By 2024, people would indeed have changed their tune, according to Gabriel Hardy, president of Tonic Gym and executive director of the Canadian Fitness Industry Council (CCICP).
Gabriel Hardy gives his advice for staying in shape. (Archives, Gabriel Hardy)
“We see fewer and fewer people talking about weight loss, especially in resolutions. We really care a lot about health, aging healthily and feeling good about ourselves,” he explains.
A change of thinking that delights the CEO of Tonic Gym. “I think the message finally got through that taking care of yourself is a priority.”
According to him, a parallel can be drawn between this new wave of resolutions and the issues in the health network in Quebec.
“People are realizing more and more that they don’t want to go into the health care system.”
— Gabriel Hardy, president of Tonic Gym and executive director of CCICP
He believes the fitness industry will become an inevitable solution to current problems in the healthcare system.
Mr. Hardy wants the industry to become an important reference for governments.
One fashion pushes another
Every year, the world of training evolves with the rise of disciplines such as yoga, CrossFit and Pilates. Driven by current fashion, beginners or experienced athletes are spoiled for choice.
HYROX
Combining both running and functional training stations, HYROX competitions would be popular among young people, according to the CEO of Tonic Gym. “The movement has really exploded.”
Each competition consists of a one-kilometer run followed by a functional exercise station, repeated eight times. “It’s like a triathlon had a child with a CrossFit event.”
Since it is the same eight exercises, regardless of the competition, the HYROX would allow structured and precise preparation.
CrossFit
CrossFit is a high-intensity training program that mixes strength training, endurance and gymnastics. Designed to improve strength and general fitness, this mode of training has been very popular over the last 15 years.
A popularity that would continue to decline. “People have tried it, people are not there anymore,” explains the CEO of Tonic Gym.
The complex movements, heavy loads and unpredictability of classes would make the sport less attractive to people, he said.
A certain bad reputation would also have a role to play.
“I think there are a lot of people who started doing it without being well prepared, which led to a lot of injuries,” continues the executive director of the CCICP.
Pilates
Growing strongly in the United States and Western Canada, the Pilates movement could soon knock on the doors of Quebec.
“In the coming years, it would not be surprising to see a lot of Pilates studios open,” said Ms. Hardy.
Unlike yoga, Pilates does not aim for relaxation or inner serenity, it aims to improve posture and strengthen the entire body.
At home
According to the executive director of the CCICP, women in their forties have deserted the training rooms in recent years.
With the pandemic, he suggests, some, particularly mothers, would have made the decision to train in the comfort of their family nest.
It must be said that online programs, such as BeachBody, UltimeFit or Yoga fitness are increasingly an alternative for people who want to get in shape, without leaving home. “The gym is one of the ways to take care of your health.”
If several of these training modes interest you, it is also possible to have several subscriptions at the same time. A trend that would be increasingly popular, according to Mr. Hardy.
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH TRAINING
If physical training is in your resolutions for 2025, here are Gabriel Hardy’s three essential steps for getting started with indoor training, and especially for staying there.
Meet a professional
According to him, above all, the first step would be to meet a kinesiologist. Meetings with this professional would provide motivation to the person who wishes to get started.
This relationship would also make it possible to build a training plan and have monitoring throughout the course.
Have specific goals
When the first steps are taken, it is time to set specific objectives over time. It would not be enough to want to do a half marathon to get there, but to register and plan your training until the fateful moment.
Talking to those close to you about your goals would also create additional motivation.
Do more than yesterday, but less than tomorrow
Despite all the ambition in the world, it is important not to launch too quickly in the first week. Training must be progressive to achieve pre-established objectives.
