The global fitness equipment market is on a trajectory of significant growth, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The report provides an in-depth analysis of market dynamics, trends and forecasts, highlighting a robust expansion from USD $17.01 billion in 2023 to an anticipated USD $25.17 billion by 2030.

The market, which saw a valuation of USD $17.97 billion in 2024, is expected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.75% through the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing global health consciousness, a rise in the number of gyms and fitness clubs and a growing demand for advanced fitness equipment.

The report notes that the prevalence of chronic diseases and obesity is prompting more individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, further fueling the demand for fitness equipment. Additionally, the integration of smart technology into fitness equipment is changing the industry, offering consumers enhanced workout experiences.

Regional Insights

The Americas, particularly the United States and Canada, remain significant markets for fitness equipment, bolstered by high health awareness and technological advancements in connected fitness devices. Europe follows closely, with countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK leading the market due to a growing emphasis on the health benefits of regular exercise.

In the Middle East and Africa, rising disposable incomes in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are driving demand for premium fitness equipment. The Asia-Pacific region, especially China, is poised for substantial growth due to rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and government investments in gym facilities. Japan’s aging population is also contributing to the market, with a growing focus on healthcare initiatives that emphasize physical exercise.

Market Challenges & Opportunities

Despite the optimistic outlook, the market faces challenges, including the high cost of fitness equipment and the availability of counterfeit products. However, the increasing popularity of home fitness equipment, driven by busy lifestyles and the desire for convenience, presents significant opportunities. The report highlights that companies are actively investing in research and development to overcome these challenges and cater to the growing demand for innovative and technologically advanced fitness equipment.

Several noteworthy developments in the fitness equipment market were highlighted in the report:

• Chris Hemsworth’s Centr has launched 27 new products, including fitness kits and strength training equipment, available online and in Walmart stores. These products are designed with a modern aesthetic, complementing Centr’s digital membership tools.
• Luton Sports Village has invested £175,000 in new cardio equipment to enhance customer experience, introducing state-of-the-art machines like the Hammer Strength HD Tread curved treadmill and Air Bike.
• TRX’s acquisition of YBell Fitness has expanded its product range, offering a more comprehensive functional training experience. This strategic acquisition reinforces TRX’s commitment to providing high-quality fitness equipment and education.

The report provides detailed segmentation analysis, market dynamics and insights into the competitive landscape. Key areas of focus include:

• Product Utilization: Increased demand for strength training equipment.
• Distribution Channels: A shift towards online retail stores as consumers seek convenience.
• End-User Application: Expanding use of fitness equipment in fitness centers and gyms.

The report also delves into market disruptions, technological advancements, pricing and regulatory frameworks, offering a comprehensive view of the global fitness equipment market.

For more detailed information about the report, visit ResearchAndMarkets.com.

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It’s more likely than not that personal trainers will work with female clients who deal with incontinence issues, which could be an obstacle on their path to the fitness and wellness goals. Recent research supports the belief that solutions are available, and exercise may be one of them.

A recent study led by Stanford Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco, has found that low-impact exercise programs, such as yoga and general stretching, significantly reduce urinary incontinence episodes in older women. The research, published in Annals of Internal Medicine on August 27, provides promising alternatives for women seeking non-pharmacological treatments.

A Underreported & Common Issue

Urinary incontinence affects more than half of middle-aged women and up to 80% of women over 80 and can interfere with daily activities and significantly impact quality of life. The study examined the effects of a 12-week low-impact yoga program and found a 65% reduction in incontinence episodes among participants.

“We were testing the kind of yoga that just about anyone can do, with modifications for different physical abilities,” said Dr. Leslee Subak, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford Medicine and the study’s senior author. “What I love about it is that it’s safe, inexpensive, doesn’t require a doctor and is accessible wherever you live.”

The research set out to find cost-effective and accessible solutions for a problem that is often stigmatized and underreported. According to Subak, incontinence is mistakenly viewed as an inevitable part of aging, though treatments are available.

“Incontinence is not only common, but it also interferes with people’s lives,” Subak noted. “It takes away independence. Many women avoid staying with their children or grandchildren due to the fear and embarrassment of an accident.”

Study Parameters

The study involved 240 women between the ages of 45 and 90, all experiencing daily incontinence. Participants were divided into two groups: one practicing 16 hatha yoga poses aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor, and the other group performing general stretching and strengthening exercises.

Both groups attended two 90-minute exercise sessions weekly and were asked to practice independently for at least an hour per week.

Both the yoga and the control groups experienced significant improvements. Participants in the yoga group reported an average of 2.3 fewer daily incontinence episodes, while those in the general exercise group saw a reduction of 1.9 episodes per day. These results are comparable to the 30% to 70% improvement rates seen with medications for incontinence, according to the researchers.

Subak emphasized the importance of regular activity, which is good news for fitness professionals who work with this population.

“One of the take-home messages from this study is ‘Be active!’ I’m impressed that exercise did so well and that yoga did so well,” Subak added.

The benefits of physical activity, including yoga, extend beyond managing incontinence. As the study’s lead author, Dr. Alison Huang, professor at UCSF, pointed out, being physically active helps reduce the risk of other health issues, such as falls and bone fractures, which can be exacerbated by conditions like incontinence.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, with contributions from researchers at Yale University and San Francisco State University.

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Are your clients experiencing puffy faces and swollen cheeks? Are they worried that it might be their stress levels affecting their body? Social media wants them to think they may have come down with a case of “cortisol face.” According to experts, this is a total reach and a misinformed one. 

TikTok and Instagram are home to hundreds of videos discussing the issue of “cortisol face,” sometimes referring to it as “moon facies”: a trend bent on solving the mystery of swollen and puffy faces. 

Influencers have racked up millions of views showing off their “before and after” pictures, claiming they turned to certain products and lifestyle changes to alter their appearance and slim their face. They insist that their symptoms were due to high levels of cortisol, a hormone nicknamed the “stress hormone” as it is known for, amongst its other uses, regulating the body’s stress response. 

However, these influencers are not talking about the actual “cortisol face” at all. They are dangerously misusing a term that’s attributed to serious health conditions. 

What is “cortisol face”?

Real “cortisol face” or “moon facies” is a medical issue, typically caused by a rare medical condition, like Cushing’s Syndrome, hypothyroidism, or a pituitary gland tumor, or from taking prescription corticosteroids. According to author and women’s health expert Dr. Mindy Pelz, typical stress levels will not affect the average person and give their face that “puffy” look. 

“Social media has warped the concept of cortisol face,” Dr. Pelz told Athletech News. “It’s a symptom of a rare and serious medical condition, not the result of everyday stress.”

While cortisol can create inflammation, Dr. Pelz maintains that it will not lead to noticeable facial swelling in the average person. 

In real scenarios of “cortisol face,” an individual has extremely high levels of cortisol and experiences inflammation and increased fat deposits in the cheeks. This can also be paired with anxiety, memory problems, poor sleep, and hypervigilance, which is when an individual feels unable to relax, says Dr. Pelz.

“Normal stress won’t cause nearly enough cortisol release to produce cortisol face,

Dr. Pelz said. “The truth is cortisol face is not a realistic concern for most people—and if you do have cortisol face you should visit a doctor.”

If an individual is experiencing facial swelling, chances are it is rooted in something much more treatable, like an allergic reaction or infection. 

Allergic reactions to substances such as dust, pollen, or other allergens can cause swelling symptoms. Sinusitis is another possible explanation for a puffy face, often causing swelling to the cheeks, eyes, or forehead. Some individuals wake up with a puffy face simply because they slept in a position where their face was pressed against their pillow.  

Exercise & Cortisol

Fitness professionals should also be aware of the exercise/cortisol connection and how it might legitimately affect clients. While “cortisol face” may not be a realistic concern for most people, certain exercises, particularly High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), can affect cortisol levels in the body.

HIIT has gained popularity as an efficient exercise method that can improve various aspects of physical fitness, including metabolism, body composition, and insulin sensitivity. However, excessive HIIT without proper recovery can lead to elevated cortisol levels, potentially resulting in overtraining syndrome.

To maximize the benefits of HIIT while avoiding its potential negative effects, experts recommend limiting HIIT sessions to 2-3 times per week and prioritizing recovery between workouts. Recovery practices may include adequate sleep, proper nutrition, meditation, and other stress-reduction techniques.

While HIIT can be an excellent addition to program design, it’s important to approach it mindfully and monitor a client’s progress. If they experience persistent fatigue, mood changes, or other symptoms of overtraining, it may be time to reassess the program and refer the client to a healthcare provider.

What should a client do if they think they have a “cortisol face”?

According to Dr. Pelz, it is always wise to ask a doctor if you have concerns about facial swelling.

“If you’re experiencing significant facial swelling or sudden fat deposits in your cheeks, go to a doctor for a hormone test,” Dr. Pelz said. “You may have an autoimmune or thyroid disorder, or be experiencing side effects from taking prescription medication.”

While most people probably do not have an actual “cortisol face,” there are always ways to manage stress levels to maintain a healthy level of cortisol in the body. 

To do so, Dr. Pelz always recommends maintaining a balanced diet to increase your resilience to stress. 

“Taking magnesium and vitamin B12 can make a big difference, as stress depletes both nutrients,” Pelz said. “Long-term stress can cause more serious problems, like insomnia, depression, weight gain, and  increased heart disease and cancer risk.”

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A recent study has shed new light on the best types of exercise for patients with type-1 diabetes. The research, which focused on optimizing training for diabetic patients, reveals significant gender-specific differences in how men and women with type 1 diabetes respond to various forms of aerobic exercise.

The findings emphasize the need for tailored exercise programs to avoid potentially dangerous drops in blood sugar levels, potentially informing personal training program design.

Key Insights from the Study

Dr. Pooya Soltani from Staffordshire University, a lead researcher in the study, explained the motivation behind the research: “Diabetic patients often lack motivation to exercise as a means of managing their condition. One reason for this is that physical activity can lead to blood sugar drops, causing discomfort and demotivation. We investigated whether the type of physical activity could mitigate these blood sugar drops.”

The study involved 19 participants with type 1 diabetes who underwent two randomized trials to measure their glycemic and cardiovascular responses after engaging in interval and continuous aerobic exercise. Both exercise types were performed for 30 minutes on a treadmill, with interval aerobic sessions alternating between 1-minute intervals at 40% and 60% of estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), while continuous exercise was maintained at 50% of VO2max.

The study’s results indicated that while cardiovascular responses, perceived exertion and enjoyment levels were similar across genders and exercise sessions, there were notable differences in blood glucose responses between male and female participants. 

Men experienced greater reductions in blood glucose levels immediately after and 20 minutes following continuous aerobic exercise, as well as after interval exercise. In contrast, women showed reduced blood glucose values only after continuous exercise.

“Our study showed that for male patients, interval exercise, such as short bursts of walking, is preferable when starting with low blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Jorge Luiz de Brito-Gomes, a co-author of the study. “Conversely, continuous exercise, like running, is more suitable for those with higher initial blood sugar levels. These approaches can help prevent sudden blood sugar drops.”

He added, “For female patients, both interval and continuous aerobic exercise appear to be effective starting points. We hope these findings show that gender-specific recommendations should be considered for aerobic exercise prescription, especially for men with irregular physical activity levels.”

While the findings appear promising, it’s important to acknowledge the study’s limitations, which includes a small sample size (only 19 participants), limiting the generalizability of the results. Also, the study primarily examined immediate and short-term responses to exercise, such as blood glucose levels 20 minutes post-exercise. It did not explore the long-term effects. Finally, the exercise sessions were conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, which may not fully replicate real-world exercise conditions where various factors could influence blood glucose responses. 

This study emphasizes the importance of considering gender-specific responses when designing exercise programs for clients with type-1 diabetes and suggests that workouts should account for differences in blood glucose responses between men and women, with close monitoring of glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemia. 

Study authors encouraged health practitioners to monitor each client’s response to exercise closely and adjust programs as needed. While the research focuses on immediate effects, it is important for trainers to also consider the long-term impact of regular exercise on diabetes management to ensure consistent and safe physical activity.

See also: Need for Personalized Nutrition Protocols for People on GLP-1 Medications

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