Wearable technology is expected to be the top fitness trend of 2019, according to a worldwide survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Identifying 20 trends that will shape the global fitness industry in the year ahead, the ACSM surveyed more than 2,000 health and fitness experts, who were asked to rank 39 possible trends.

Results from the survey, now in its 13th year, showed that wearable technology climbed two places from 2018, where it was listed as the third most important trend. Other trends that round off the top five for 2019 are group training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), fitness programmes for adults and bodyweight training.

The full list of 2019 trends:

1. Wearable technology

2. Group training

3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

4. Fitness programmes for older adults

5. Bodyweight training

6. Employing certified fitness professionals

7. Yoga

8. Personal training

9. Functional fitness training

10. Exercise is medicine

11. Health/wellness coaching

12. Exercise for weight loss

13. Mobile exercise apps

14. Mobility/myofascial devices

15. Worksite health promotion and workplace wellbeing programmes

16. Outcome measurements

17. Outdoor activities

18. Licensure for fitness professionals

19. Small group personal training

20. Post-rehabilitation classes

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