SPA TRENDS
make it unpleasant and even a threat to our health to exercise outdoors. In some cases, people are too afraid to exercise in built-up areas for fear of crime. The outdoor environment is becoming a less attractive place to exercise, and people are seeking a safe, healthy space to retreat to. Health clubs are seeking to address
this by introducing innovative ways of bringing the outside indoors. For example, some urban gyms create the sensation of exercising outdoors by doing things like increasing natural light and projecting images of natural scenery on the walls: the Virgin Active health club in Aldersgate, London, has a group cycling studio with a floor-to- ceiling projection screen and up to 150 different outdoor image videos.
As urbanisation spreads and people feel less safe in their environment, spas can provide a sanctuary
But this trend is not only interesting
for health clubs and gyms: it could lead to a new growth opportunity for the spa industry. As urbanisation continues to rise, people will increasingly seek a sanctuary to escape to, and the benefits of visiting a spa will become even more widely appreciated.
Holistic ageing Today, there are 1.5 billion people aged over 50 globally, and this is set to rise to 1.9 billion by 2020, according to Euromonitor International and the UN. For the first time in history, the world’s older population will be the fastest- growing age group. Older consumers are not necessarily
bound by life-stage stereotypes. Faced with the prospect of living for longer, they are not only looking for solutions that will help them better manage the health conditions they have, but that will also help slow or prevent age-related decline in their bodies and minds. From beauty creams and pills to
On trend: Virgin Active in Aldersgate, London, uses outdoor video footage in its large indoor cycling studio
72
Chinese placenta medicines and even functional drinks said to prevent the early onset of Alzheimer’s, the market for anti-ageing products has been rapidly expanding. At its most extreme, it includes treatments such as replacing healthy joints with artificial ones to prevent joint deterioration in the first place. However, these solutions are not for everyone, and many older people want more holistic treatments that can be integrated into their lifestyles.
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
The spa industry is already responding
with a growing number of anti-ageing treatments. In addition, healthy ageing spa holidays are being offered to consumers wanting to stay one step ahead of the ageing process. These holidays feature tailored programmes that combine nutrition advice, tests to assess functional health and metabolism, non-abrasive anti-ageing treatments and facials, and the ancient therapies of yoga, ayurveda and meditation to assist the cellular renewal process that naturally slows with age. Spas in the future should focus on
promoting longevity, youthfulness and vitality, offering treatments that may help prevent premature ageing and disease, and that are easy to replicate at home to ensure ongoing benefits. ●
http://free.yudu.com/item/details/742174/Spa-Business-issue-1-2013
A version of this feature first appeared in Spa Business 1 2013, p46.
About The Futures Company The Futures Company is a strategic insight and innovation consultancy, with particular expertise in futures and foresight work. The company has teams in the US, Mexico, Brazil, UK and Argentina and partnerships in China, India and Poland. By exploring the future needs, motivations and behaviours of consumers, and the broader dynamics shaping the marketplace, The Futures Company unlocks new sources of growth for its clients. Web:
www.thefuturescompany.com Twitter: @FuturesCo
May 2013 © Cybertrek 2013
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84