The Future of Fitness: 14 Trends to Watch in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives, including our fitness routines. With gyms closed and studios moving online, the fitness industry has been forced to adapt and evolve. As we look ahead to 2021, here are 14 trends that will shape the future of fitness.
Online Fitness Takes Center Stage
- Boutique Studios Go Virtual: With the rise of online fitness, boutique studios will continue to transition from IRL to URL, offering hybrid memberships that include in-person, on-demand, and virtual classes.
The Rise of Freelance Fitness Instructors
- Instructors Take Charge: Fitness instructors will continue to offer freelance classes through social media platforms, allowing them to connect with clients and build their personal brands.
LISS: The New HIIT
- Low-Intensity Steady-State Training: As we prioritize stress reduction and mindful movement, LISS will gain popularity, offering a sustainable and low-impact alternative to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Getting Fit Outdoors
- Outdoor Fitness Takes Off: With the pandemic sparking a desire for outdoor activities, expect to see more trainers and studios offering outdoor classes, from beach yoga to hiking and biking.
Home Fitness Innovations
- Portable Hot Yoga Studios: Companies will develop innovative solutions to bring hot yoga to your home, such as portable domes that mimic the experience of a traditional hot yoga studio.
Gender-Neutral Fitness
- Inclusive Language in Fitness: Trainers will shift towards using gender-neutral language, avoiding terms like “ladies” and “guys” to create a more inclusive environment for all identities.
Recovery and Self-Care
- Muscle Rubs Take Center Stage: With the growing awareness of opioid risks, muscle rubs will become a go-to solution for pain relief, backed by scientific research and physician recommendations.
HRV: The Ultimate Fitness Metric
- Heart Rate Variability Tracking: HRV will emerge as a key metric for measuring stress levels, sleep quality, and overall fitness, with wearable trackers and apps offering personalized insights.
Less Booze, More Snooze
- Alcohol Consumption and Sleep: As we prioritize health and wellness, expect to see a decrease in alcohol consumption, leading to improved sleep quality and overall well-being.
CBD and Melatonin: The Sleep Dream Team
- Combination Supplements for Sleep: CBD and melatonin will be paired in supplements to promote better sleep, relaxation, and recovery.
Pelvic Floor Health Goes Mainstream
- At-Home Pelvic Floor Care: With the pandemic highlighting the importance of pelvic floor health, products and services will emerge to support self-care and therapy between in-person visits.
Fashion Meets Fun
- Bright Colors and Bold Prints: Fitness fashion will become more playful, with brands incorporating bright colors, bold prints, and fun designs to boost mood and confidence.
Period-Proof Pants Take Center Stage
- Sustainable Period Activewear: Thinx will lead the charge in period-proof activewear, offering training shorts, leggings, and leotards designed to hold up to 5 tampons’ worth of blood.
Fitness Gear for a Good Cause
- Healthcare-Conscious Fitness Brands: Fitness brands will prioritize healthcare-conscious designs, donating proceeds to support frontline workers and promoting sustainability in their products and practices.
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