Navigating the Evolving Fitness and Wellness Space

Kevin Harkness is a seasoned strategic community health and wellness leader with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He currently serves as the director of wellness centers at Ballad Health. He has been in this facility for a little over 15 years and worked in a facility in Upstate NY for 5 years. An accomplished executive in the space, Harkness has helped grow clinically integrated fitness centers by focusing on membership, operations control, sales, services, budgeting, customer service and safety.

In an interview with MedTech Outlook, Harkness discusses the latest trends and technologies impacting the fitness and wellness space.

What, according to you, are some of the significant trends impacting the fitness industry?

One of the most recent trends is the increased emphasis on strength training. Furthermore, fitness trends are being adopted more rapidly than in the past, potentially influenced by the pandemic. We're seeing older populations embracing strength training sooner than expected.

A prime reason for this shift is due to the heightened awareness among individuals, particularly those in their forties or fifties, on the importance of building and maintaining muscle mass as they age. They recognize the benefits of weight training in improving their strength and managing weight effectively.

“Trainers can now access apps and software that allow them to remotely monitor and adjust client programs while keeping a live track of their workout and outputs, making the training process more efficient and effective.” 

Following this trend, many facilities have transitioned from focusing on cardio exercises to prioritizing strength-based activities. This change has also been reflected in our group fitness classes to accommodate the training by reducing pressure on our free weight area.

How are recent trends influencing the development of fitness equipment?

The increased interest in strength training has prompted notable advancements in fitness equipment, particularly with technology integration. Brands like Keiser have introduced equipment with sophisticated workout tracking capabilities, allowing trainers to monitor various metrics like outcomes and motion. This approach will empower both trainers and trainees to optimize workouts for better results and performance.

How do fitness centers adapt to the changes in equipment and training methodologies?

Fitness centers are leveraging all the cutting-edge technologies to streamline training processes. Trainers can now access apps and software that allow them to remotely monitor and adjust client programs while keeping a live track of their workout and outputs, making the training process more efficient and effective. This shift from manual approaches to tech-driven solutions enhances the overall impact of the exercises.

What are some of the challenges that emanate as a result of the transition from cardio-based routines to strength-based training?

A major challenge is the lack of space allocation within fitness centers, particularly if the facilities were initially designed for cardio equipment. However, introducing more group fitness classes can help mitigate these space constraints and meet changing customer preferences.

Cardio training has a significant role in maintaining body wellness, but the rising preference for strength training is diminishing its importance. There is also a growing need to educate people on proper nutritional diets for proactive health management.

How do you envision the future of the fitness industry?

The trend toward strength training is expected to continue, particularly among older people. In addition, there is a rising emphasis on prehabilitation, with fitness centers playing a vital role in preparing individuals for surgeries like knee or hip replacements. This will significantly reduce the patient's recovery period and enhance their mobility and balance.