The fitness industry was one of many industries to see massive change in 2020. With gym closures, COVID restrictions, and changes to people’s daily routines the fitness industry needed to adapt to our new normal. The pandemic caused many to start working-out at home and participate in online fitness classes. Even though many restrictions have lessened, allowing many to return to the gym, some are still uncomfortable and have anxieties about going back to pre-pandemic life. Due to all of this, the fitness industry has seen new trends emerge and there is a lot to look forward to in 2021.
HIIT Workouts
With the pandemic disrupting many people’s daily routines there is not as much time as before to go to the gym. Due to this, the fitness industry expects to see a rise in popularity of the HIIT workout in 2021. HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique in which you give all-out, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. This is ideal for many who now split up their workouts into 10-minute intervals, as a replacement for longer 30-minute workouts. HIIT training has many benefits, including that it requires no equipment, which is perfect to do at home.
Restorative Fitness
Experts expect to see a rise in restorative fitness, including yoga and meditation. The year 2020 left many with new anxieties and higher stress levels. In 2021, many are hoping to release the tension of the past year while improving their minds and bodies. Restorative exercise is anything that tends to ease pain, access the parasympathetic (often dubbed the Rest, Reset, and Digest system) system, and restore joint and muscle movement after a tough workout. Restorative exercise can be used in conjunction with other methods including HIIT. It has many benefits including increased flexibility, mindfulness, and reduced stress.
Outdoor Workouts
In 2020 many fitness classes were forced to get creative and head outside. In 2021, outdoor fitness is here to stay! With many being forced to work and live in the same area, it feels good to get out of the house to do your workout routine. Many schedule small group workouts in parks, while others have simply started taking daily walks or runs.
Digital Workouts & Teletherapy
Of all the changes to fitness from 2020, digital workouts have allowed for the most convenience. Digital workout classes and fitness subscription apps have allowed the user to feel involved in a fitness community, while also figuring out a fitness routine that works for them.
In addition to digital fitness classes, teletherapy has also seen a great increase. Telehealth, as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association, is the use of electronic communication and technology to remotely provide health care information and services. JAG PT is proud to offer Telehealth Physical Therapy to our patients.
For additional questions about Telehealth physical therapy, please visit us at JAG PT or call the nearest JAG Physical Therapy.
Additional Sources:
https://www.today.com/health/biggest-fitness-trends-look-2021-today-t204089
https://www.glofox.com/blog/how-fitness-has-changed-in-2020
https://njbiz.com/treatment-from-afar-telehealth
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