The pandemic caused numerous adverse side effects to our physical and mental health. We were losing daily opportunities that we didn’t even notice, like our morning walk or taking the stairs at the office, resulting in possible unwanted weight gain and fatigue. This situation also affected our mental health, with most people reporting increased feelings of stress and anxiety. Before the pandemic, we would usually consider going to the gym to get back into shape and work off the pent-up stress.
Being stuck inside our homes left us with minimal methods of physical activity. However, the fitness industry isn’t one to take things lying down. Gyms from various locations were quick to come up with creative solutions to keep business going. A considerably difficult task as customers weren’t allowed to be in their establishments physically. Fitness has taken an unexpected turn in this new normal transitioning to less conventional methods and integrating technological avenues for their services.
Virtual fitness
The technology that helped businesses transition to the virtual landscape was essential to surviving the pandemic. Gyms, cycling, and yoga studios quickly transitioned their training sessions or classes to be provided online. Whether these were live classes broadcast through online platforms or prerecorded workout routines, these helped beginners and even experts tackle their physical health from the safety of their own homes.
Setting aside a dedicated space in your living room, garage, or even in your driveway to get some fresh air helped provide an avenue to decompress with exercise. Prerecorded sessions also allowed users the ability to schedule their workout routines during their free time or even break it up if they wanted to.
Expert guidance
Drastically changing your workout routine to facilitate your body weight or new equipment you had at home can lead to serious physical injuries. Personal trainers associated with gyms or even independent trainers became increasingly popular to guide the public or proper form and intensity when it came to workouts you could do at home. Other individuals also pursued
continuing education units for personal training after seeing the increase in demand of the market. While online videos were great, some people wanted more tailored and personal routines to accommodate their available equipment or any injuries they may have.
Personal training done through Zoom calls or other messaging platforms helped people retake control of their physical health, despite being trapped inside their homes. Even as we begin to open up again, it doesn’t look like this is going anywhere anytime soon. Individuals who invested in inexpensive workout equipment continue to utilize them instead of physically going back to the gym as it offers more convenience.
Trends
Bodyweight-focused exercises were all the rage, especially at the pandemic’s beginning, as you didn’t need to purchase any equipment. Some examples of these are the classic squats, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, and planking. All of these required no equipment and had minimized opportunities for severe injuries. In collaboration with online videos, once you had your form down, you were able to do these exercises without guidance regularly.
Another workout that became popular was yoga, as it served our physical health and our mental health. Yoga is proven to reduce stress and provide better balance, flexibility, and strength. Even basic yoga stretches can help in alleviating back pain and improve your mobility. Meditation associated with yoga can also help lower your anxiety and contributes to better heart health.
Outdoor workouts
As the world slowly begins to open up again, outdoor workouts have also become increasingly popular. Hiking, jogging, running, and even long walks provide you with fresh air and get you out of the house without having to be in a populated public space. Outdoor sports such as biking, badminton, tennis, and golf have also resurfaced ahead of other close contact sports.
Choosing the best locations for outdoor sports is also essential in minimizing your stress and anxiety levels. Making sure to observe proper health and safety protocols and limiting your exposure time can help you get your exercise done without the stress.
The fitness industry continues to show how adaptable it is to the changing landscape caused by the pandemic. It’s no surprise that the conversation around healthier eating habits has also gained traction along with fitness. Restaurants are now providing healthier options as customers come out of the pandemic with more awareness about their health.
Healthy meal plan delivery services also became a trend during the pandemic as they offered quick and healthy meals for those working from home that was delivered straight to your doorstep. These are only some examples of the positive changes we’ve seen in the health and wellness industry. We can expect further developments that will better accommodate the new normal where individuals are not open to socializing again.
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