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20 February 2018
FIBO 2018 to showcase the wellness trends for fitness studios
Targeted relaxation enhances the physical performance – more and more, this insight from high-performance sports is gaining acceptance among fitness fans, as well. “Today, a good wellness range is frequently considered a mark of quality for studios”, says FIBO director Silke Frank. “That’s why we’ve enhanced the wellness segment at the trade show.” FIBO in Cologne will create a central hub for studio operators, the Wellness Competence Centre in Hall 8. From 12 to 15 April, they can get expert advice from the German Wellness Association (DWV), a FIBO 2018 partner. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the most important trends.
Trend Number 1: Recreation Areas
“Studio operators interested in conceptually expanding their facility with additional wellness features should think about functional relaxation spaces”, advises Lutz Hertel, managing director of the DWV. Examples include sleep lounges available for hourly rentals, floating pools and salt inhalation rooms. Also in demand are thematically designed relaxation areas where LED elements create three-dimensional relaxation worlds like the deep sea. Studio operators will find plenty of suggestions in FIBO’s wellness-themed exhibition area in Hall 8. Exhibitors such as Klafs, Fechner, JK International, brainLight, Medyjet Evolution, EQUIMED Consulting and b2bcosmeticswill present the latest furnishing options here.
Trend Number 2: Natural is in
“When it comes to designing facilities, the international spa business currently is betting on natural materials”, says Lutz Hertel. “Wood and natural stone can be found in virtually every facility”, he adds, along with wood shingles, moss walls and backlit wall elements featuring nature scenes. According to the DWV, the hippest facilities right now feature designs that are typical of the region, e.g. in Alpine areas, or modern cubic designs.
Trend Number 3: Wellness as an event
Just sweating is out. These days, the sauna is turned into an experience. “Younger guests, in particular, want an event with action and entertainment”, says Lutz Hertel. That’s why Aufguss ceremonies have become so much more than just water poured over heated rocks: acrobatics, magic, light shows, concert sounds and myriad technical effects abound. The congress hosted by the German Sauna Association at FIBO’s Wellness Competence Centre on 13 April will delve further into the issues studio operators should consider.
Trend Number 4: Slow is the new smart
Deceleration is in. “Body & Mind” courses such as yoga, Pilates and even meditation are enjoying increasing popularity among fitness fans. That’s why in 2018 FIBO will for the first time offer a yoga programme on all four trade visitor day, generating fresh ideas for studio operators, course decision-makers and trainers. In addition, they’ll get to experience the Germany launch of a new trend sport: “Slow Jogging”, developed by the renowned Japanese sports physiologist Hiroaki Tanaka. The German Wellness Association aims to establish slow jogging as a new mass and health sport for all ages and performance levels. “Instead of the well-known slogan ‘no pain, no gain’, the new fitness credo is ‘niko niko’ - which roughly translates to ‘with a smile’ ”, explains Lutz Hertel. Studio operators interested in offering this trend in their personal training and cardio areas can get consultations on all four of FIBO’s trade visitor days.
About FIBO
It’s the world’s largest international trade show for fitness, wellness and health: the industry’s key players come together at FIBO in Cologne. This is where innovations are launched. This is where international trends are set. This is where the industry comes to invest. Some 1,019 companies from 49 nations participated in 2017, meeting more than 150,000 trade and private visitors from around the globe. In 2018, FIBO will take place at the Exhibition Centre Cologne from 12 to 15 April. Kicking off the trade show on 11 April 2018 will be the 5th European Health & Fitness Forum, a meeting of about 400 leading representatives of the European fitness sector.