The evolution of home fitness – Times of India

How did it begin?

The year 2020 had been a turning point for the whole economy, and one of the realms that have experienced a significant slow down in this year was the health and wellness industry. It had been dull because this was the year the pandemic had hit us, and the lockdown was announced.

Hence, people were forced to stay at home, and the gyms were being shut down. It was a significant fall and a disappointment for all the fitness enthusiasts.

The change of habits

Pandemic had turned the tables for the fitness industry entirely. Where people once found solace and sweated it out in the gym, they were now almost home arrested because gyms were not functioning. Many people began to start working out at home and trying new activities to keep themselves fit. But, it was a transition that few were trying to adapt to.

People became extra cautious and aware of their health, which pushed them to take that extra effort towards building habits, changing fitness goals, and keeping active. But, the most surprising factor was that it was during this period that most people were working out at home. Be it using gadgets, trainers, or videos, everyone involved themselves in physical activities and broadened their outlook of being fit.

During this period, individuals did not limit themselves to exercising and eating home-cooked and healthy food; it helped them realise that the combination was doing wonders. And that home fitness was working for them with good habits and minor lifestyle changes.

The turning point

When the idea of working out at home started to flourish and spread from one household to another, people realised that home workouts were beneficial and saved them time and energy that they would instead shed on going to the gym. This convinced them to continue to exercise at home. With the home-workout finding their place in the economy, the entrepreneurs also invested in technology to build home-equipments and mark a space for home-fitness.

Why was fitness evolution substantial?

Before home-fitness had come into the picture, there were enormous stereotypes related to fitness. People wanted to have abs, specific weight, composition, or a particular body or shape considered healthy. But, this approach had changed with the introduction of working out at home. People adapted differently to working out and had their learnings and understanding about themselves and their fitness goals.

What does this evolution MEAN?

The revolution in the fitness sector has made people understand that they were individuals who could decide not to have a specific type of body. This trend was more accepting, comfortable, and liberating. It gave them the freedom to choose their workouts conveniently in their relaxing space. When people were working from home, it did give them a work-life balance to an extent, but working out from home also helped them be laid back and not stressed over a timely workout.

What do the STATS have to say?

According to a survey, the at-home fitness global market size was valued at $5,545 million in 2019, which is projected to reach $11,459 million by 2027. The compound annual growth rate is expected to be registered at 7.8% from 2021 to 2027.

The stats speak for themselves, and you can witness that the population is getting fit at home. And the numbers reflect that its only going to get more prominent and dominant in the coming years.

The Present

Chase to 2022, and the whole industry has transformed. The pandemic has shifted priorities and faith and has bought an immense shift in our true selves. The transformation is visible in the fitness industry and the corporations who are adopting a hybrid work model or entirely a work from home policy; people have more time on their hands to take care of themselves. I think we have cracked the balance there, and now there is no going back from here, and that is good news for all the fitness enthusiasts and individuals who are still exploring their place in this industry.

Where was the MOTIVATION?

With people being online 3x times more than before, the internet has been the only way to communicate. This has encouraged trainers, influencers, and creators to create more fitness-related videos and help people with tips and different postures, diets and nutrition, and ways to spend less and gain more. The creators have covered everything from beginners to advanced levels and are introducing various forms of workouts, yoga, and hacks to encourage people to stay fit and healthy.

What does the future hold?

There is no going back to the old ways, and since people are enjoying this new shift in many ways, there is clarity that they will stick to it for a while. It is yet to be determined if people will go back entirely to traditional methods of working out. Still, the statistics reveal different numbers and the power of convenience talks for itself.

The final thought

The shift has helped people understand fitness better, break stereotypes, give a new meaning to fitness, and take one step at a time rather than push themselves to show up every day and stress over it. This change is undoubtedly healthy and essential for the long run.

Views expressed above are the author's own.

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The evolution of home fitness - Times of India