2019 Fitness Trends to Keep you Ahead of the Game
Last Updated on 7 August, 2025
Make your gym stand out with these buzz-worthy 2019 fitness trends!
A trend is a cultural phenomenon that sparks interest and engagement. As a gym owner, it’s important to keep up with new fitness trends to keep things fresh and interesting for your clients. Introducing these new quirky workouts, as well as some familiar favorites, can increase your gym’s popularity and keep you one step ahead of the competition in 2019.
Keep an open mind and let your imagination run wild with the possibilities these trends could offer. Fasten your seat belt, because we’re about to take you on a wild ride!
Drunk Yoga
Most people would never think to introduce alcohol into a fitness class, but this has been all the rage lately! Drunk Yoga is one of the 2019 fitness trends meant to lure non-yogis into a relaxing and fun atmosphere.
Originally created by Eli Walker in New York City, this unique yoga class combines a 45-minute Vinyasa practice with wine! The class starts off with a short happy hour, then students are instructed to take their glasses of wine to their mats. Fun and engaging poses are done using the wine as a point of focus and balance. Walker does stress the importance of responsibility and safety, so she encourages her students not to fill their glass with no more than half a cup before beginning the actual practice. The wine loosens up the body and can help students achieve levels of flexibility they never thought possible! It’s all about achieving the state of relaxation and enjoyment needed to let go and go with the flow!
Introduce this unique idea to your business today to attract yoga-skeptics! It might just be crazy enough to work. Who else could say that they’ve gotten a work out in while enjoying a delicious glass of wine?
If this seems too risqué, the next trend is sure to appeal to the inner child in you!
Mermaid Workouts
Have you ever thought of turning your gym into a magical underwater kingdom? Well now it’s possible with mermaid workouts!
This aquatic exercise was first started by a company that sells mermaid tails, called Fin Fun Mermaid. Though it may seem like your fairy-tale dreams have come true, this trend is not for the faint of heart. This is a full body workout combining intense abdominal and core reps. Your legs are also isolated in a fin, so it makes moving and swimming much more challenging. Many of the workout moves mimic those of real aquatic animals and involve full body rolls to help you move forward. All in all, this is an intense workout.
If your gym has a pool, consider offering mermaid classes. What better way to get fit than doing it while fulfilling a childhood dream? Incorporating this one from the 2019 fitness trends list will definitely make a splash at your gym!
Aqua Spinning
Another pool friendly activity is Aqua Spinning! Using the resistance and cooling nature of water to your advantage, this class puts a spin on the traditional cycling workout.
Imagine taking a regular exercise bike you may find at a gym and putting it at the shallow end of a pool! A Parisian woman named Esther Gauthier is to thank for introducing this ingenious idea to America in 2013. And she believes this type of workout is not going away anytime soon.
Aqua spinning is a great option for those prone to knee injuries as the soothing power of water helps to alleviate impact while cycling. Many of the typical spinning steps, such as moving up and down on the bike, are also simpler to do in the water. Having said this, your body can burn up to 800 calories per session!
Consider incorporating this aquatic exercise into your gym if you have the resources. This is perfect for the elderly, injured athletes, and adventurous souls alike!
Don’t have access to a pool at your fitness center? Have no fear! The next trend is one you can surely integrate into your studio.
Pound
Next on our 2019 fitness trends list is Pound. Say hello to a special exercise routine that combines both music and working out, with a special twist. Pound is an explosive fitness trend, where your clients can move to the beat of their own drum…literally!
Created by former drummers, Cristina Peerenboom and Kirsten Potenza, this workout uses light weight “drumsticks” to simulate drumming while actively engaging your whole body. This form of exercise combines cardio, Pilates, as well as strength training. What makes Pound different than anything else, is that you are creating the music with the power of your sticks and the collective energy of the group. Up to 900 calories can be burned in the span of one 45-minute session!
Want some really good news? Pound can help your gym become a Pound Venue. They can certify your present instructors at one of their Pound Pro Training programs and provide an easy-to-follow workout format. You can also purchase any necessary equipment directly from them. So, what are you waiting for?
Bokwa
Want a one-of-a-kind fitness class that can appeal to all ages? Bokwa is a dance party your clients will never forget!
All you need to know is how to count and spell. Sounds crazy right? That’s what makes this trend so captivating! Bokwa can be described as a mix between hip hop and step aerobics, where the choreography is done by writing out letters and numbers with your feet! Paul Mavi, the creator of this dance craze, used his South African background as inspiration to come up with this special concept. Students can burn up to 1,200 calories in just one session as you are constantly moving your body! Bokwa is said to not only burn fat, but also improves balance and increases endurance.
Teachers at your gym can become certified in Bokwa. Not only can this be targeted to adults, but children will love it too! With a little something for everyone, this dance workout can be a great family activity.
Bodyblade
A fantastic resistance workout is Bodyblade. This trend uses a unique bow which is designed to vibrate when you hold it.
This special instrument was first designed by Bruce Hymanson. As a physical therapist, this was meant to act as a rehabilitation tool for his patients suffering from shoulder and spine issues.
Soon however, he discovered this could appeal to a much wider audience. The way it works, is it forces your body’s muscles to contract up to 270 times per minute! Depending on the direction you hold it as well as the position of your body, you can target different muscle groups. With three different types of blades to choose from, this tool can appeal to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts. Smaller blades are recommended for beginners and group exercises, while larger blades are designed for a tougher resistance workout. The beauty of this product is that it also plays off its user, adjusting to their particular fitness level.
This type of technology can be introduced to your staff by purchasing a kit that includes the desired type of Bodyblade, as well as an instructional DVD. Your teachers can learn how to use this tool and soon teach others the power of their own body’s resistance!
Ugi Fit
We’ve all seen exercise balls in exercise routines, but have you heard of an Ugi? An Ugi is an exceptional workout ball which is the main component of this trendy 30-minute workout.
Ugi Fit was created by Sara Shears as a workout that combines cardio, strength, and core. The Ugi comes in a variety of different colors and can be used in a variety of ways (lifted, used for balancing, sat on, and more!). With its ease and convenience, you can leave the weights and balancing blocks behind.
You can bring this versatile piece of equipment into your gym by ordering some Ugi balls along with an informative DVD. Your teachers can become well versed in all things Ugi, and you can be up to date with this trend!
What We’re Trying to Say is…
Leave the conventional workouts behind (or at least add a little extra spark to your gym), because the world is progressing and it’s going fast! Taking some risks and trying new things is the only way your business can evolve and reach its full potential. Make your business bloom this year by taking some inspiration from any of these 2019 fitness trends.
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