How to incorporate the 2024 fitness trends into your business

We recently published an in-depth article listing the big trends for 2024, in collaboration with some of the top names in the fitness industry. With so many powerful insights from trusted sources available, it can be tough to know how to analyze this information and choose and implement the elements that can play a key role in innovating your business this year and beyond.

We asked fitness expert Staci Alden, founder of Alden Fitness Solutions, how she would strategize for the year ahead. Whether you are a solopreneur, own multi-location businesses, or manage a franchise enterprise, read on to learn for some solid recommendations for fit pros, operators, and enterprise businesses to stay ahead of the competition.

🚀 Power Up Strategy #1: Prioritize education

In-person education is becoming almost obsolete. As a presenter, it's been unfortunate to see attendance continue to drop at in-person conferences, but it has also been exciting to see (and be a part of) so much collaboration across states and countries. I encourage more facilities to consider how they can create their own training and resources with any current all-stars in order to provide in-house education virtually.

🚀 Power Up Strategy #2: Convert virtual content into a personalized experience

Virtual studio classes will continue to grow and evolve. Boutique studios that provide clients 24/7 access to unique studio experiences but with a virtual instructor. Check out brands offering these experiences such as HOTWORX or Swerve Fitness to learn more and get creative with how your facility might be able to create a space for this.

🚀 Power Up Strategy #3: Introduce a recovery zone

The increase of "recovery zones" or spaces specifically designed in facilities with recovery items such as theraguns, percussive foam rollers, massage chairs, cryotherapy etc. More facilities will begin bringing movement and recovery together, whether they come as a package deal (e.g. purchase 5 personal training sessions, receive a month of free cryo sessions) or fusing fitness with recovery by creating classes and services that involve strength and cardio with longer stretching sections, foam rolling or meditation.

If this is something that you think will add value to your service and help you generate more revenue, consider what retrofitting your studio or gym with infrared heat, Himalayan salt walls, recovery hammocks and more will look like.

🚀 Power Up Strategy #4: Pay attention to client behavior

Baby boom warning! I might be slightly biased having had a baby this past year, but I can't help but notice an increase in marriages and babies as more and more of our clients and potential clients are feeling more financially recovered from the pandemic. It's important to recognize if your facility supports these life changes. Offering a family/couples discount or membership is essential and even if you don't have any interest in offering child care, partner with a child care provider or offer special classes for new moms and dads.

How to execute the 2024 trends in your business

It’s time to integrate the top 10 most innovative trends for the year ahead into your gym or studio! We've created a detailed guide that expands on the ideas shared above, as well as 20+ other strategies brought to you by TeamUp and Staci Alden on how to optimize these trends for your single, multi, or franchise fitness business. Download now!

Staci is committed to helping fitness managers and club operators elevate their programs, instructors, and leadership. As an experienced consultant and strategic planner for digital and in-person offerings, her clients range from large luxury health clubs and international companies to small studios. She has designed world-class studios on a tight budget, launched signature formats, and built turnkey solutions for enhancing systems, leaders, and talent. Staci is also a master instructor and established presenter, podcaster, writer, and YouTube influencer, regularly interviewing and collaborating with industry thought leaders.