Top Fitness Trends Influencing Member Expectations with Becky Jalbert and Lynn Wilson

Listen on  

Member needs keep shifting, and the industry is changing with them. Lynn Wilson and Becky Jalbert shared their insight on the trends gaining steady traction and how operators can use these shifts to build stronger spaces, programs and member experiences. Their conversation highlights the areas that matter most right now and the choices teams can make to stay aligned with what members expect.

The Trends Showing Real Staying Power

Some trends move in and out, but others have held a steady place for years. Functional training remains a core need because it helps people move well in daily life and build strength that applies outside the gym. Pilates is rising again due to its focus on control, posture and slow strength. High intensity work stays popular because it saves time and helps people reach results with short sessions.
Recovery is gaining attention in a new way. Members are busy, stressed and looking for balance, so they want space to slow down, reset and prepare for the next hard effort. More clubs now set aside small areas for stretching, breath work or guided recovery, even when space is limited. These changes show how recovery is no longer a side note but part of a full training plan.

How Tech Supports Modern Training

Wearables and training apps give members real-time feedback and help them feel more in control of their fitness choices. People track stress, sleep, effort and readiness so they can decide how hard to push each day. Becky notes that devices help, but users still need to listen to their bodies. The best approach blends data with awareness of how someone feels during training.
Apps also support a hybrid style of training. Members might take classes in person, then follow a plan on their phone when they train alone. Many want both structure and freedom, which means operators should expect members to mix guided sessions with solo workouts.

The Rise of Fitness Racing

Fitness racing has taken hold across many age groups. Members like the clear setup, the simple movements and the sense of progress. Races provide built-in markers by showing how long each part takes and how much someone improves over time. This gives members a goal that is not tied to the scale and helps them stay motivated.
The shared effort is part of the draw. People push harder when they train with others, and the social energy makes the work feel more achievable. Some join for the challenge, others for the community, but both groups find a place where they feel included.

Meeting the Needs of Different Member Groups

A single space now serves many types of members. Younger adults may want high-energy training, while older adults may want balance and strength for daily life. Both groups can use the same equipment, but they need different coaching and different programming. This means operators must be clear about who they serve and how each group will use the space.

The best way to understand these needs is through steady observation and real conversations. When operators talk with members, patterns start to show. You hear what draws them to certain classes, what keeps them coming back and where they feel unsure. Watching attendance over time gives even more clarity. Busy time slots, strong repeat numbers and shifts in interest help teams see how the space is working for people. Instead of reacting to a few loud requests, operators can shape decisions around trends that recur.

Member expectations will continue to shift as new ideas and training styles emerge. Operators who listen closely and adapt with purpose will be better equipped to grow, stay relevant and support long-term success.

Listen to the full conversation for more clear, actionable insight on these evolving trends.