Wearable tech has made a comeback as the 'hottest fitness trend' for 2019 – with group training, HIIT and programming for the elderly also expected to grow in popularity over the next 12 months.

In its latest global trends report, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) identified 20 trends it believes will shape the global fitness industry in 2019.

Now in its 13th year, the Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends surveyed more than 2,000 health and fitness professionals and ranked 39 possible trends on a scale of 1 (least likely to be a trend) to 10 (most likely to be a trend).

New to this year’s survey was the inclusion of potential new trends, such as virtual reality, community interventionist, and access pass – none of which made the top 20 trends.

Wearable tech had fallen down to third place in the 2018 trends report, but has now made a comeback following the emergence of a new generation of fitness and activity trackers.

The full list of the top 20 trends:

1. Wearable technology

2. Group training

3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

4. Fitness programmes for older adults

5. Bodyweight training

6. Employing certified fitness professionals

7. Yoga

8. Personal training

9. Functional fitness training

10. Exercise is medicine

11. Health/wellness coaching

12. Exercise for weight loss

13. Mobile exercise apps

14. Mobility/myofascial devices

15. Worksite health promotion and workplace wellbeing programmes

16. Outcome measurements

17. Outdoor activities

18. Licensure for fitness professionals

19. Small group personal training

20. Post-rehabilitation classes

To read the full trends report, click here.