The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected every aspect of human life. Several years on, we’re all adapting to a ‘new normal’ in everything from education to shopping. Fitness is no exception. When the gyms closed, and many of us were forced into a more sedentary, home-bound lifestyle, we were forced to re-evaluate both our approach to personal fitness and the way we work out.
Shift to Home-Based Exercises
Perhaps the most recognisable change has been the shift to home-based workouts – especially those that are tailored for small flats and upstairs apartments. Whereas before lockdown, it was hard to find any workout that didn’t feature jumping, wide extravagant movements, and a lot of equipment, fitness influencers were quick to realise that the needs of their core audiences had changed.
Now, ‘flat-friendly, no jumping’ is a common descriptor in online workout blogs and vids, and plenty of workouts require no more equipment than a pair of women’s long running shorts and a good sports bra. Without equipment, people got creative with household fittings and items. For example, running up and down stairs for cardio, and using food cans or detergent bottles as weights.
Rise of Virtual Fitness Classes
Another major shift was the rapid proliferation of online fitness classes. With physical fitness facilities closed for months on end, digital platforms became the new gym. Live classes on Zoom, Instagram, or proprietary platforms by various fitness providers became the new norm. It quickly became easy to find a virtual class to fit any need, from large-scale sessions catering to thousands or smaller, more intimate classes catering for a handful of people. The added value of community inclusion and support that these online platforms provided was an added bonus at a time when many needed extra help to beat the sting of social isolation.
Changing Attitudes Towards Health
COVID-19 also changed the underlying attitude towards fitness and health. As the pandemic raged on, more and more people began to realise the importance of maintaining good health and strong immune systems. Fitness was seen less as a leisure activity and more as a necessity. Many turned to regular workouts to reduce stress, improve immunity, and maintain overall mental health during these trying times.
The Outdoors Beckon
As restrictions eased, people began discovering the joy of outdoor workouts. Running, cycling, and outdoor boot camps have all seen a resurgence since the pandemic – partly because many people discovered the benefits of exercising in nature and soaking up the fresh air while the gyms were closed. Today, sports like outdoor running, hiking, cycling, and working out on park equipment are more popular than ever.
A New Era of Physical Fitness
The pandemic has irrevocably changed the way we work out. The emphasis on home-based exercises and virtual classes seems to be here to stay. Notably, the COVID-19 crisis helped democratise access to fitness – your ability to keep fit is no longer tied to an expensive gym subscription. If you could get outside, or even if you had access to a small portion of the floor and an online workout or class, you could exercise.