In a year dominated by lockdowns, we’ve all had to adjust. We’re all working from home, we’ve gotten into TV like never before, we’ve turned back to reading books at astonishing rates.
The fitness industry has had to make the same adjustments. With gyms, public workout spaces, and even beaches closing around the country, fitness professionals had to pivot to new ways of working as well.
For a brief moment of time, we experienced the taste of freedom and were able to attend scheduled gym classes. But with the unpredictability of COVID – thanks, Northern Beaches – 2021 is starting not with a bang, but with a whimper.
Here are some of the fitness trends you’ll see come the New Year – optimistically, we’ve included ones we hope to see when (if?) COVID restrictions lift:
Long walks
And no, we’re not talking about the ones from the couch to the fridge and back again. With government restrictions of “1 hour of exercise outside a day”, people pivoted to long walks outside. This is one trend we don’t see going anywhere, with hikes and bushwalks offering a way to celebrate nature and get those steps up.
At-home gyms
During the first lockdown, you couldn’t find a dumbbell anywhere, and we’re betting that people will continue to use these while restrictions are in place.
Weight-free, HIIT training is another easy option for at-home workouts – just make sure you’ve downloaded an interval timer app.
Which leads us to…
Virtual workouts
From the comfort of your own home, you can take part in a YouTube yoga session led by Adriene (and Benji), an online Barre Body workout or a FluidForm pilates class. If you’re a spin fanatic, Bodhi @ Home has you covered. More of a traditional gym-goer? Crunch Live streams online classes, from boot camps to boxing to ab classes.
Post-COVID workouts
We’re betting that by the time restrictions lift, everyone will be very bored with their usual go-to routine and will be up for something new.
Might we suggest hooping? And we’re not talking about hula-hooping (although a very fun option), but aerial hooping – also known as Lyra.
A word to the wise on the last one: stock up on arnica. There’s a bit of light bruising that happens… check the back of my sister’s knees for proof.