Top Fitness Trends We’re seeing in 2022

With the pandemic closing gyms for the best part of two years, it’s fair to say we’ve seen a massive increase in the number of people taking to their spare room and local parks to keep up their fitness levels and carry on with some sense of normality. But with 2022 starting to see facilities open up again, are people still continuing to get fit at home? Are there any trends emerging in the world of fitness? Let’s take a look at some of the biggest fitness trends we’re seeing for 2022:

Wearable tech

The biggest trend we’re seeing this year is the rise in wearable tech, i.e. smartwatches or fitness trackers to track heart rate and blood pressure among other things. While these gadgets have been around for several years now, the new generation of wearable tech is delving deeper into biometrics, to give a better picture of all-around health, analysing blood oxygen levels, stress, and sleep patterns, for example, factors that can impact fitness and be indicative of illness. The devices worn to detect these have gradually become more sophisticated. Where we once saw wristwatches, we’re now also seeing fine jewellery, including rings with discrete biometric components. We think this is definitely going to be a category to watch over the next few years!

Online fitness

One trend that seems set to continue into ‘22 is the rise in online fitness training. Just like every other aspect of everyday life – shopping, banking, dating, etc., fitness has made the move to digital. Even though gyms are opening up full-time again, many now recognise that customers want a more flexible approach to fitness, hence the rise of the hybrid membership which offers a combination of in-person and online training sessions.

If you’re still looking to work out from the comfort of home, the good news is there’s now an abundance of apps available for pretty much every fitness type. So whether you’re looking for a one-to-one, a group class, or even a competition to take part in, there’s guaranteed to be an app for you.

Kinomap is the world’s largest geolocated video sharing platform and it’s integrated across our line of treadmills, rowing machines, and exercise bikes. All you need to do is download the app to your smartphone and you could soon be running canyons in Arizona or cycling in the Alps. The app pairs the incline of your equipment with the visual for the most realistic virtual training experience from home. Clever eh?

Bodyweight training

During the pandemic, many people looked to alternative, cost-effective ways of working out. Bodyweight training is exactly what it sounds like – using your own bodyweight to create resistance against gravity in a series of exercises like pull-ups, crunches, and sit-ups. This old-school form of exercise underwent somewhat of a resurgence during 2020 and still garners interest into 2022 as an effective way of combining cardio endurance with strength training.

While there’s no specialist equipment needed, there are ways to enhance workouts, for example using vibration plates and resistance bands to add a bit of oomph and variation to routines. If that piques your interest, check out our range of 3D and 4D vibration training plates, which use a combination of oscillation and vibration technology to (quite literally) shake up your workout!

Outdoor activities

Outdoor pursuits like jogging, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and cold water swimming show no sign of stopping any time soon, judging by the number of online communities that have sprung up in the last couple of years dedicated to these sports.

We think a big contributing factor in their popularity is the impact these activities have on our mental wellbeing (besides the more obvious physical health benefits.) Making the most of daylight hours and connecting with the great outdoors has been clinically proven to reduce stress and aid better sleep, which in turn helps to manage conditions like anxiety and depression. Science aside, it’s also a great way of having fun socialising and rekindling friendships going into 2022.

HIIT – but this time it’s low-impact

Yes, you read that right, high-intensity interval training does not have to be high impact! It’s possible to take a gentler approach to workouts.

The core principle of HIIT is short bursts of high-intensity activity, like sprinting, followed by a period of low-intensity activity like jogging. While some people enjoy the challenge of switching up the pace, for others it can lead to burnout and injuries, especially if they haven’t warmed up properly or push themselves too hard.

That’s why high-intensity, low-impact interval training – or HILIT is starting to gain traction. It just means swapping one activity for another – for example, cycling or rowing, instead of running. Our range of rowers, exercise bikes, and elliptical cross trainers are perfect for high-intensity, low-impact workouts that build cardio and muscle endurance while still protecting joints and helping to build bone density. They’re a great solution for anyone who has an injury or medical condition but still looking to enjoy exercise.

What are your thoughts on this year’s fitness trends? Have you tried any of the above? Maybe you’ve seen a sport or activity taking off in your area? Let us know in the comments below!