The Dawn of a New Era? A Holistic Fitness Snapshot

Forbes, Guardian, and IDEA Health and Fitness Association, the largest fitness organization, agree that our industry is transforming towards a new model:?Holistic?Fitness.?Holistic Fitness?is?an approach that considers all aspects of an individual's well-being, including physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health, as a form of integration between Eastern traditions and Western innovations. This approach has gained massive popularity recently, with many health and fitness organizations adopting it as a core part of their philosophy. So, let us look into what it is and why it is worth to get familiar with it.?

What is Holistic Fitness?

Holistic fitness is an umbrella term for training concepts that either complement traditional fitness workouts with a 'softer' approach or provide a complete, well-rounded, all-in-one training experience per se.?It bridges the gap between fitness and wellness by raising industry standards and identifying best practices that apply to movement-based events, wellness rituals, self-development journeys, and exercise beyond the physical level.

Common characteristics of holistic fitness concepts include:

• Inclusivity: a multi-style/multi-dimensional approach
• Connectivity with nature, self, and others
• Mental, physical, and emotional engagement
• Understanding & harnessing the natural rhythms and cycles
• Growing professionals into a body & mind guide role
• Sensual reactivation

Holistic Fitness Industry Organizations

One example of a holistic fitness industry organization is Nike's "Well Collective," which focuses on a holistic fitness and well-being approach explicitly geared toward women.?Another organization is THINK Holistic Fitness, owned by Jennifer Rodriguez, which offers various programs and services to improve overall well-being.

Holistic Fitness in the Military

The United States Army has also adopted a holistic approach to fitness through its Holistic Health and Fitness Operating Concept, as outlined in Field Manual 7-22. This approach seeks to improve well-being through physical fitness, nutrition, and mental health practices to improve overall health and minimize injuries and exercise burnout as the main reasons that urged the development of the concept.

Technology Applications

Holistic fitness technology applications can already be seen in various forms, such as wearable technology, mobile device applications, and artificial intelligence-powered fitness apps. These technologies provide personalized workout recommendations based on an individual's physical and health conditions and non-invasive analyses for greater insights.?

The Future of the Holistic Fitness Industry

According to a survey by McKinsey, the wellness market is worth $1.5 trillion and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. As more people become aware of the importance of overall well-being, the holistic fitness industry model is likely to become even more popular, with more organizations adopting this approach to serve their clients better.