Singapore Fitness Trends For 2012

Not too long ago, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) came out with its annual report on the fitness trends that are expected to make headlines around the world in year 2012.

Much as we – at Singapore Fitness Professionals Network – agree to most of the information published in the report, we can’t help but feel that the report may not be doing justice to the actual trends that we – who are based here in Singapore – are witnessing and experiencing for ourselves in this part of the world.

As such, we decided to come up with our very own compilation of fitness trends that we feel are more realistic and have greater chances of happening in our local context here in Singapore.

Though nowhere as exhaustive or comprehensive compared to the original report from ACSM,  the following represents our gut feeling of what the Singapore Fitness Industry (SFI) would register in the coming year ahead.

Fitness enthusiasts who wish to know what’s in store for them in year 2012, and more importantly, Singapore Fitness Professionals – who wish to position themselves to profit from future predicted market movements – may do well to read the following report in detail:

2012 Fitness Trends For Singapore

1. Increase In Numbers Of Certified And Educated Fitness Professionals

Now, more than ever before, the fitness profession seems to have hit a new high in popularity in Singapore. More and more people have either joined the industry, or are seriously contemplating a fitness career in the near future – either as a personal trainer, a group exercise instructor, Yoga/Pilates teacher or any of the many fitness professions widely available here. Aided by strong market forces, a blooming fitness scene, and the availability of a wide array of fitness certifications, we expect to see a dramatic increase in the number of professional fitness trainers and coaches here in Singapore in the coming new year and beyond.

2. Increase In The Numbers Of Independent/Private Trainers And Specialty Boutique Gyms

As large, commercial “mega-gyms” gradually lose their appeal and attraction, we foresee an increase in the number of small-sized, highly specialized boutique gyms and private/independent trainers flourishing side-by-side. This trend perhaps best epitomizes what the Singapore Consumer wants nowadays – specialization, personalization, privacy and convenience – factors which are all so glaringly missing in the highly commercialized “one-size-fits-all” approach found in most fitness chains’ business models.

3. Rise In Demand For Non-Traditional Fitness Training Modes

Forget about machines, barbells and dumbbells – the savvy and educated fitness consumer in Singapore is now more daring than ever before, and more likely than ever before to experiment with non-traditional training approaches.  Think: kettlebells, sandbags, ropes, clubs, over-sized tyres, sledgehammers, body-weight training and even Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – all these and more seem to be THE choice for yuppies and the Generation Y cohort.

4. Greater Popularity Of Outdoor-Based Fitness Sessions

In 2012, we also expect to see more and more fitness consumers ditching the gym for outdoor-based workouts in the form of fitness boot camps or small group personal training. This trend seems to arise from the recognition and appreciation of more ‘natural’ forms of training – such as utilizing one’s own body weight through the use of highly portable outdoor fitness equipment (eg. TRX Suspension Trainer) – as opposed to the old era of depending solely on cumbersome indoor gym machines. At the same time, the expanding Outdoor Exercise Movement which advocates exercising in natural outdoor surroundings and environment (think: fresh air, sunshine and greenery) also plays a large role in bringing about this trend.

5. Increase In Popularity Of Sport-Specific Training

The number of people in Singapore playing recreational and competitive sports have been steadily increasing over the years. In fact, participation in popular sports like golf, running, tennis, bowling, martial arts etc have hit an all-time high in recent years. This phenomenon has also given rise to a greater demand for behind-the-scenes sports science support – especially in the form of sport-specific conditioning programs and sports nutrition programs – which are both seen as paramount to helping an athlete achieve optimal performance in his/her sport of choice. As such, we expect to see a continual rise in the demand for sport-specific conditioning services and sport-specific nutritional programs in the coming years ahead.

6. Rise Of Corrective and Rehabilitative Exercise Programs

Following the increase in participation in sports and fitness here in Singapore, there will also be a corresponding increase in awareness of the various muscular dysfunctions and movement imbalances that may result from faulty training patterns; as well as a higher incidence of sporting injuries arising from overuse and/or sporting trauma. As a result, there will be a corresponding rise in demand for more corrective and rehabilitative exercise programs to help these exercisers and athletes correct, rehabilitate and regain proper and full function of their bodies.

This report on the 2012 Singapore Fitness Trends is by no means exhaustive nor definitive.

We have merely hoped to represent – as accurately as we can – what we have observed and feel is the pattern that will most likely emerge in the coming year ahead.

Although none of us can really predict what the future holds for us, we sincerely wish that this survey will be useful to all fitness professionals – especially those based here in Singapore – who need to make important decisions with regards to the direction and focus of their fitness businesses for year 2012.