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Fitness has always been an evolving industry, but the last decade—especially the last five years—has pushed it through a full-blown revolution.
From the days of in-person bootcamps and packed spin studios to on-demand apps and Zoom coaching sessions, the way people train has radically shifted. And it’s not just about convenience. These changes have completely reshaped what clients expect from fitness… and what coaches need to deliver to stay relevant.
At IFCA, we’ve coached thousands of clients and mentored hundreds of fitness professionals through these changes. What we’ve seen? The most successful coaches aren’t just keeping up—they’re using these trends to lead.
Let’s break down the exercise trends that truly changed the game—and how online coaches can adapt to each one.
1. The Rise (and Reign) of Group Fitness
Back in the 2010s, boutique group fitness exploded. Think:
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OrangeTheory
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CrossFit
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SoulCycle
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Barry’s Bootcamp
People were craving energy, motivation, and community—and group fitness delivered that in a fun, sweaty, music-blasting way.
Why it mattered:
It taught clients to show up consistently, push themselves, and connect with others. For coaches, it was a crash course in energy management, queuing, and creating a memorable experience.
What to take away:
Even if you’re online now, clients still want that group feel. That’s why live challenges, Zoom sessions, and private communities inside coaching programs work so well.
2. Home Workouts Became Legit
At first, home workouts were a backup plan. Then came COVID—and suddenly, they became the only plan. The pandemic forced clients and coaches alike to:
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Get creative with minimal equipment
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Shift to Zoom or pre-recorded sessions
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Embrace bodyweight training, resistance bands, and adjustable dumbbells
What started as a temporary fix became a permanent feature in many fitness journeys.
Why it mattered:
Clients realized they could get results at home. Convenience, flexibility, and no commute? That’s hard to beat. And now, even post-pandemic, people still want remote options.
What to take away:
Online coaching isn’t a trend—it’s a standard. If you’re not offering it in some form, you’re missing out on a huge market of clients who value flexibility.
3. Zoom Coaching Redefined Connection
At first, Zoom training felt weird. But then something happened: clients loved the face-to-face interaction, especially when stuck at home.
Zoom coaching became a way to:
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Watch form in real time
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Talk through challenges live
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Build accountability beyond messages or apps
Why it mattered:
It brought back human connection in a remote world. Many clients found more consistency with virtual check-ins than they ever had in-person.
What to take away:
You don’t need to coach live every day—but offering periodic Zoom sessions, Q&As, or coaching calls gives clients the personal support they crave.
4. Tech Made Everything Easier
Wearables, apps, and smart equipment aren’t just fancy add-ons anymore. They’ve become part of the fitness routine:
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Apple Watch and WHOOP track sleep, recovery, HR
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Apps help with logging workouts and progress
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Online platforms deliver programs, habits, and check-ins seamlessly
Why it mattered:
Clients expect their coaching to be integrated, efficient, and mobile-friendly.
What to take away:
The best coaches now use tech strategically—to automate, track, and create a smoother client experience without losing the human element.
5. Clients Want Coaching, Not Just Programming
Back in the day, “training” meant showing someone exercises. Today, clients want more:
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Support with mindset, nutrition, and habit-building
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Help navigating their schedule, stress, and energy
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A coach who checks in and keeps them accountable
Why it mattered:
The definition of “fitness” has expanded. Coaching now includes lifestyle guidance, behavior change, and emotional support.
What to take away:
If you’re just sending workouts, you’re replaceable. If you’re supporting the whole person, you’re indispensable.
6. The Rise of Hybrid Coaching Models
With the flexibility of online paired with the power of human connection, many coaches are shifting to hybrid models:
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Asynchronous programming + weekly Zoom calls
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Group programs + 1:1 support
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Education-based content + custom strategy
Why it mattered:
Clients want options that fit their lifestyle, but they don’t want to feel like they’re going it alone.
What to take away:
Hybrid coaching isn’t about working harder—it’s about designing a smarter offer that gives clients what they need without overloading your schedule.
Final Thoughts: The Future Isn’t Either/Or—It’s AND
The biggest mistake a coach can make right now? Thinking trends are just for big-box brands or influencers. In reality, these shifts in training styles, tech, and client expectations have already changed the way people choose coaches.
Clients don’t care how you trained people in 2018. They care what you can offer them right now—and if it aligns with their lifestyle, goals, and preferred way to connect.
At IFCA, we help coaches create programs that blend the best of group energy, personal support, and online systems—so they can stand out, serve better, and grow with confidence.
Want to Stay Ahead of the Trends and Build a Coaching Business That Lasts?
We teach online fitness coaches how to build profitable, flexible, client-first businesses in today’s digital landscape. No fluff. No guesswork. Just real systems and strategy.
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