We rounded out 2020 with COVID-19 putting another kink in gym workouts given the most recent round of closures. This happened just when you finally got back into your workout groove, which means you might have been in a position where you had to scramble to rethink, yet again, the best way to get in your physical activity.
On the bright side, a new year is upon us, which means an opportunity for a new beginning after having the chance to happily kiss 2020 goodbye. With the recent FDA approval of Pfizer’s COVID vaccine this means that there is a glimmering ray of hope that 2021 will see gyms stay open permanently.
Each year brings new trends in fitness. 2021 is unique since most of them are being dictated by the times we’re living in versus the latest open-choice-driven craze. So, what most people are going to be choosing to do during these unprecedented times will likely be influenced by the restrictions we are facing in our daily lives between possible closures and social distancing measures.
Here are some of the fitness and wellness trends you can expect to see in 2021. Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year that hopefully won’t let COVID-19 get in the way of you and your family having fun while getting fit!
Weight Loss Programs
You aren’t alone if you put on stress-related weight this year thanks to the pandemic. Comfort food came calling for many when states of overwhelm set in, so many will be facing the new year with more weight gain than their usual annual increase. That means weight loss support programs to help you be accountable for making good food choices and keeping in check with portion control are likely to be on the rise out of the gate in 2021.
Outdoor Workouts
With gym closures and people being skittish about working out in them when they are open, the outdoors is ripe with fitness opportunities at our fingertips in the region. Ski slopes, mountain bike trails, open air ice skating rinks, and parks are sure to have lots of activity this year. Also, don’t be shy about bringing out the kid in you by hitting the hills to sled with your child. Walking up the hill just a few times for your sledding runs is sure to get your heart pumping. Or you can dust off those old cross country skis in storage and head out to the park, forest trails or fields for a trek to achieve a good workout close to home.
Winter Workout Gear
In order to fully enjoy the winter season outdoors it’s important to get suited up properly. Whether an adult or child, it can mean the difference between lasting a short or long time outdoors comfortably. Running pants with fleece lining, choosing mittens over gloves, wool socks over cotton and long underwear over none is a good approach when taking into account how to best dress for outdoor fitness activities. Winter workout gear is sure to be in demand for the first quarter of 2021.
Virtual Fitness Classes
For those who prefer to stay cozy indoors during the frigid months, expect to continue to see a robust offering of virtual fitness opportunities in 2021. The pandemic inspired fitness centers and yoga studios to rethink how they could keep their community intact. It’s not too late to take advantage of these convenient workouts you can take part in from the comforts of home. Expect to see participation continue strong through 2021 until spring brings us warmer weather and people are ready to break out of the house for some sunshine.
Trying a New Activity
The restrictions and closures due to the pandemic might inspire you to take up a new sport, fitness regimen or activity you never thought of in the past. Maybe your family will try skiing for the first time or you might be a newbie to virtual fitness. It’s a great time to try something that has always intrigued you, but that you haven’t made the time for since you have been doing the same old routine for years. 2021 is a good time to try something new now that your routine has been shaken up.
Virtual Fitness Competitions
Many road runs, like 5Ks and 10Ks in our region have resorted to going virtual instead of cancelling their traditions for 2020. Expect to see more of these happening in 2021. Don’t hold back in getting in on the good and safe fun as there are opportunities for individuals as well as entire families to join in.
Wellness and Self-Care
2020 has helped many of us redefine our priorities by making us realize that we have to take care of ourselves in order to ensure that our physical and mental health stays intact during these challenging times. 2021 is ripe with the opportunity for you to get your cozy on at home by making sure to take time outs for snuggling up to a good book by the fire or lit candle. It’s a good time to take a break for some soothing tea or a ten minute meditation session. If you have already been implementing some of these practices while in quarantine at home, keeping them up in 2021 and beyond is sure to work to your advantage. If you haven’t yet been able to find a way to fit self-care into your life, 2021 is a good year to begin looking out for yourself to ensure a more sustainable lifestyle for years to come.
