Dance classes, teen fitness and exercise involving a mind-body aspect are among the strands of gym activities that are expected to increase in popularity over the next decade.

The annual Programs & Equipment Trends Report by US-based IDEA Health & Fitness Association (IDEA) shows that 81 per cent of clubs taking part in the survey expected to mind & body classes to become more in demand in the future, while only 16 per cent currently offer them.

Other activities deemed to have the most growth potential include teen fitness (30 per cent offer classes, while 61 per cent expect them to increase in popularity); social activity groups, such as walking groups (45 per cent/55 per cent) and dance classes (39 per cent/52 per cent).

In real terms, dance has demonstrated the largest growth in the past eight years, with the number of dance classes being held at clubs increasing by 20 per cent between 2001 and 2009.

Pilates has also gained ground, as the percentage of clubs possessing Pilates equipment has risen from 29 per cent in 2001 to 44 per cent in 2009.

Kathie Davis, executive director of IDEA, said: "It's apparent that fitness program directors and managers have found interesting ways to respond to the shifting desires and needs of fitness consumers.

"This may mean finding new ways to use existing fitness equipment or trying new programming for personal training, group exercise and mind-body activities.

"The ingenuity of fitness facility leaders and staff has kept customers engaged and coming through the doors of their facilities even through these dark economic days."

The survey also shows that companies remain positive in the midst of the recession, with the number of respondents expecting growth during the next year being higher than the number of companies expecting a decline in business.

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