We've sprinted past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the race to the finish line is still far off.
Oh, how our lives have changed in so many ways, and that includes the way we work out.
While attending virtual fitness classes was catching on for a while (it was the top trend for 2021), they don’t have the same appeal as working out in a physical, live setting.
The thrill of working out in large groups, being motivated and feeding off the energy from the people surrounding you is sorely missing as the thought of Covid-19 always lingers at the back of our minds.
All sporting facilities, gyms and wellness centres are currently operating at reduced capacity, and it is unlikely that we’ll be able to exercise the same way we used to any time soon.
That means we have to settle for what is available, though not necessarily less.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus influences how we do everything, and with this in mind, the annual American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM’s) Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends has come up with its 2022 prediction.
For the past 16 years, the editors of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal have circulated an electronic survey to thousands of professionals around the world to see if they can come up with the health and fitness trends for the following year.
Here are the top 10 expected trends for this year.
This has taken the numero uno spot once again, as it did in 2019 and 2020.
These devices including fitness or activity trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors and GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking devices, can be used to calculate steps, and track heart rate, body temperature, calories, idle time and sleep time.
New innovations include measuring blood pressure, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, as well as doing an electrocardiogram (ECG).
It gives you the best possible measurements, although they may not be all that accurate.
This is the first year home exercise gyms are appearing as a fitness trend.
Makeshift gyms have sprouted up in many homes as an alternative to going to the gym in these uncertain times.
It’s safer and you have more flexibility in scheduling your workout.
Gym bunnies are expected to continue isolating themselves by staying home and taking advantage of the abundant equipment available for purchase online, especially treadmills, stationary bikes, steppers, dumbbells and exercise balls/mats.
These were some of the highest- selling products on e-commerce platforms in 2020.
All over the world, people have taken to outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, hiking and cycling, to take advantage of the fresh air and better ventilation.
You are also less likely to be exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, even without the use of face masks, so long as you stay six feet (1.8m) apart outdoors.
Last year (2021), outdoor activities ranked number four.
Even personal trainers are taking their clients outside to local parks and fields to whip them into shape.
The only drawback is if it rains, as you’ll have to head back indoors again.
The importance of strength training is slowly gaining awareness as muscle-building helps maintain the ability to perform everyday tasks and slow down the rate of bone and muscle loss associated with ageing.
A higher muscle mass also translates to a higher metabolic rate and burning more calories, even at rest.
Free weights, barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells and medicine ball classes are incorporated into a functional class or activity.
Instructors start by teaching proper form for each exercise, then progressively increase the resistance once the correct form is accomplished.
Everyone wants to lose weight!
It’s always someone’s New Year resolution, whether male or female.
This trend could be due to all that bingeing during the lockdown and movement restriction periods, which resulted in more homecooked meals (plus baking and takeaways) and weight gain.
Most diets recommend including some type of exercise programme into the daily routine of caloric restriction, adding the caloric expenditure of physical activity into the equation.
Unsurprisingly, exercise in weight-loss programmes has been a top 20 trend since the survey began 16 years ago.
One-on-one training continues to be a strong trend as the profession of personal training becomes more accessible online, in health clubs, at home and in outdoor settings.
Many people have lost their jobs during the pandemic and some have switched careers to become personal trainers.
Just search online and you’ll find them.
Personal training includes fitness-testing and goal-setting with the trainer working one-on-one with a client to prescribe workouts specific to their individual needs and goals.
Once all the rage for the quickest way to get fit, HIIT has been out of the top five since 2014.
This form of exercise involves short bursts of activity, followed by a short period of rest or recovery.
They’re popular with those who want to lose weight as HIIT forces the body to use energy from fat, as opposed to carbs, allowing fat to be lost more efficiently.
However, despite warnings by some fitness professionals of potentially-increased injury rates using HIIT, these 30-minute or shorter sessions has been popular in gyms all over the world.
There are many styles of HIIT available, ranging from yoga to weights and more.
Some people swear by it, while others shy away due to its intensity.
This has dropped a notch to number eight this year (2022).
Using a combination of bodyweight training and neuromotor movements using multiple planes of movement, this is a type of resistance training to build muscles.
Body weight uses minimal equipment, making it more affordable, and can be performed anywhere, anytime.
It’s not limited to just push-ups, planks, squats and pull-ups, but allows people to get “back to the basics” with fitness.
Virtual online training was first introduced in the 2019 survey and debuted at number three before dropping to number 26 in 2020 when the word “virtual” was dropped from the title in favour of the more specific online training.
From its top position last year as everyone was working out online, it has dropped to number nine in 2022.
One of the big changes within the health fitness industry resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic was the temporary closure of gyms around the world, as well as public parks and hiking trails.
In Malaysia, the enforcement of the movement control order in the early stages prohibited anyone from being out beyond a certain time except for grocery purchases, medical emergencies and essential work.
This forced the innovation of fitness classes and online training was developed for the at-home exercise experience.
This trend uses digital streaming technology to deliver group, individual or instructional exercise programmes online, which is available 24/7.
They can be in the form of a live class (livestreaming workouts) or pre-recorded.
This is a trend that integrates behavioural science into health promotion and lifestyle medicine programmes.
Health/wellness coaching uses a one-on-one (and at times, small group) approach with the coach providing support, goal-setting, guidance and encouragement.
The coach focuses on the client’s values, needs and vision, and provides strategies to achieve their goals.
Revathi Murugappan is a certified fitness trainer who tries to battle gravity and continues to dance to express herself artistically and nourish her soul. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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