We’re seeing some very interesting trends come to light in the health and wellness industry as a result of social lockdown.
The fitness industry is always evolving and changing as a result of technology and circumstances. As exercise science is constantly getting smarter, we see a lot of new practices, therapies, and other rituals. Another thing we see is the development of new apps in this ever-growing machine.
Let’s take a look at some of the health and wellness trends that have everybody buzzing in 2024.
1. In-Home and Online Personal Training
Online and home personal training are fast-growing trends that are becoming increasingly popular all the time. Many gym-goers have had to adjust to these services during the pandemic. As a result, many feel that they won’t return to their local club. The convenience of saving time and money has many people committed to this new style of fitness for the foreseeable future. It also avoids all the extra expenses of getting to the gym. Spending money on transport, membership, snacks, toiletries and other bits and bobs all add up! Gym members, who only use their subscription to see their personal trainer, may never see a reason to pay club fees again.
A great in-home personal training company you should check out is London Fitness. They’re delivering some free sample plans accompanied by workout programs and dietary planning during the pandemic. The outfit is a very good example of efficiency when considering home fitness.
Here is a list of other great workout apps you can also download if you wish to workout by yourself:
- Activ
- Seven
- Nike Fitness Trainer
- FitOn
2. Pranayama
Pranayama is the practice and art of controlling your breath. It is the source of our prana. We inherit prana from what we eat, how we breathe, and other energies we absorb from the earth. Prana flows through tiny channels called Nadis to all the cells in our body.
Pranayama is performed through a series of exercises & poses, breathing techniques, and meditation. Regular practice of this ritual can supercharge your whole body and increase your stamina.
Why Should Everyone Practice Pranayama?
When we focus on long breathing exercises, we’re letting go of “negative energy” and letting “positive energy” flow through our body. It has the effect of calming our system while giving it great energy at the same time. It heightens our senses, making us more alert and balances our life energy.
What are the benefits of Pranayama?
Pranayama has a lot of physical benefits. When we practice deep breathing we strengthen our whole range of respiratory organs. We learn how to expand our lungs through inhalation, retention, and exhalation. Expanding our lung space helps us to utilize oxygen better in our bloodstream, improving the use of our joints, muscles, and brain.
What is the technique?
Most pranayama routines are practiced sitting down, with your back completely upright (neutral spine) and the legs crossed in a number 4 pose.
There are three typical poses performed:
- Cross-Legged Pose
- Hero’s Pose
- Lotus Pose
The technique is demonstrated by drawing in a smooth breath, inhaling, and exhaling at the same slow rate.
Specific practices like Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breath) are a little different. This routine is extremely energizing and helps to detoxify the body. It’s performed at a fast rhythm and involves strong abdominal contractions. Check out this pranayama tutorial to learn the correct technique.
3. Breathing and Meditation Apps
It may sound surprising, but one of the highest demands in health and wellness this year has been breathing and mediation apps. Platforms like Headspace have really made the mark for this success. This app teaches you how to practice mediation and mindfulness through light exercises. Meditation is great for arranging your thoughts and relieving stress from a heavy day at the office. It also helps to unwind and improves sleep quality. By downloading an app that takes up just 5 minutes of your time every day, it can set you up for a successful day ahead.
Here is a list of some great apps available:
- Headspace
- Sattva
- Aura
- Calm
4. Online Yoga and Pilates
Yoga has come a long way in the last couple of decades. Ever since the practice has gained publicity through healing science, studios have opened up in abundance in all major cities and towns worldwide. Just like personal training, you can save time and money from venturing to the nearest studio. But it’s even easier than that. You don’t have to invest in a lot of fitness equipment to practice at home. To practice yoga and even pilates in your own living room, all you need is a mat (possibly a light ball format pilates).
If you have a clear space, its simple to follow classes on pre-recorded videos. Yoga is very effective when practicing for 15-45 minutes per day. Putting this amount of time aside is always possible at home, so you never miss your workout. Wake up early in the morning or tackle it when coming in from work in the evening. You could have your class done at the same time it takes you to just travel one way to the gym.
Here a few more great benefits to highlight when practicing from home:
- Free Or Low-Cost Subscription – Most websites offer low-cost subscriptions for a monthly or annual membership. Generally speaking, this is for premium services that the instructors offer, which include communities, forums, private feedback, and consultations, etc. Most of these yoga providers will offer YouTube and Vimeo channels that will offer quality classes that are absolutely free.
- Smooth Progression & Transition – When you practice solo, it’s very easy to take your time or advance quickly from making your own executive decision. Maybe you feel stronger with some styles of your practice and would like to try classes that are even harder. This can all be done with the touch of a button by following an instructor online who has an extended and organized library of videos. No need to wait for the rest of the class to catch up!
- Frequency – By practicing for Yoga for at least 15 minutes a day, you’re likely to build consistency. This will enable you to participate more times weekly and build strength and accountability. No skipping days and losing progress.
Here is a list of some great apps and platforms available for online yoga:
- Gaia
- Yoga By Adrienne
- Urban Yoga
- Lottie Murphy YouTube Channel
5. In-Home Spinning
Spinning can be quite a commitment when getting set up at home. While the bike can be quite expensive, the subscription is very reasonable and worthwhile once the ball is rolling! If you’re an avid spinner, who has the passion and intention to make it to class every day, then consider one of the companies that are really making advances in delivering this concept to the next level. People are even hopping out of bed and committing to a 30-minute class before the day has started. Services like Peloton really bring the energy of a studio class directly to your bedroom. The music and instructors are loud and encouraging. Once you’ve zoned into one of these sessions, you won’t even realize you’re in your own bedroom!
Some very notable providers that offer an exceptional service for home spinning:
- Peloton
- The Sufferfest
- Zwift
- Strava
Wrap Up
There it is! Your extensive list for helping you get started with some great in-home fitness trends that are really kicking off in 2024. Now is a great time to spark your interest in social lockdown. Maybe you’ll find a source of inspiration that will stick with you for years to come. Explore some ideas, download some free apps, and give it a try!
