Merriam-Webster defines the word “trend” as “a general direction of change; a way of behaving, proceeding, etc. that is developing and becoming more common.” One key area to look at in terms of trends is equipment. As such, five experts weighed in on what they are seeing in the industry and where they think 2022 equipment trends are headed next.
Bryan Green, Founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions
Top Trends in 2021
Increased interest in smaller format equipment, from kettlebells to battle ropes and recovery tools.
Predictions for 2022 Equipment Trends
Movement-based modalities. “Sports specific training, boutique studios and the advent of exercising at home have all accelerated an increased education as to how to exercise and recover more efficiently,” said Green. “These types of modalities are supported by engineered flooring systems and larger open spaces to move with a wide-variety of functional training and free-weight oriented equipment types.”
How to Stay on Top of Trends
Survey users and ask what they most enjoy, what they’d like to see more of, etc. Educate users on exercising more efficiently, safely and enjoyably.
Bonus Tip
Be creative in your program offerings. “Campus recreation creates a unique opportunity to more deeply support areas of interest that applies directly to student life, such as training for intramurals, corrective exercise for long hours of sitting during studying and class attendance, and greater emphasis on gamification, as examples,” said Green.
Marc Loomer, National Sales Manager Campus Recreation at Matrix Fitness
Top Trends in 2021
Small group training. “Students want to feel connected, and many are finding valuable camaraderie through participation in small group training classes where they can get a more personal fitness experience in a group setting,” said Loomer.
Predictions for 2022 Equipment Trends
Equipment with HIIT programming.
How to Stay on Top of Trends
Talk to equipment vendors. “Many suppliers work with schools of all sizes and types nationwide and even globally,” said Loomer. “They’re seeing customer success — and failures — first-hand and can share valuable insights.”
Rebecca Peoples, East Sales Manager Campus Recreation at Matrix Fitness
Top Trends in 2021
Connected cardio — equipment that students can use while staying connected to the entertainment and data they find valuable — and “large” cardio, like treadmills, elliptical trainers and climbers.
Predictions for 2022 Equipment Trends
Racks, rigs and free weights. “We foresee these spaces to continue to grow in popularity due to their versatility in meeting student community needs,” said Peoples.
How to Stay on Top of Trends
Listen to your students. Observe their activities and get them involved in the decisions that affect their campus experience.
Bonus Tip
“We’re seeing a lot of customers who are seeing a lot of rec center staff openings,” said Peoples. “Pro staff are leaving for other opportunities, leaving many rec centers limited in supporting programming. Rec centers can consider offsetting this ‘gap’ by considering programming options that are turnkey — easy to implement and run with student staff, while also being motivating and effective.”
Van Starks, West Region Sales Developer of SportsArt
Top Trends in 2021
Outdoor fitness spaces combining with HIIT and bodyweight training. Wearable fitness technology and equipment that communicates with those devices. Group fitness, specifically classes that monitor heart rates or generate electricity while working out to help power the building.
Predictions for 2022 Equipment Trends
“Technology-centered solutions will continue to create new experiences for exercisers with structured workouts uniquely delivered to individual workout stations,” said Starks. “The other category coming to rec centers in 2022 are recovery and relaxation spaces. This has been emerging in the club space, and I fully expect this to continue in the recreation space.”
How to Stay on Top of Trends
Attend conferences and think tanks. Also, visit local health clubs and boutique facilities. In addition, sign up to receive industry newsletters. Finally, follow fitness bloggers and social media platforms that specialize in fitness.
Bonus Tip
“As we continue to see the growth of mind and body fitness, we must ask ‘Is gaming fitness?’” said Starks. “Studies show the brain is engaged and stimulated while playing non-movement-based video games. New research suggests active video games may actually burn enough calories to qualify as a form of exercise.”
Skip Wilson, Head of Global Brand and Communications at Peloton Commercial
Top Trends in 2021
The convergence of hardware and technology. Also, Exercise is Medicine. “The pandemic demonstrated for many that exercise is medicine and should be used to prevent and help recover from illness and should be prescribed,” said Wilson. “I believe consumers will continue to take this into their lives post-pandemic, and so campuses and fitness suppliers would do well to understand that trend and invest in solutions that meet that expectation.”
Predictions for 2022 Equipment Trends
Cleanability of equipment — is it easy to clean? So, look for equipment with antimicrobial materials, round edges that help sweat fall to the floor and minimal upward facing seams that can trap dirt, sweat and debris.
How to Stay on Top of Trends
Engage with students and users via regular conversation. “Students are trendsetters, so we look to them for guidance,” said Wilson. “I like first to understand the role fitness plays within a student’s life, and then find solutions that meet that need, not the other way around.”
Bonus Tip
People are going to return. “I fully expect more people to be interested in fitness and wellness, which means we all need to be ready to handle more members in the commercial fitness space,” said Wilson. “Of course, people will continue to work out at home and outside the facility, which is excellent, but people love the gym community. We are all ready to support members wherever they are.”
