Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot has changed in the fitness industry. Gym shutdowns, more employees working remotely, made getting and staying in shape more challenging. But, 2022 is shaping up to be a game-changer with a variety of alternative means for getting fit gaining popularity.
While the fitness world continues to feel the effects of the pandemic, many of us are eager to get back to a normal lifestyle focusing on health and fitness that includes a wide array of fitness options to choose from.
Here’s a look at forecasted fitness trends expected to be a banner year for our ever-changing ways of keeping fit:
- Wearable technology
According to a yearly survey of 4,500 health and fitness professionals by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), wearable technology is predicted to be the top fitness trend for 2022.
For at least the past 10 years, wearable technology has given getting fit a new definition. Current wearables in the fitness industry include smart watches and fitness trackers to a broader range of GPS trackers. From counting steps to tracking heart rate, calories, sitting and sleep time, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and even the possibility of a non-invasive wearable for monitoring blood glucose, fitness wearables are a-changing.
- High standards for gym hygiene
If there’s one thing the years 2020 and 2021 taught us is that we value (or should) reliable gym hygiene. In other words, when we walk into a gym, we want to see that the facility is clean and well-kept and has implemented Covid-19 protocols for keeping members healthy.
From adequate spacing between equipment to sanitary measures taken by members and staff to clean and disinfect anytime equipment is handled or touched, the environment must speak, “We care about gym hygiene.”
When members of a fitness center feel their chance of contracting a virus is very low, this will bring back people willing to switch to their home workout routine to reentering their previous gym routine.
- Home exercise gyms
While more people may be venturing back to a gym, many families are relying more on investing in home gym equipment they’ve become accustomed to since the pandemic. From weights to treadmills, bikes, stair climbers, and ellipticals, these user-friendly fitness equipment are more popular than ever keeping it convenient for people to stay in the comfort of their home to exercise.
- Outdoor activities
For the last two years, many took to the great outdoors for keeping in shape. This is a trend that is ever-growing and evolving. People are organizing small group walks, group rides, and organized hiking groups with participants meeting in parks, hiking areas, or bike trails for short and daylong events.
- Personal training
Working with a professional fitness trainer has taken on new meaning for many who prefer individualized one-on-one workouts. Receiving personalized fitness testing and goal setting can be very effective and beneficial when a prescribed workout specific to a clients’ needs are met.
- Strength training with free weights
Out with lifting heavy, bulky weights and in with use of dumbbells, kettlebells, and/or medicine balls. The emphasis is on gaining strength and not so much massive muscles as in the past. Toned and trim is in and research has found that lifting free weights is the surest way to strengthen muscles, burn calories, and become stronger at everything you do.
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
This ever-popular fat-burning method of gaining speed and strength, HIIT is expected to be a hit once again in 2022. HIIT involves short bursts of activity followed by a short period of rest or recovery in a 30-minutes (or less) session. Effective, time-sensitive, and doable, every fitness buff should check it out.
- Body weight training
A big advantage for this way of keeping in shape is minimal to no equipment is required. From push-ups to pull-ups to squats and lunges, this trend allows people to get “back to the basics” with fitness.
- Online live and on-demand exercise classes
This trend has exploded since the pandemic due to its convenience and affordability – often free! Using digital streaming technology to deliver group and individual exercise programs online that’s available 24/7 either live or prerecorded makes getting fit easier than ever.
- Health/wellness coaching
Becoming more popular, health and wellness coaching integrates behavioral science into health promotion and lifestyle medicine programs. A one-on-one and small group approach provides support, goal setting, and encouragement.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.
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