Six 2021 Fitness Trends

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Some people have found it difficult to stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to some extent, that makes sense. Gyms are closed or at limited capacity, and even those that are open may feel unsafe with COVID-19 still spreading rapidly. On the other hand, it’s entirely possible to stay active with gyms closed – in fact, there are several ways you can easily exercise without going to the gym. With a simple at-home gym setup, you can try some or all of the below six 2021 fitness trends to stay in shape throughout the year.

1.Virtual group exercise classes

Virtual group fitness classes existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but as people spend more time at home, these classes have increased in popularity. With the aid of a trainer, you can follow a live comprehensive workout routine and exercise from the comfort of your home. Some fitness enthusiasts can even get social and enter virtual workout competitions with the help of equipment that has Wi-Fi capabilities.

2. At-home gyms

Although some gyms are open during the pandemic, you can save money and stay safe by forgoing your gym membership and making a small home gym. Sure, bikes and ellipticals with Wi-Fi connectivity can be pricey, but plenty of affordable at-home gym equipment exists. All you need for an effective full-body workout is a jump rope, yoga mat, dumbbells, a core training exercise ball, and resistance bands.

3. Exercise apps and video tutorials

Exercise apps and video tutorials can help you stay active while working at your own pace, as compared to live virtual group exercise classes that some may find stressful to follow. In browsing video streaming platforms, you’ll likely find an array of free workout routines, and workout apps can track your exercise and activity. These apps do so without the need for expensive equipment, thus allowing you to follow an active routine for next to nothing.

4. Holistic health

Physical training is just one aspect of your health – a focus on overall holistic health, including immune health, is just as important. Having a more holistically healthy lifestyle can boost your short-term and long-term health goals, and you can work toward holistic health through diet changes, herbal medicine, and essential oils.

5. Yoga, Tai chi, and Qigong

In recent years, healthcare has expanded to focus more strongly on mental health. This focus is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which possible unemployment, financial struggles, health anxiety, and the loss of childcare support services can be major stressors. That’s why mind-body exercise practices such as Yoga, Tai chi, and Qigong have become even more popular in recent times – these practices combine relaxation with activity. Similarly, meditation can be an effective way to strengthen body-mind connections and achieve a healthier, more positive you.

6. HIIT

HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is any workout routine that switches between brief periods of highly strenuous physical activity and periods of total rest. Since HIIT is especially exhaustive, it’s especially important to stretch before and after your workout. Additionally, health experts recommend doing no more than three HIIT sessions per week. 

With HIIT, you can weight-train or do cardio for about 10 minutes total. Throughout your workout, the ratio of all-out activity time to rest time should be two to one. If you have a busy schedule, HIIT is an especially good option to make the most of your limited spare time.

How are you planning to stay fit in 2021? Sound off in the comments!