as no surprise being that home gyms have been increasing in popularity since the advent of Covid 19. Coupled with online classes, subscriptions, and YouTube videos, at-home gyms can give you the full workout experience. What started out as protection from the pandemic has maintained its popularity due to convenience and flexibility. The fun part of an at-home gym is that you can set it up however you like, with whatever specific machines and equipment your heart desires. With home gyms, you can invite friends and family over to join in on the workout fun and even host your own classes. Now that we are nearing the end of the pandemic (sigh of relief) it remains to be seen if home gyms maintain their popularity, or if fitness enthusiasts will begin to return back to traditional gyms.

3. Outdoor Activities

At number three on the list of 2022's top fitness trends is none other than outdoor activities. With gyms closed, outdoor activities did gain some popularity during the pandemic, as people were forced to spend significant amounts of time outdoors. Things like group walks became the norm and people are still enjoying these fun forms of exercise now. Some popular outdoor activities include running, biking, and hiking.

4. Strength Training with Free Weights

At number four on the list is strength training with free weights. This category specifically refers to training with weights such as free weights, barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells, and medicine balls.¹ 

Training with free weights can be done with a personal trainer, as part of a fitness class, or on your own. Some of the benefits of using free weights are that they are inexpensive, promote whole-body stability, and are versatile.² 

Free weights also replicate real-life lifting scenarios and can conveniently be used anywhere, in any routine combination you like.

5. Exercise for Weight Loss

The fifth and final fitness trend that made the top five for 2022 is exercise for weight loss. Weight loss exercise has made a comeback this past year, with many using the post-pandemic period to get back into shape. Most weight loss programs recommended by professionals include daily exercise and calorie restriction.¹ 

Weight loss programs are a great way to take charge of your health, as long as they're done properly. If looking to lose weight, work with a professional like a PT or nutritionist to ensure you are doing what's best for your body and losing weight in a healthy manner.

Going into 2023, here at Myprotein we are all about improving health and overall well-being, but if you want to feel your best, physically and mentally, try to make your goals health-oriented rather than appearance oriented. Do what makes you feel good, not what you think will help you look a certain way.