Diversifying Fitness

The world of fitness is moving forward with a pace that is hard to catch if you are not fast enough. A year can have endless possibilities and shifts in an industry. Stay connected with the latest happenings of the fitness sector by reading what we have here for you.

The word fitness does not only refer to exercise anymore. It has travelled the length and breadth as well as the longitude and latitude of endless possibilities that could twist the meaning of this word. As it reaches the crux of 2022, it is yet again all set to transform itself into something quite different but electrifying. This transformation marks the end of a few repeated trends and the beginning of many more. Needless to say, the upcoming trends is what shape the future in different colours of advancement.

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We studied these fitness trends mentioned by various professionals and have come to an understanding of what the world of health and wellbeing under the fitness category may look like during the onset and offset of 2022. We have presented a few of these trends down below. Have a look!

1. Gamification

Gamification has taken the fitness sector by storm. Introduction and advancement of the virtual world has left everyone questioning a way to satisfy human needs through its use. Metaverse is one such example. These technological discoveries are being used in the fitness sector with great enthusiasm. Fitness brands are embracing the virtual world with open hands for the Gen Z- driven dynamic. The most important factor presented by gamification is the fuelling of entertainment in people’s everyday life. Music, visuals, wearables as well as instructors has made the fitness experience fun and exhilarating for the masses.

Not only does it open a route for growth but also gives a chance of collaboration opportunities for current fitness operators. Hence, widening the spectrum and the market and making it a reliable trend of 2022.

2. Entrance of Big Brands

It is no latest news that well-known names from different industries have already started contributing to the cause of fitness. Be it tech giants or fashion labels, everyone wants a taste of fitness. Apple, Google, Amazon, and other major brands are making their move into the fitness market. Apart from this, we are also witnessing the introduction of less obvious brands into this sector. McDonald offering Hussle gym passes has been a highlight. Similarly, Technogym teaming up with fashion giant Dior or Pullman Hotels pushing for digital workout records with Les Mills is also a step to be noticed.

Even though this trend is bound to be in the top fitness trends of 2022, it is obvious that some brands may only use it for the benefit of their image. This makes it essential to steer steer of such fake promises and toxic partners. Much like fossil fuel firms promising sustainability.

3. Equality in Staying Fit

Past two years have seen a much prominent action towards the cause of racial justice, female leadership, representation of genders around the world as well as equality. As every other industry takes a step forward in the same direction, fitness doesn’t seem to be falling behind. Given the sociopolitical scenario of the current time, it is also the need of the hour to move in this direction as the customer base depends on it, more importantly, they expect it.

The inclusion of this phenomenon has already been introduced by various known names in the sector including Les Mills. The Women in Fitness Association (WIFA) launched an industrial survey to assess gender diversity, equality and inclusion in the fitness industry.

The results of which are due in the first quarter of 2022. Whatever the result, it will obviously be affecting the fitness sector on a larger scale than we anticipate right now. So, keep your seatbelts tightened for this one.

4. The New Normal

The pandemic has affected every industry in existence by changing the way people perceive them. People have shifted to converting their spaces into fully functioning gyms and joining live classes instead of going out to the gym. Live classes have reached 120% occupancy of pre COVID levels in markets where capacity restrictions have been lifted. This trend will surely see new colours in 2022 with another COVID wave in the making. Given this, the fitness brands will also work in the same direction another year in a row.

From the February 2022 issue of L’Officiel India.