Saying that the last 2 plus years have been a bit out of the norm would be an understatement. Everyone’s lives were turned upside down and flipped inside out multiple times. Gyms closed, some for good. Yoga studios, spin studios, fitness centers – shut down. For many people, the gym is more than a place to workout. It is their stress relief. It is their time to themselves. It is a community of like-minded people. It is their second home.
That is why I see the biggest fitness trends in 2022 being things that we have been deprived of over the last two years – social interaction, comradery, and supporting others in-person, not online, not on a mobile video platform, but REAL human connection.
Depending on where you live, your gym life may have returned to normal over a year ago already, or you may still be working out at home entirely. 2020 and 2021 saw the rise (and fall for some) of stay-at-home workout solutions. While these may still be great options for some, the novelty has already worn off for many. Thousand-dollar pieces of equipment have now become expensive coat hangers.
The trends we will see in 2022 are things that we have seen before, and maybe took for granted.
Group Training
Yes, I am hopeful that people will return to getting their sweat-on with others. Group training provides a sense of team, support and friendship that working out alone cannot provide. There will still likely be a sense of caution as some people return to these workouts, although, maybe this is a good thing as people will start considering others before heading to the gym with a sore throat and wicked cough – stay home and rest up to train hard another day!
With this being said, people who are naturally competitive do need to have caution. You may not be able to jump back in where you left off, and that’s okay. Be prepared to feel a little more sore at first, and take it easy on yourself – listen to your body.
If you do get back to it and find yourself a little more sore than normal, take some rest, and consider using a little bit of compression technology such as Mueller’s Graduated Compression Leg Sleeves, Performance Socks, and other compression products. For recovery purposes, the latest research shows that compression trumps both ice and NSAIDS for recovery. Actually, the latest research also shows that ice and NSAIDS used prophylactically can actually do more harm than good by blunting out the body’s natural recovery response!
Travel Training
As people get back to vacation life, and business travel – they will surely want to continue their fitness from wherever they may find themselves on the road. Hotel gyms are becoming more popular and better equipped. However, sometimes even that isn’t an option – so minimal equipment style workouts will be key as we all start travelling more and more.
Resistance bands are probably the most popular lightweight, easy to pack mobile training option, but there are other cool options out on the market today, such as the Handy Gym.
Every serious athlete or gym rat knows that one of the biggest factors in long term health and success is consistency – so being able to stay on-plan while travelling is a must.
In-Person Training
As someone who has trained people in-person and online for 10+ years, I know there are pros and cons to both. That being said, nothing will EVER replace the watchful eye and in-depth skillset of an in-person trainer.
Aside from the social aspect, a great personal trainer can help you work around any injury, acute or chronic, and provide you with the tools to succeed long term. The right trainer can motivate you when needed, and dial things back when he or she feels the time is right.
A personal trainer often becomes more than just a trainer, but a coach for life, an open ear, and a voice of reason when things can seem challenging.
Weight Loss – In a Sustainable and Healthy Manner
Unfortunately, the last two years saw 42% of Americans gain undesired weight, averaging 29 pounds. From every single medical standpoint, this is not healthy. The potential for severe disease outcomes increase in direct correlation with an individual’s bodyfat percentage.
That being said, I am hopeful that gone are the days of fad diets, body shaming, and unnecessary, demeaning rhetoric surrounding people who are overweight or obese. This does not help anyone.
Sustainable weight loss is not found in endless hours pounding the treadmill, restricting all the foods you love, or giving up your social life. Sustainable weight loss starts with small changes, that grow like a snowball rolling down a hill. The journey won’t always be smooth or perfect, but that’s okay. Progress is what matters, day in and day out.
I am very hopeful that 2022 finally provides a return to normalcy, in ALL aspects of life – and people can feel comfortable and safe returning to their gym communities, family vacations (with workouts) and their favorite local trainer – whatever their health and fitness goals may be.