Fitness and health continue to evolve with new technological advances and changes to people’s routines due to COVID-19. The pandemic has compelled people to prioritize their health and adjust their approach to daily habits, fitness routines, and health goals. It has also seen fitness trends emerge that are likely to endure as the new year approaches.
At Apex Human Performance, a private health club located at 940 Third Avenue in New York City, a team of experts seeks to help people find the best ways to stay active, healthy, and safe. Andrew Malkiel acquired Apex Human Performance in the Fall of 2020, at a time when gyms nationwide were suffering terribly due to the pandemic. However, because of Apex Human Performance’s unique approach to health and wellness, the company doubled its membership over the past year.
“There is nothing like Apex in the market today,” Malkiel told Influencive. “Nowhere, maybe aside from a professional sports team, does an individual get fully coordinated care from their personal trainers, nutritionist, and physical therapists, who all work with one another to create complete hyper-personalized plans to improve their member’s health.”
With that in mind, here are five COVID-fueled fitness trends that will continue gaining popularity in 2022.
1. Free-Weight Training
Free weights refer to any gym equipment not bolted to the floor. Dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and medicine balls offer more flexibility and accessibility to those who use them. They are also considered safer since the individual can adjust how they use them in cases of injuries or other limitations.
People can build strength and endurance without the need for too much equipment. Fitness experts do emphasize proper form for anyone who participates in free-weight training to observe safety and maximize benefits.
As Malkiel has said, “Resistance training should be done by everyone, regardless of age and sex. Consistent resistance training can help attenuate symptoms of aging such as loss of bone and muscle mass, loss of brain function, and decrease in metabolic function.”
2. Outdoor Activities
With COVID-19 sanitation restrictions, social distancing, and new variants, people have opted for more outdoor activities and workouts. Not only does it avoid the issue of working out in a gym, but people have the opportunity to escape their homes for fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. Hiking, jogging, and cycling have all increased in popularity, while even just taking walks in nature has been proven to lower anxiety and depression.
People have also been able to find a sense of community in these activities. Organized small groups for walking, cycling and hiking keep people accountable for their workout goals and provide a safe way to gather and socialize.
3. Online Training
With so many people working from and spending more time in their homes, online training has become a go-to resource. People now find fitness classes on websites, YouTube channels, or workout apps. The range of options includes group, individual, or instructional exercise programs and live-streamed or pre-recorded classes.
The difficulty levels and style of workouts vary, meaning everyone can find a program or class that suits their needs. This convenience, versatility, and flexibility will help online training continue to be an appealing fitness option.
“It is nearly impossible to not hear about the new post-pandemic demand for ‘hybrid’ options — combining brick and mortar with virtual and digital fitness — by gym and health club members, says Malkiel, “but even before the pandemic, Apex Human Performance was supporting its members worldwide, through in-person and digital capabilities, like Zoom and FaceTime, that ensured 24/7 continuity of care.”
4. Wearable Technology
More and more, people have adopted the use of wearable technology to monitor their health and fitness levels. Ranging from fitness trackers and smartwatches to heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices, this technology offers people new insight into their health.
These devices can perform typical functions such as measuring heart rate, tracking calories burnt, and counting steps or they can go beyond the standard functions by reporting body temperature, sitting time, and sleeping time.
They will only grow in popularity as they become increasingly affordable and accessible. Apex Human Performance encourages its members to track health metrics such as sleep and heart rate variability and then uses this data to hyper-personalize their training programs.
5. Bodyweight Training
For ultimate convenience and affordability, people have turned to bodyweight training as an effective exercise. This training returns to the basics of exercise and wellness. It particularly appeals to people who do not have a workout space or equipment in their homes.
People can also easily modify the intensity of the exercises to their fitness level and challenge themselves at their own pace. Bodyweight training offers an excellent way for people to learn more about health and exercise, connect with their bodies and improve their strength.
Commit to Your Health This New Year
However you like to work out, Apex Human Performance can help you master your body and your fitness goals through the perfect blend of exercise science, physical therapy, and nutrition. Members at Apex receive a personal, comprehensive game plan tailored to their bodies. All Apex personal trainers have Master’s Degrees or Doctorates in Exercise Science, guaranteeing premium personal training you can trust. Apex has made fitness, body care, and nutrition easy for its clients for nearly 15 years.
“While our financial performance has been impressive and creating new career opportunities for trainers in a field hit particularly hard by COVID is satisfying, the most rewarding part is hearing stories from members about how their health improved, explains Malkiel. “Whether it’s eliminating chronic back pain, losing forty pounds, stopping insulin medication, or feeling confident playing football with their grandkids, it’s these client success stories that keep me motivated.”
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
