Key takeaways from industry leading fairs: IHRSA and FIBO, 2024

Earlier this spring, Motosumo participated in two of the fitness industry's biggest annual trade fairs — IHRSA in Los Angeles and FIBO in Cologne. As always, both events provided an important look into the current state and evolving trends and needless to say, we remain optimistic and enthusiastic for the future of our industry. As a growing trend, longevity stands out. Everyone wants to live healthier and longer, and with that comes exercise. Good news for us in the fitness industry! — as we strive to offer experiences that meet that demand!

We sat down with Kresten Juel Jensen, CEO of Motosumo, and Mahmood UI-Hassan, CMO of Motosumo, to get their insights and key takeaways from these influential gatherings.

The resurgence of the fitness industry

“After a challenging pandemic period and its aftereffects, it was exciting to witness the revival of the entire fitness industry. The energy at both fairs was indeed tangible, with a clear return to pre-pandemic levels of both activity and engagement”, Kresten said.

For FIBO alone, some 1,000 exhibitors and partners from around the world participated and more than 130,000 people visited the fair. This resurgence signifies not just a return to normality but a robust renewal of enthusiasm and participation. An attendance level that underscores the industry’s thriving nature, which appears to be doing even better than before the pandemic.

Optimism everywhere

“We see an overall sentiment within the industry as one of shared optimism. Industry leaders, gym owners, and fitness enthusiasts and industry investors are all looking forward to a bright future,” Kresten said and continued, — “it is all fuelled by a renewed commitment to health and wellness, driven by new and innovative approaches to fitness that emerged in response to the lessons learned and behavioral changes during the pandemic.”

A growing focus on wellness

One of the most significant trends observed at both trade fairs is the growing focus on longevity and wellness overall. This goes beyond traditional fitness to include a holistic approach to health, integrating physical exercise with mental well-being, nutrition, and recovery.

“A notable recent example of this shift is ´GymPass´ rebranding to ´Wellhub´, reflecting the industry's broader focus on providing a 360-degree wellness experience. Wellness is no longer a peripheral concept; it is now central to the industry’s offering,” Mahmood commented.

Community and connectivity

Both IHRSA and FIBO stressed the importance of community and connectivity in the fitness world. The pandemic underscored the need for human interaction and support, which are vital components of any fitness journey. Fitness platforms and gyms are increasingly focusing on building communities that offer support, motivation, and a sense of belonging. “Those exact elements are essential parts of the Motosumo experience, no matter how the platform is used”, Mahmood said.

Sustainable fitness

Sustainability is also a growing theme, with many companies showcasing eco-friendly products and practices. The fitness industry is becoming more conscious of its environmental impact and is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its societal responsibility. This includes everything from sustainable gym equipment to energy-efficient facilities and fundraising events.

Cardio training is coming back

Cardio training is on the cusp of making a significant comeback. While strength training has taken center stage as the dominant trend in fitness for quite some time now, the tide is beginning to turn. More fitness enthusiasts and experts are recognizing the importance of cardio, not only for its health benefits, but also for its role in creating a balanced and diverse exercise regimen.

“It was interesting to see how strength and cardio training continue to compete in popularity. I believe the resurgence of cardio training that we noted is driven by the need for balanced workouts that promote cardiovascular health, as well as the release of endorphins that support mental health — and finally the need for group exercise — whether IRL or Virtual — that builds community,” Kresten elaborated.

Looking ahead

As we move forward, Motosumo is committed to staying at the cutting edge of the mentioned trends and observations. As a tech company, Motosumo believes in the power of technology to transform fitness, and we are dedicated to promoting wellness, building community, and ensuring sustainability. “Our observations at IHRSA and FIBO, from meetings and by just browsing around reinforced our belief that the future of fitness is bright, and we are excited to be a part of this dynamic and evolving industry,” Mahmood said.

Kresten Juel Jensen and Mahmood UI-Hassan are both eager to implement the insights gained from these trade fairs to enhance the Motosumo platform and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the fitness industry.

“The future is here, and it's filled with opportunities for growth, innovation, and well-being, and Motosumo is well positioned to grab those to help our clients and platform users get the best possible indoor cycling experience.” Kresten ended.