How the Pandemic Influenced People’s Fitness Habits
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how people approached fitness. With gyms closed and outdoor activities restricted, individuals had to adapt quickly. This led to a surge in home workouts and digital fitness solutions. The convenience of working out at home became a necessity, creating a shift in priorities.
Many turned to virtual classes, with platforms like Zoom and YouTube becoming essential fitness tools. Social media also played a vital role, with fitness influencers offering free workout plans. This digital shift provided accessibility, allowing people to maintain routines despite lockdowns.
Mental health concerns also influenced fitness habits. Exercise was increasingly recognised as a way to combat stress and anxiety. Activities such as yoga and meditation grew in popularity, emphasising the link between physical and mental well-being.
However, the lack of social interaction in fitness environments was a challenge. Group classes and gym communities were replaced by solitary workouts, altering the communal aspect of fitness.
The pandemic ultimately accelerated a trend towards hybrid fitness solutions. It highlighted the need for flexibility, accessibility, and a focus on holistic health. These changes continue to influence fitness behaviours today.
What Trends Boomed and Declined During the Pandemic?
Several fitness trends gained momentum during the pandemic, while others saw significant declines. The most notable boom was in home workouts. Sales of fitness equipment, such as dumbbells, resistance bands, indoor bikes and treadmills, skyrocketed as people created home gyms. Online fitness platforms like Peloton, which combined workouts with community engagement, thrived.
Virtual fitness classes also exploded in popularity. From live-streamed HIIT sessions to yoga tutorials, the digital space became the go-to for fitness enthusiasts. This trend was further supported by fitness apps offering personalised workouts and progress tracking.
Outdoor activities experienced a revival, especially walking, running, and cycling. These activities allowed people to exercise while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Cycling, in particular, saw a surge, with bike sales increasing globally.
On the decline, traditional gym memberships took a hit as one would expect. Many gyms faced closures, and members were reluctant to return immediately after lockdown due to safety concerns. Group sports also suffered as social distancing made team activities impossible. However, gym memberships have showed signs of having recovered. In particular, budget gyms in the UK such as JD Gyms, The Gym Group and Pure Gym have taken advantage of the surge of people looking to get back to the gym.
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Although, high-intensity fitness trends, such as CrossFit, saw mixed responses. While some enthusiasts adapted to home-based versions, others paused due to a lack of equipment and space.
The pandemic created a unique environment for fitness trends. Those that prioritised convenience, flexibility, and mental well-being thrived, while trends reliant on physical locations and group dynamics struggled to adapt.
Which Trends Are The New Normal Since the Pandemic?
The fitness world has embraced hybrid models, combining on-demand, virtual and gym workouts to meet the demand for flexibility. While home workouts remain a key part of routines, many fitness enthusiasts now prefer the option to switch between home and in-person activities. Exclusively working out at home is less popular than during the pandemic.
Furthermore, social fitness is on the rise as gyms and running clubs become popular ‘third spaces’. During the pandemic, people missed the connection of group activities. Now, fitness has become a way to build social bonds, a trend largely driven by Gen Z. Search terms like “running clubs” and participation in community events like park runs have increased significantly. These activities provide both physical and emotional benefits, attracting participants of all fitness levels. Fitness enthusiasts view social connections through fitness and exercise activities as a cornerstone of their mental well-being.
This trend further emphasises how mental health has become deeply intertwined with fitness. The pandemic highlighted the importance of well-being, leading to a rise in holistic practices. Reformer pilates, for example, has grown in popularity, as reflected in the rising searches for “reformer pilates near me.” This trend reflects a desire to combine functional exercise with mindfulness.
In addition, technology is reflecting peoples demand to monitor their health holistically. Devices like Whoop and Oura rings have captured interest from this market segment, but innovation in this space continues to evolve.
By the same token, search interest in metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and sleep quality has surged. These metrics show a growing emphasis on the integration of fitness with overall well-being. It also coincides with the burgeoning exercise recovery sector showing the fitness enthusiasts want to expand beyond activity tracking. They are interested in the whole spectrum that can influence their fitness enabling a culture where amateur athletes are gaining access to data and information that was once only considered available to the elite. Hence, the term we have coined for highlighting this macro trend, amateur elitism.
These trends demonstrate how fitness has evolved into a more holistic, flexible, inclusive and socially connected experience. The new normal reflects a shift towards functional and long-term health, where technology and personalisation is central to the experience.
Which Trends Have Declined Since the Pandemic?
Some fitness trends that surged during the pandemic are now showing signs of decline. While still relevant, home workouts they no longer hold the same explosive popularity they did during lockdowns. Specific “home workout” searches has declined significantly since the pandemic lockdowns.
The knock on affect has seen decreasing search for home exercise equipment and popular fitness streaming services. Brands like Peloton, which thrived on the home workout boom, are facing challenges. The company has struggled to maintain growth and is now exploring ways to diversify and reinvent its business model. This reflects a broader shift as consumers seek more variety and balance in their fitness routines.
Searches for HIIT (High Intensity Training) workouts have also surprisingly decreased since the pandemic. Many people viewed HIIT as the perfect home workout to work up a sweat. The concept of HIIT is still popular and hasn’t gone away, however, the term has been re-invented into other forms of exercise. For example, hybrid fitness (not to be confused with the hybrid gym model) has taken off and brands such as Hyrox has witnessed explosive growth. It’s taken advantage for new entrants into the fitness competition world who may not have considered their fitness level to be high enough to enter competitions. Hyrox includes exercises that are less technical than their Cross-fit counterparts and promotes inclusivity as a core value.
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In addition, people are moving towards functional strength and mobility based workouts. Furthermore, lower intensity training concepts such as zone 2 training has also grown in favour due to the increased awareness of the reported health and aerobic benefits.
What Are the Key Insights on Post-Pandemic Fitness Trends?
The post-pandemic fitness landscape is shaped by flexibility, accessibility, and holistic well-being. Key insights include the rise of hybrid membership models, blending in-person and virtual workouts to meet diverse needs. This approach caters to those who value convenience but still crave social connection.
Digital fitness remains a major player. Personalised apps, wearable tech, and on-demand content are redefining how people engage with exercise. These innovations provide data-driven insights and allow users to tailor their routines to specific goals.
Mental well-being is now a core component of fitness. Activities like yoga, mindfulness, and pilates have proven their staying power, reflecting a shift towards integrated health solutions. This trend underscores the growing importance of balancing physical and mental health but also greater importance on functional training. Furthermore, these shifts highlight the growing importance of the preventative health and healthy ageing macro trends.
Community engagement is another critical factor. Outdoor fitness events, park runs, and group activities are seeing renewed interest. These provide both a sense of belonging and motivation, which were missed during the pandemic.
What Is the Future Outlook for These Insights?
The pandemic has driven a future of fitness that lies in innovation, inclusivity, and personalisation. Hybrid fitness models are expected to dominate, offering a seamless blend of digital and in-person experiences. These models cater to diverse preferences, from those who value community to individuals who prioritise convenience.
Holistic health will remain a key focus, which has been a trend significantly influenced by the pandemic. The integration of physical fitness with mental well-being practices, such as mindfulness and recovery-focused activities, will continue to appeal to a broad audience. Businesses that offer comprehensive solutions addressing both mind and body are poised for success.
Technology that embraces holistic well-being will play an increasingly central role. Wearable devices, AI-driven apps, and virtual reality fitness that offer connected experiences between mind and body will prosper. These tools will enable users to access real-time insights, tailor workouts, and stay connected with broader fitness communities.
Outdoor fitness is expected to flourish. As sustainability becomes a global priority, activities that emphasise nature and community will attract more participants. Events that combine fitness with environmental awareness may emerge as a unique trend.
The fitness industry will also need to adapt to generational shifts. Gen Z and Millennials, with their emphasis on inclusivity and ethical practices, will drive demand for brands that align with their values. Companies that prioritise transparency and social responsibility will stand out.
Ultimately, the fitness landscape will continue to evolve, shaped by technological advances and changing consumer priorities. Businesses that anticipate these trends and innovate accordingly will thrive in this dynamic environment.
