It’s that time of year when we like to look forward and share our predictions of fitness trends for 2021. The coronavirus crisis has caused a major shift in how and when we exercise. But it goes without saying that 2020 has been a tough year but the fitness industry is resilient.
You can’t speak about 2020 without talking about the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has changed the way people work and live. From virtual coaching and outdoor fitness to a new evolution of digital fitness, here are fitness trends to watch out for in 2021.
Outdoor Fitness
Outdoor Fitness isn’t exactly brand new, lots more people have ventured into the great outdoors to get their exercise in. With strict lockdowns and restrictions throughout the year, the local park or green space has been the go-to spot for many people. So if you’re not offering outdoor fitness options, now is the time to get moving.
Remote Personal Training and Wellness Coaching
Remote coaching allows members to work with a personal trainer or well-being coach in a one-on-one setting. The pandemic has forced many businesses to expand their online offering. Virtual coaching has room to expand in 2021 with it becoming more popular. You have the opportunity to offer virtual coaching in multiple areas of health and fitness and even offer a more holistic approach to training. 
Hybrid Fitness
Hybrid fitness businesses are showing no signs of slowing down. While some brands had already begun the process of offering digital and in-person services, the pandemic forced the fitness industry to speed up. As consumers grow to love the benefit of digital fitness and see home fitness as a sustainable way to workout, a digital online fitness solution will become the norm.
Impeccable Hygiene Standards at Gyms
As restrictions change and cities go in and out of lockdowns, members are looking for safe ways to work out. This will mean that gyms will have to meet impeccable hygiene standards. Consumers have a new awareness of how germs and disease spread. Governments have reiterated time and time again how easy it is to transfer the coronavirus, especially in high-touch points and fitness facilities that deal with multiple people. This could have a lasting effect on how consumers look at gyms and fitness studios.
Specialized Fitness Programs for Risk Groups
The health concerns for older adults, some people are at higher risk of developing a serious case of COVID-19. This could lead to a fitness trend focusing on specific groups. These could be either individual or small group fitness classes in a controlled environment or a special digital class.
Connection of Mind and Body
Yoga was the best example of the mind and body exercise. When talking about fitness, we often think of physical activity and health. But mental health is just as important and fitness goals now extend beyond physical activity alone. With lockdowns across the nation and feelings of isolation rising through multiple age groups, mental health is a big focus this year. The line between mind and body is merging with people looking for ways to exercise both at the same time.
At-Home Workouts
At-Home Fitness is on the top of trends for 2021. At-home fitness technology and equipment will continue to offer innovative ways for people to exercise from the comfort of their own living room. While home workouts don’t replace the gym for most people, they do complement their fitness routine. It looks like home fitness will continue to be a dominant trend in the year to come.
Inclusive Fitness for All
Although there’s still a long way to go, fitness influencers and brands are showing people of different shapes, sizes, and colors that fitness is for all. Consumers are more aware of social issues and looking to brands to see what they plan on doing and where they stand. What’s considered the ideal body type is changing as fitness brands and influencers lean away from perfect visuals to something more true and relevant for today’s consumers. There is a collective effort to be more inclusive in fitness.
Wearables and Fitness Technologies
Wearable technology, fitness trackers, and fitness tech continue to play a big role in shaping the fitness industry. Consumers are sharing more health data from smartwatches and have access to a ton of information. Fitness brands that don’t integrate technology into their offerings will struggle to compete in a world of data and personalization.
High Intensity Interval Training
High-Intensity Interval Training’s major benefit is that you can burn a lot of calories through a combination of active bursts and a short period of rest. This makes it ideal for a population that’s busy and lacking in free time. High-Intensity Interval Training workouts include a combination of cardio, bodyweight exercises, and free weights.
Corporate Wellness is Essential
With mental and physical health being so important in the workplace, exercise is medicine. Healthy employees who exercise regularly and manage stress in a positive way tend to be more productive, less stressed, and require fewer sick days. Corporate wellness is the best option for that.
In Summary
As consumers lean on technology for connection and experience, gyms and studios will need to create incredible digital and in-person experiences. Personalization and technology often remain at the core of innovation, especially in the fitness industry. But no one really knows what’s in store for 2021 but you can be sure that the fitness industry is resilient enough to take it on.
Great fitness trends, specially now that Covid-19 is all around.