Get ahead with the 2021 fitness trends!
The year 2020 has broken literally all predictions in any sector. The fitness industry has been hit by closures, restrictions, capacity reductions and the growing fear of a population that feels more vulnerable than ever. However, it has also been shown that fighting obesity should be a priority at both individual and social levels, and that many people have begun to engage in physical activity as a result of confinement.
As in all crises, new opportunities are emerging and the capacity to attract new clients is latent.
Predictions of fitness trends for 2021 are still uncertain, as they will largely depend on the evolution of the pandemic and vaccines. However, there are a number of trends that we can see on the rise and which have been increasing in recent months.
We review what the fitness trends will be in 2021 to close this turbulent year in which we have shown that the fitness sector is one more of those that belong to health.
GROWING TRENDS FOR 2021
These trends are not entirely new, as they had already been part of articles and discussions in previous years. However, these trends have evolved much faster this year than could have been anticipated in 2019. These trends will undoubtedly continue in 2021.
1. ONLINE PLATFORMS
Virtual training is based on workout sessions and can be done online, in gyms on the main screen or from home with any device. This type of training is on the rise, as it provides a great solution for people who prefer to exercise in the comfort of their home or on a relaxed schedule at their club.
They are also an interesting alternative for those who are at high risk of the pandemic and prefer to train safely. The Covid-19 has definitely impacted the popularity of this type of training, although more and more operators are opting for this form of fitness delivery as a solution to scheduling.
At Pavigym we have bet on this growing demand and have developed our own home training app, so that PRAMA users can perform workouts very similar to those performed in the gym, but from the comfort of their homes. This tool not only helps to increase retention in our centres but also makes life easier for those who have little time to train.
2. DISTANCE TRAINING
We have distinguished this category from the previous one because, before 2020, people who trained from home used to do it on their own with apps, videos or simply on their own. However, the fear of going to sports centres and the attachment to particular coaches has caused many people to choose to take live classes with their regular coaches because they still want to maintain that connection. Even if the centres open their doors again, this trend is expected to continue in the world of fitness in 2021.
Many are the small studios that offer an online activity grid so that they can maintain enough income to keep their business going. The sense of community that can be generated in this type of modality is totally different from the previous one and it is highly recommended for people who go to the gym, largely to socialize.
3. OUTDOOR FITNESS
Perhaps in previous years, outdoor fitness was more related to activities outside the gyms, but this year many operators have opted to expand or improve their facilities by offering outdoor training spaces. As we explained in our article, the advantages of creating outdoor spaces not only help to retain clients who are distrustful of the COVID-19 situation, but it is also an excellent tool for increasing the club’s capacity.
For an outdoor training area to offer added value to users, it must have an infrastructure and facilities that cannot be found elsewhere. At Pavigym we have various flooring solutions so that the aesthetics of your outdoor area remain impeccable after the different seasons, as well as offering maximum comfort for your clients. Consult our recommended products for outdoor training.
4. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
Since its insurgency in 2015, this has been one of the most discussed fitness issues and continues to develop over the years. Thanks to fitness monitoring devices, real-time and more reliable results can be obtained in order to improve performance.
Smartwatch technology has been shown to help keep users on track towards their fitness goals and these devices can record specific data according to user requirements and activity trends, which is what makes them so attractive to the whole population: it makes fitness more personalised and transparent. Combine this with increasingly accessible fitness technology and this is a great basic trend for those who want to stay motivated in the new year.
In the wake of the pandemic, new trends in fitness have emerged that operators must follow if they are to remain competitive in the coming year. After a few decades in which doing physical activity was linked and argued through aesthetic factors, the paradigm is changing and the current approach is based on health.
5. PRESCRIBED SPORT
For those who have contracted Covid-19 and are looking to continue their normal exercise routine, it is important that they reintroduce exercise slowly with a gradual build-up. The long-term and short-term effects of the virus are increasingly understood, so it’s vital that those who are recovering do so safely. We know that the virus is a respiratory disease, so it is important not to try to do too much too soon after recovery, especially cardiovascular exercises that can affect the lungs.
In recent months there has been an increase in fitness providers offering Covid specific courses, with the main intention of introducing members back into the training environment, while closely monitoring heart problems and long term lung problems.
There is still much to learn about the virus and the various ways it can affect, but it is likely that this fitness trend will become more important in 2021, as we learn more about Covid-19.
6. HYGIENE
Although hygiene should not be a trend but a habit, it is true that standards of hygiene have been profoundly altered in the wake of the pandemic. In fact, many users have preferred to pay a little more in their monthly fees for centres where hygiene is impeccable. That is why it is important to provide clean facilities, maintaining all the safety measures indicated by the local authorities and where users can feel comfortable.
At Pavigym we have always been concerned about hygiene, manufacturing non-porous, easy to clean, bacteriostatic and fungicidal floors. You can see all the information about our most hygienic solutions here.
7. SPORT AS MEDICINE
Following the various scientific studies that have backed up the relationship between COVID-19 and obesity or the practice of physical activity, the sales argument must be that exercising is one of the best strategies for minimising the risk of seriousness in the event of contracting the disease. Therefore, creating training programmes combined with nutrition for people with sedentary problems can be a powerful sales tool for the new year.
8. RISK GROUPS
Both people with previous pathologies and the elderly are the groups most at risk from the coronavirus. However, these are the people who must take most care of their health at this time and physical activity is an indispensable requirement. To make these groups feel safe, some operators are choosing to offer smaller classes at special times or personal training sessions.
From a business point of view, many of these people may be able to occupy the facilities during off-peak hours, so special memberships can be created that are a benefit to both parties and reinforce the message of the need for sport today.
ARE YOU READY FOR 2021?
It’s time to renew your business, to get ahead of the competition and give your customers more confidence than ever. Knowing the fitness trends for 2021 gives you a great competitive advantage. At Pavigym we help you to improve your facilities in order to retain your clients and attract new audiences who, for the first time in years, have realised the importance of taking care of their health.
