It’s that time of year again when we look toward a bright and shiny New Year filled with intense New Year’s resolutions. Many of us tend to focus on how to better ourselves physically and how will we be working out in 2022? Over the past couple of years, the fitness industry has faced numerous challenges due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which has forced gym closures and a massive influx in virtual fitness offerings. 

Fitness Trends for 2022

1. Hybrid gym memberships 

We are seeing an increase in gyms and fitness centers offering hybrid memberships which allow members to workout virtually as well as in person. Online fitness is not necessarily a competitive way to participate in fitness classes, but is often more convenient as schedules change daily. Members want the option to head to the gym a few days a week, but also get a quick and easy workout at home. Hybrid gym memberships are all about providing a level of both comfort and convenience that allows members to be happy either way. 

2. Exercising outdoors

People are spending more time outdoors and with the closures of gyms across the country, many members went to local outdoor spaces for their workouts. Outdoor activities like hiking, running, cycling, and outdoor workouts in nature will continue to be popular ways for exercising. Most people are not only looking to exercise and better themselves physically, but many have found the benefits of working outdoors being out in nature to improve their overall mental and emotional happiness. 

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3. Low impact exercises

As popular as high-impact exercising is, there is always a space for low-impact exercise to grow. Workouts such as yoga, pilates and even rowing or dancing are perfect for strengthening your muscles, but are much less harsh on the body. As many of us look towards improving our overall daily movements, barre workouts focus on smaller movements that often give big changes. 

4. Mini Workouts

Mini workouts are perfect for people who don’t have a long period of time to spare during the day to dedicate to working out. These are a great way to squeeze in an effective, but quick workout to better yourself. Mini workouts benefit both time-sensitive opportunities as well as people who struggle with commitment to working out. They could be as simple as 5 to 10 minute increments scattered throughout the day! 

5. HIIT: High Intensity Interval Training 

Every year, high-intensity interval training continues to be a fitness trend. Typically, HIIT workouts involve short bursts of activity with periods of rest. THe benefit of HIIT training is that you can get in an intense workout in a relatively short period of time. The good thing about HIIT is that you do not need any special equipment as you can use bodyweight exercises. You can customise the exercises you feel comfortable doing and best suit your workout goals. 

6. Mind and Body 

Moving into 2022, there will likely be a continued focus on holistic fitness programs and mind-body practices. Following multiple lockdowns, financial pressures, and the heightened stress from living through a pandemic, mental health is more important now than ever. As more people look to find ways to ease stress and anxiety, practices like yoga, tai chi and meditation will continue to be popular remedies. 

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7. Fun group fitness classes

There is something about working out in a group that makes you feel good. Entire brands are built on the premise that people feel more confident and often push themselves more when in a group setting. While HIIT and yoga will always be popular group workouts, we are seeing a new trend in roller skating, and trampolines are growing in popularity. 

While no one can predict the future, it is clear that many continue to focus on health and wellness each New Year’s. As a shift towards sustainable fitness rather than quick alternatives continues to rise, there are various ways to better yourself both physically and mentally.