While Jane Fonda’s and Cindy Crawford’s VHS workout tapes may deliver fond memories of at-home fitness nostalgia, today’s trends take a more tech-focused route.
Constant Cycle
While in-person workout classes have come to a screeching halt, Maddy Ciccone, master instructor at SoulCycle, has high hopes for post-pandemic life. “No matter which digital platform you’re on, online workouts don’t give you the connection every human is craving. Nothing compares to the energy in a room created by bodies moving together.”
While she’s looking forward to getting back in the indoor studio, she couldn’t be prouder of what the company has done to keep the spirit alive throughout the pandemic. “SoulCycle has shown the greatest amount of resiliency throughout this pandemic. We have studios all over the country functioning in outdoor spaces to follow statewide guidelines. Couple that with our new streaming classes and we are SERIOUSLY bringing Soul to the people.”
Americans exercised on average 25% more often during quarantine than before.
Purchase Order
“Men and women from their 20s to their 60s are finding workouts that fit their needs through virtual access,” says trainer Lacey Stone, who explains that teaching at-home classes has widened her client demographic. “I’ve noticed a lot of people are loving it so much, they’re purchasing pieces of equipment. Peloton ($1895), The Mirror ($1495), Tonal Home Gym ($2995), and NordicTrack treadmills ($2999) are all the rage.”
Short Sessions
“With many people still opting to workout online, I’m seeing students choose shorter classes,” says yoga and fitness instructor Tara Bradley Connell. “This kicks aside the time excuse we give ourselves to skip a sweat. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts are great for burning calories because you pack strength and cardio into a 30-minute time span.”
Lift Off
According to Rhys Athayde, founding trainer of DOGPOUND, keeping up with an exercise routine is crucial for maintaining optimal mental function. “Adjustable dumbbells are becoming a staple in people’s homes for this reason exactly. As gyms remain closed, people need space-efficient options for weights so they can adjust their mental state whenever they need.”
Low Profile
“I see a huge shift moving toward low-impact workouts,” says Melissa Wood Tepperberg, founder of Melissa Wood Health. “The MWH Method was built on the idea that the tiniest movements can create a big impact. As ‘wellness’ becomes more practiced, a lot of people are realizing that the more they listen to their bodies, the better they feel—mentally and physically. This is not to say a high-intensity workout is bad by any means—it’s just not the only way.”
In the future, gyms will offer live in-person classes and virtual classes to meet the needs of all of their clients.
—Lacey Stone
Magic Bullet
Erika Bloom, founder of Erika Bloom Pilates, says she’s noticing her clients’ desire for more restorative practices. “Healing movements allow people to address stress through exercise. They also shift the nervous system from a stress state to a rest state, which can improve sleep and lead to a balanced weight.
Daily Hit
“People who have been sedentary during the pandemic want a new workout routine,” says wellness blogger Remi Ishizuka, noting that her new sustainable workout program HōmeBodies is the perfect place to start. “It’s different from every other virtual workout program because you get a new strength or cardio workout to enjoy daily.”
Awaken + Restore
