Needless to say, 2020 and 2021 were both crazy years – where the word ‘unprecedented’ has been used more than ever before! One, of many, things that has been dramatically changed by the pandemic is the UK’s fitness habits. With online workouts rising in popularity, contact sports hit the hardest and travel bans preventing people from jetting off to exotic places to get their adrenalin fix, it’ll be interesting to see what fitness trends 2022 has in store.
Here’s some of the most anticipated trends in fitness for the coming 12 months:
1. More workouts at home and the continued rise of digital fitness
With people constrained to the home, and the cold weather kicking in, more people will be logging onto online classes to get their fitness fix. Similarly, they’ll be investing in more at home work out gear and gadgets – ranging from dumbbells, weights and apps to help keep them on track.
2. There will be a continued focus on mental health
One good thing that’s come out of the pandemic is an increased awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health. While stigma surrounding mental health problems is far from gone, people are feeling more comfortable talking about their feelings than ever before which is where we need to be.
3. The rise of affordable exercise
With so many people losing their job and having pay cuts, consumer spending is bound to change. Luxuries like a gym membership might be one of the first to go so people will be looking for affordable exercise to do, such as outdoor runs, walks and at home workouts.
4. Fitness in kind
We’ve seen some amazingly kind acts emerge out of the virus from Captain Tom Moore’s at home marathon and 10-year-old Max Woosey camping outside every night in memory of two family friends who died and left him a tent to have an adventure with! Acts like this will continue into 2022 as people want to use fitness challenges as a way of helping others.
5. Escape to the country
We’ve already seen lots of people exiting the cities for the space of the countryside and I believe that will continue as we are much more aware of the need for space to keep the virus at bay. People are also seeing the beauty that the UK countryside has to offer and using it as their playground.
6. The rise of the healthy date
Dating has been hit hard but I reckon there will also be a rise in fitness dates – where couples take a long walk together followed by a drink. With conventional dating activities restricted and restaurants and pubs being difficult to book, taking a walk or doing an outdoor work out together could be the romantic way forward!
7. Adrenaline at home
As travel bans make flying to your favourite climbing or hiking location harder than ever, adrenaline seekers will be looking closer to home for their kicks. Places like the Peak District and Lake District will no doubt see a surge in visitors, particularly during the warmer months.
8. The need to try new things
With that I reckon lots of people will be more inclined to get out of their comfort zones and give new things a go! If there’s one thing we’ve learnt through this it’s to make the most of every day. People will be encouraged to try new things in their fitness – perhaps train for their first triathlon, run a marathon or try climbing a mountain! Check out these running, swimming and cycling challenges.
9. Fitness will become more of a social thing
As pubs and restaurants continue to have restrictions, seeing friends may be organised around fitness events or activities, like going for a run, or a walk and a coffee together.
10. Social Distancing
This is an obvious one but all work out facilities and sports clubs will have to ensure that social distancing and top quality hygiene levels are adhered to at all times. This might mean a change to your workout routines for a while and staff will be working even harder to ensure the venues are Covid-safe for us all to enjoy
