Introduction
Since the pandemic hit, the idea of remaining fit and building immunity has become front and center for millions of individuals. The idea of fitness has also undergone substantial changes in the recent past with online fitness classes, to setting up home gyms offering convenience and comfort – several new facets of fitness have come to the forefront and become the norm.
Maintaining physical and mental health is of utmost importance in today’s world. People are looking to lead a better and healthier life by engaging in physical activities. Taking care of mental health is also a necessity and people are focussing on the same as well.
Traditional diet and exercise programmes too have always had a positive effect. However, more attention is being drawn to fitness activities that offer greater flexibility and freedom to explore.
Trends Shaping The Fitness Industry
In this New Year, some of the new trends that are going to dominate the fitness industry are explained in the below paragraphs:
1.Customised home gyms will continue to thrive
The pandemic launched the very concept of home gyms that went on to become highly popular. While the pandemic has gradually faded out, the importance of home gyms continues to stay and is expected to remain so even in 2023. In fact, industry stalwarts are of the opinion that customised home gyms are going to be the trend in 2023. More and more individuals are looking forward to the comfort and convenience that a home gym has to offer.
2. Increase in the rise of fitness gadgets
While fitness gadgets have been around for a while, 2023 is expected to witness a surge in the segment of fitness gadgets. Gadgets like smartwatches, connected fitness equipments and smart weighing scales are going to make a big wave and change the 2023 trends list. While in 2022, people counted the number of steps that they took, now they are keen to know more - the amount of calories that they have burnt, their heart rate over a period of time, etc. Therefore, gadgets such as smart bikes, bands and scales are here to stay and dominate the fitness trends list.
3. Partner Workouts are going to be big
Exercising with others both motivates and improves one's workouts. The sense of competitiveness keeps one's going. Moreover, when you have a partner with whom you have a shared goal, the finishing line seems closer and more achievable. One study found that 95 percent of those who started a weight-loss or fitness program with friends, completed the program. While we know that exercise is great for our minds and bodies, it can however be challenging to maintain interest. That’s why working out with others is a pro and will be big in 2023.
4.Gamification of Workouts
Gamification is the future of fitness. Gamified fitness is about introducing a game like element that makes fitness fun and addictive - introduction of leader boards, virtual experiences, unlocking new levels, collecting coins and receiving rewards for reaching goals and milestones are a few. This has been on going in the west for a few years and is expected to rise in 2023 in India.
5.Efficient training will become the goal
For a lot of people, working out in gyms comes with a time crunch. As mentioned, home workouts are rising, and the benefit of no commute cannot be denied. Keeping that in mind, a lot of fitness trainers will be seen curating fitness experiences for their clients at home. Going forward trainers will make an effort in getting to know their clients better, understand their needs and routines and then curate an exercise regime for them which can be achieved in your home gym.
6.High-intensity-interval-training (HIIT) will go strong
The concept of High-intensity-interval-training (HIIT) shaped up during the pandemic and went on to become quite popular. This trend is expected to retain itself in 2023. HIIT involves a rigorous workout and also helps in burning 25 to 30 percent more calories than usual. Whether you work out with or without equipment, HIIT is going to go strong in 2023 as well.
7.Focus on mental health will grow
The pandemic led many of us feeling anxious and affected our mental wellbeing. Exercising for boosting mental health in addition to focussing on physical fitness will take a new route in 2023. People are expected to exercise and practice mindfulness and take up breathing techniques to keep their mental health in shape.
8. Mini Workouts
A trend of mini workouts is likely to take over in 2023, according to experts. These involve dividing a 30 minute workout into small and intense 10 minute sessions. It is often easier to work-out at a higher-intensity when the time period is shorter and as a bonus, burn out more calories.
Closing Thoughts
To sum it up, people are expected to focus more on their health – both physical and mental and designate a certain amount of time for the same. Experts suggest that we should have a much healthier population in the years to come.
