Published 06 June 2023

18 min read

In this two-part overview of the evolving sports-leisure landscape, we explore 10 key sports that are ascending in popularity, attracting diverse consumer advocates and fandoms, upping their sustainability credentials and presenting lucrative commercial opportunities for cross-sector brands. This report foregrounds running, skateboarding, hiking, the new ‘fitness festival’ and kids’ athletic advancement.

New-Wave Running

The Next Evolution of Skateboarding

Outdoor Adventure Fitness for All

The New Fitness Festival

Advancing Young Athletes

The Covid-19 pandemic gave running a boost as fitness enthusiasts took to the streets to increase their daily step count, clear their minds and immerse themselves in fresh air. Convenient, accessible and beneficial for stress relief, the sport continues to win diverse fans on both individual and group levels. 

The Covid-19 pandemic gave running a boost as fitness enthusiasts took to the streets to increase their daily step count, clear their minds and immerse themselves in fresh air. Convenient, accessible and beneficial for stress relief, the sport continues to win diverse fans on both individual and group levels. 

Summary

New-Wave Running

The Covid-19 pandemic gave running a boost as fitness enthusiasts took to the streets to increase their daily step count, clear their minds and immerse themselves in fresh air. Convenient, accessible and beneficial for stress relief, the sport continues to win diverse fans on both individual and group levels. 

The Next Evolution of Skateboarding

Since its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, skateboarding continues to gain traction, especially as innovation in electric skateboards, longboards and cruiser boards tempts new riders. Skateboarding will also feature at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with both men’s and women’s street and park events.

Outdoor Adventure Fitness for All

Outdoor pursuits, such as walking, hiking and camping, deliver myriad benefits, from improving mobility to bonding with nature and even boosting brain health. But this space has traditionally suffered from elitism and exclusion, and POC and other communities remain under-represented. Now, a new generation of nature enthusiasts is breaking down barriers and claiming the outdoors as their own.

The New Fitness Festival

Fitness fans are embracing challenges and competitions that combine functional workouts with endurance. These dynamic events often target competitors/participants at all levels, rendering them democratic in reach. Meanwhile, family-friendly fitness activities and mini-marathons are making movement a more social consideration.

Advancing Young Athletes

With obesity rates rising among youngsters (see Food + Health Trends: 2023) – and their mental health worryingly precarious – exercise can contribute to stress relief, weight management, physical wellness, confidence building and even cognitive development. Summer camps are offering an unprecedented range of top-notch physical activities, while girls’ football is also experiencing an uptick. 

The New Sports-Leisure Landscape: 10 Trends Report 02

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Offering access to over 350 consumer and cross-industry reports annually, Stylus Membership is your window to tomorrow’s most exciting opportunities.

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