Abstract

FRANCO, S et al. Fitness trends in Portugal for 2021. CPD [online]. 2021, vol.21, n.2, pp.242-258.  Epub May 16, 2022. ISSN 1989-5879.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) publishes an annual study of world fitness trends for the following year. The present study reproduced the methodology of ACSM trends study and characterized the fitness trends in Portugal for 2021 according to professionals, students and clients in the sector, confronting the results with studies at a worldwide, European and Spanish level. The trends between clients and professionals/students were also compared, and in these, between genders, whether or not to perform functions as a professional and to have the title of Physical Exercise Technician (TEF), Technical Director (DT) or not to have a title. 165 professionals, 135 students and 85 clients answered to an online questionnaire, built for this purpose.

As a result, the main trends for fitness in Portugal for 2021 were identified, in the different sample groups. Portugal tends to be more in line with European trends than worldwide ones. In the comparison between professionals/students and clients, there were differences in 4 out of 42 trends, between genders in 20, between professionals who performed functions with those who did not in 7, and between titles of TEF, DT or untitled in 9. In conclusion, despite the variability of opinions between groups of subjects, it can be said that, by consensus, the main fitness trends in Portugal for 2021 are: licenses (titles) for fitness professionals, employing certified fitness professionals, exercise for weight loss, healthy lifestyle and behavioral change, outdoor activities and bodyweight training.

Keywords : Portugal; Trends; Fitness.

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