29 Jul 2021
Strength training and yoga among favourite workouts as members return
BY Tom Walker
Access to equipment and receiving guidance from instructors are among the top five reasons that people are returning to health clubs and fitness studios following the pandemic lockdowns.
Four in five (75 per cent) people also said that the tendency to "push yourself harder" when working out at the gym – when compared to at-home exercises – and the greater accountability that comes with taking part in in-studio classes were also among the main reasons for people returning to fitness facilities.
The figures come from the 2021 Fitness & Wellness Trends report, compiled by Classpass, which surveyed its members in June 2021 to better understand the motivation that drives people back to in-person experiences.
The study also revealed that the top 10 classes and workouts that people have taken part in since returning to facilities are:
1. Strength Training
2. Yoga
3. Indoor Cycling
4. Pilates
5. Barre
6. Boxing
7. Gym Time
8. Massages
9. Livestream Yoga
10. Running
Returning to facilities also has a big impact on people's mental health. Nearly two in three (60 per cent) of people said that in-person classes and appointments are better for their mental health than an at-home digital routine.
In the report's conclusions, Classpass also predicts a number of industry trends to emerge during 2021 and beyond.
These include "vaccination-required" classes, which could see exercisers needing to show proof of vaccination at the door, but no mask during class. Classpass predicts the trend to emerge after 69 of the members surveyed said they'd prefer returning to classes that require a vaccine, while 18 per cent plan to only return to studios with vaccination requirements.
Another trend emerging from the survey is the increasing popularity of outdoor classes – a trend first started as a way for studios to offer classes while their indoor spaces were closed.
Since May 2020, there has been a 917 per cent increase in the number of studios offering outdoor classes.
To read more about the 2021 Fitness & Wellness Trends report, click here.
Close Window