HIIT Fitness Booming in Popularity

Yoga, Pilates, and Barre are currently leading the boutique fitness market, but high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is expected to become increasingly popular by 2029.

For those in the yoga, Pilates, and Barre industries, there’s much to celebrate as these disciplines remain the top choices in boutique fitness.

 However, a new report suggests that HIIT is poised to become a highly profitable opportunity in the near future.

The growing demand for personalized fitness experiences, specialized training, and a sense of community is driving the boutique fitness industry towards a projected global market value of $54.81 billion by 2029, rising from $34.3 billion in 2023, according to Research and Markets.

Fitness consumers are increasingly seeking curated, exclusive experiences that offer an escape from the mundane, and they’re finding these experiences in boutique fitness.

Kings of the Hill: Yoga, Pilates & Barre

Boutique fitness franchises cover various categories, from cycling to weight lifting. However, yoga, Pilates, and Barre have emerged as clear market leaders in 2024, based on Research and Markets data.

YogaSix, a global yoga franchise under the Xponential Fitness brand, recently opened its 200th studio.

YogaSix offers a modern twist on the ancient practice, featuring mood lighting, upbeat music, and both heated and non-heated classes. CorePower Yoga, another dominant franchise, also operates over 200 locations.

Pilates remains extremely popular across the nation. Xponential Fitness leads this space with 1,000 Club Pilates studios and counting, but competition is on the rise.

 JetSet Pilates, a Miami-based brand, is expanding quickly both in the U.S. and internationally.

F45 Training has also embraced the Pilates trend, launching Vaura Pilates in New York City’s Upper East Side and planning additional studio openings soon.

When it comes to Barre—a ballet-inspired, strength-based workout promising toned results—it has garnered a loyal following worldwide.

 Barre3, a boutique fitness franchisor with 15 years in the Pilates industry, recently acquired The Barre Code, a Midwest Barre brand, expanding its global footprint to 185 studios.

The Case for HIIT

While yoga, Pilates, and Barre currently hold the largest share of the boutique fitness market, the report highlights that HIIT is expected to become the fastest-growing boutique fitness modality over the next five years.

 HIIT’s appeal lies in offering maximum fitness gains in minimal time, making it ideal for time-conscious consumers.

“HIIT appeals to individuals who seek significant fitness benefits in minimal time, making it a perfect fit for boutique settings that prioritize quality over quantity,” the report notes.

Leading players in boutique fitness are already preparing for a surge in HIIT popularity. Barry’s, a name synonymous with high-intensity interval training, is anticipating massive growth by 2030.

 Plans include expansion into less-populated and non-coastal U.S. cities, where boutique fitness has not always been popular.

“Based on the market opportunities we currently see, I could envision Barry’s reaching 200 U.S. locations within the next five years,” Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez told ATN last summer.

Barry’s is also pursuing aggressive international expansion. The brand announced additional studio locations in Israel, Bahrain, Barcelona, and Egypt, as well as new territories in the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Lebanon.

The Communal Appeal of Boutique Fitness

According to the report, boutique fitness as a whole is well-positioned for growth regardless of the modality.

 Factors driving this include rising concerns about obesity and chronic disease, along with a growing desire for personalized and exclusive fitness experiences, prompting more consumers to invest in boutique fitness memberships.

Influencer culture and social media are also significantly contributing to the interest in boutique fitness.

TikTok users, for example, share transformational ‘before and after’ videos showcasing their sculpted and toned results from Pilates or Barre, or discuss the stress-relief and posture-improving benefits of yoga.

One reason for the increased interest in specialized fitness experiences could be that traditional gyms can feel intimidating for newcomers or those returning to fitness after a long break.

Gyms often lack opportunities for connection and guidance, presenting unfamiliar machines and little structure.

In contrast, boutique fitness classes offer a structured and reliable experience, with a set time, focus on a specific modality, and an instructor guiding the entire session.

These studios typically consider various fitness and ability levels among participants, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. For instance, Solidcore, a popular Pilates-inspired brand, recently launched a starter class to teach beginners the fundamentals.

Many boutique fitness studios aim to offer more than just calorie-burning workouts; they foster a sense of community by engaging with new members before class, promoting interactions between regulars and newcomers, and organizing special events.

Source: athletechnews

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.