Consumers now consider health and fitness to be an essential area of expenditure and despite the global squeeze on disposable incomes, will continue to increase their investment in wellness.

That is among the findings of the second annual Mindbody + Classpass 2024 Predictions Report, published this week by Mindbody and Classpass.

The report charts consumer sentiment and outlines views from industry leaders regarding the wellness trends to expect in 2024.

The six predictions for the year ahead are:

1. Strength training will retain its popularity

2. Beauty and wellness community events will become increasingly popular3. Consumers will expect science-based, performance-proven products and services

4. The importance of sleep hygiene will continue to grow5. Consumers will combine temperature therapies

6. Older adults and boomers will head to fitness facilities in greater numbers

Mindbody Classpass 2024 Predictions Report also compiles findings from a number of industry reports published over the past 12 months.

These include The Accenture Consumer Pulse Survey 2022, which analysed responses from 11,000 consumers in 16 countries, revealing that despite two-thirds (66 per cent) of survey respondents saying they feeled squeezed financially, 80 per cent intended to maintain or increase their spend on areas related to health and fitness.

Each trend is fully annotated, with commentary and case studies.

In relation to the prediction that "boomers will go boutique", for example, the report says: "In the coming years, we predict a growing number of boutique fitness offerings designed specifically for this vibrant age group.

"More than half of baby boomers say they prioritise wellness now more than ever and over a third see strength training as more important than other wellness activities."

This view was endorsed by Leah Seacrest, vice president of operations at franchised studio operator Regymen Fitness.

“There was a time when those aged 55+ might’ve been considered in the sunset stage of their life," Seacrest said.

"But now they’re active, and want to continue to be active. They want quality of life, and they know exercise is part of that."

To find more about the Mindbody + Classpass 2024 Predictions Report, go to www.HCMmag.com/mindbodyclasspass24.

Read the previous report – Mindbody and Classpass 2022 Mid-Year Wellness Trends Report – in detail in HCM here.