2021 Fitness Trends

by Melinda Burris

It seemed the world breathed a collective sigh of relief when the chaotic and unprecedented year that was 2020 finally came to an end and we began 2021 with the hope that the tide would soon turn in a positive direction, as we all continue to deal with economic, social, and cultural impacts of COVID-19.

The Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends (WSFT), an annual report that was released for this year on January 2, 2021, unveiled responses demonstrating that a majority of fitness enthusiasts around the globe have gotten used to the convenience and the lower costs of working out from home and most plan to continue their health and fitness regimen from home or participating in solo outdoor sports (where social distancing protocols can still be practiced as needed).1

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Surmising the changes in store for the fitness industry as a result of the pandemic, the WSFT report stated simply, “The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.” Though the report was published at the beginning of 2021, its author noted that “Even as you read this, health clubs are closing, or at the very best restructuring their services.”1 Gyms, exercise studios, fitness trainers, suppliers, and their employees did their best to hang on through 2020 and the most stringent of the pandemic related restrictions which included complete closures for a significant period and even now some fitness businesses are only allowed to open at a reduced capacity, based on where they are located, and the number of cases reported in that area.1

The long-term effects on the fitness industry will continue to unfold as these businesses adapt their business models. This survey is indicative of a strong trend toward online training (which includes videos, streaming classes, and demonstrations which ranked as the number 1 trend for 2021) and virtual training (a term that is sometimes erroneously used interchangeably with online training); virtual training often refers to group classes via live platforms and ranked as the 6th highest trend in 2021.1

Since it’s clear online training has become increasingly popular over the past year. We’ve decided to examine some avenues people can use to attend the online or virtual class of their choice (or venture out in the safe, privacy of their own home—a “judge-free zone” to try a new type of exercise to reinvigorate their workout.

Those looking for free options need look no further than YouTube, where classes and often detailed instruction in just about any type of athletic or mindful living practice are offered on numerous channels. The following are just a few select options:

Ø  Bodybuilding.com

This channel offers a good mix of bodybuilding exercises, some you can perform using your own body weight or minimal gym equipment, others may require a bit more. An excellent feature of this channel is that each exercise is explained in detail to assist viewers in performing each move correctly on their own. The channel has been likened to “almost [being] the same as having a personal trainer at the gym.”2 

Ø  PopSugar Fitness

This channel is extremely user-friendly, offering workouts for all fitness levels that are conveniently separated into categories, so you know where to go to find the intensity of training you need. This channel also offers high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout videos, which is no doubt a factor in the channel’s popularity as HIIT was ranked the 5th highest-ranking trend for 2021 in the WSFT survey.1,2 

Ø  Scott Herman Fitness

This channel is popular for those looking for power workouts for bodybuilding. The videos shown are also instructive for athletes and the regular person working out because Herman provides workouts that demonstrate how to correctly do common exercises such as lunges, planks, and pushups, which, unfortunately, are also commonly done incorrectly.2

If you own an Amazon Prime membership, you have access to the streaming channel of the same name. Check out some of the online fitness options offered there:

Ø  Flexibility Yoga: 30 Minute Workout to Boost Mobility

As has been discussed often in the pages of this magazine, runners have to find ways to loosen their hips and yoga can provide excellent stretches to help make that happen. 

Ø  Morning Abs Workout

While this short 8-minute ab workout isn’t long enough for a proper warmup for hurdlers or other track athletes. It can be incorporated into your workouts or be used simply as that little extra bit of fitness you need to get your day started off right. 

Ø  Intense Cardio Kickboxing Workout

Another article in this month’s issue discusses cardio kickboxing and how the agility, quick footwork, rapid response, balance, and core work this type of exercise provides can up your game on the track. If you want to give it try, these streaming videos offer you the opportunity with no additional expense.

As the continued interest and rise in such a wide selection of online and virtual classes shows, people tried home gyms during the lockdowns and while many missed the camaraderie of their old gym or fitness studio, most people have embraced creating and maintaining a designated gym or workout space in their homes.3 Statistics show, the majority prefer maintaining a home gym. The finding in a recent survey of 2,000 participants conducted by OnePoll found that “75% of people believe it’s easier to stay fit at home.”3

With the financial uncertainty the pandemic has wrought, Americans have also taken note of how much money can be saved by choosing to workout at home rather than fund an expensive gym membership. Research shows that on average, Americans spent just “$95.79 on home gym equipment during quarantine” proving that a solid workout doesn’t require pricey equipment.3

The Continued Popularity of Fitness Watches & Devices

Fitness monitoring devices like Apple and Fitbit Watches and apps have become increasingly popular in recent years. More price-effective options have also entered the marketplace making these devices popular across all age and income groups. As Steve Pettit, CEO of the Australian Institute of Fitness quipped, “Wearable technology has come a long way in a relatively short space of time and, these days, everyone from young kids to grannies are wearing devices to monitor their steps, sleep, heart rate and more.”4

This is a positive development as a holistic approach to health is the most beneficial. Sleep plays a vital role in your body’s ability to perform and to recover and is necessary for maintaining good health overall. By monitoring our daily intake of nutrients, the hours and quality of our sleep, and our vital signs, we have knowledge which is power. People who keep up with their daily habits and activity levels are more likely to be fit and to notice earlier when something is off medically and they need to see a healthcare provider.

 References:

1. Thompson, W.R. Ph.D. (2 January 2021). FACSM Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2021.
2. Lacke, S. (18 March 2020). Gym Closed? Try These Online Workouts.
3. Davidson, K. (26 January 2021). 9 Fitness Trends to Expect in 2021.
4. Hall, N. (11 January 2021). 10 Biggest Fitness Trends for 2021.

 

 

 

 

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