The IDEA World Convention is an annual gathering that ignites the fitness and wellness industry with innovative ideas and strategies. This year's convention, hosted by the IDEA Health & Fitness Association, unfolded in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event offered a window into the ever-evolving fitness landscape and delved into the revolution catalyzed by the confluence of movement, technology and the need for change.

Known for its educational workshops and influential speakers, this year’s convention did not disappoint. It is a platform where fitness enthusiasts, experts and aficionados converge to expand their horizons. I had the privilege to attend and witness first-hand how much the fitness industry has evolved. One workshop that stood out to me was the "Building Strategies Based on Fitness Trends" by Dokyun Kim. It introduced valuable concepts about evolving fitness trends and how to incorporate those concepts into your business. Some important information from the workshop includes the concepts of:

Hyper personalization:

• Fitness is moving from personalization to hyper personalization. Instructors and trainers are encouraged to understand data and numbers deeply.
• Hyper personalization involves tailoring fitness programs to the individual based on in-depth data and personalized insights.
• Instructors should use innovative technologies and data to create highly personalized fitness experiences for clients.

Sympathizing with customers and building connections:

• It is essential to empathize with customers, understand their needs, and connect with them through shared experiences.
• Businesses should foster an environment of open sharing and community participation to attract attention.
• Leveraging collective intelligence within the fitness community is crucial. It is not about making all the decisions but listening to the community's collective wisdom.

Quantity over quality vs. quality over quantity:

• The focus is shifting from quantity to quality. Instead of attracting more clients, the emphasis is on offering high-quality fitness classes and experiences.
• People want to be seen and to improve. Quality and class can drive motivation and loyalty.
• Building class and quality is about giving people what they genuinely want. This can drive the fitness industry forward.

Dokyun Kim and IDEA WORLD continue to evolve the fitness industry based on current trends. To stay ahead, it’s crucial to analyze current trends to enhance our business strategies accordingly. Personally, I am thrilled to integrate the insights I took from the convention and apply it to our work at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. As the world evolves and changes, we are committed to progressing alongside.