In stark contrast to years prior, the trends of 2023 appear to be more distinct. The pandemic and generational shift have caused a restructuring of society’s wants and needs. As a result of COVID, individuals have placed their families above their work, allowing them to take a step back and gain a clearer perspective on life. This newfound freedom has enabled people to escape their mentally and physically draining workdays, leading to a positive emotional and spiritual awakening.

This year’s trends have been shaped by self-reflection, retrospection, and introspection rather than the latest and greatest programs. Gen Z and Y have embraced holistic, comprehensive, and communal fitness and wellness, with a focus on social media and technology. Their approach to life is to prioritize living well first, enjoying life second, and working third, in contrast to the Gen X mindset of putting work first.

Fitness and Wellness Trends

To gain a better understanding of these trends, there has been a sharp increase in Generation Y and Z. Their emergence is transforming and introducing fresh and nostalgic perspectives on fitness, health, and wellness, not just technology.

Pickleball

In the summer of 1965, three dads invented a sport that has since seen a dramatic surge in popularity. Pickleball has become increasingly popular and played for recreational use, with courts popping up nationwide. However, 2021 marked the debut season of Major League Pickleball (MLP) in Austin, Texas. MLP has gained such momentum that it has become a professional circuit of individual players and teams, with sub-teams that can advance into the primary league.

MLP is gaining recognition as an official sport due to its major sponsors, such as Michelob, Sketchers, and Franklin. These sponsors have enabled MLP to secure televised rights, as well as official rankings and prize money of up to one million dollars. This has made MLP a highly sought-after sport, with many athletes striving to reach the top of the rankings.

Mini Workouts

Mini workouts are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a quick and easy way to get your body moving. These exercises are one to three minutes, which started as challenges on social media, and are designed to make exercise fun, accessible, and done anywhere at any time.

Mini workouts are becoming trendy in the workplace, too, and are great for boosting productivity and endorphin levels. For example, you could start your day with a morning dance, stretch, and cardio flow. Then, before lunch, you could do some lunges, pushups, and mini jumps. During the mid-day, you could throw some punches and high knee marches. And before leaving work, you could do some stretches before you sit in your car and then do your favorite evening workout if you have one.

Recent research suggests that it’s not the duration of exercise that matters but rather the number of minutes you do it in the day. So, even if it’s just one minute here and three minutes there, it all adds up!

Micro-Gyms

Digital fitness is becoming increasingly popular, generating millions of dollars in revenue. However, the gym or studio will always remain the best place to use the latest technology and knowledge. Despite this, gym memberships are still afloat, but community, connections, and convenience have wiggled their way into the scene. And that is a good thing as people are more likely to be drawn to small group training in a studio or outdoors rather than in a traditional gym.

The small group training environment is much more inviting and social, allowing people to bond after the workout and even go for coffee or lunch together. This social element is vital to motivating and inspiring people, while the tech keeps them intrigued and curious. It’s an excellent combination that will keep people coming back for more.

Virtual In-home Training

By 2023, virtual reality (VR) workouts will become increasingly commonplace. The reality is there, but the experience has been dramatically enhanced. With a high-tech headset from Metaverse, you can feel like you are actually in an aerobics class. Or, just like the days of Jane Fonda’s VHS exercise tapes, you can now access On-Demand workouts. Simply turn on the TV, and you can begin your workout. You can choose from various training programs, customize your music, and adjust the intensity.

It’s no surprise that fitness and health are on the rise. VR workouts allow people to exercise in the comfort of their homes or on the go. It has also been successful in motivating those who are less inclined to hit the gym.

The industry is expected to reach about $80.6 billion by 2029.

Healthy Training

Strength training is an excellent way to build strength and muscle, but people are now beginning to understand that regular training done differently will lead to increased strength. This year, mobility, yoga, and functional movement and training will be the focus, as these activities provide a refreshing break from the monotony of traditional strength training.

People want to be able to move freely and not just do the same exercises three days a week. It is the best of both worlds if people can have fun while still developing strength.

Wellness Trends

Thanks to Gen Z and Y, they are striving for a better quality of life and well-being. These generations are now surpassing Generation X and the Baby Boomers regarding their influence on current trends. Consequently, the focus is shifting towards wellness, living well, and overall well-being.

Furthermore, as the workforce is transforming due to the rise of remote working, the return to the workplace, and the changing demands of the population, these new trends are being embraced more and more.

Meditation

After decades of research, the new generation now has a wealth of valuable information and insights into meditation practice. Mental health is set to become an even more prominent topic in 2023 than in the preceding years, and meditation is likely to be the primary form of treatment prescribed.

With the invention and advent of apps, virtual reality, and the metaverse, meditation has become increasingly accessible, allowing people to access guided sessions from the comfort of their own homes or workplace. Moreover, it is a low-cost investment with potentially high returns.

Exercise Rest and Recovery Methods

Exercise recovery methods have gained immense popularity in recent years and are now taking off. Over the next year, expect to see a surge in the use of exercise recovery techniques and equipment, such as cryo-freezing chambers, where you can sit for ten minutes and freeze your body. Saunas are also becoming increasingly popular.

Moreover, massage therapy guns and air compression casts for your legs and feet are becoming more commonplace. Infrared saunas, which have been around for decades, are now easier to integrate into gyms than steam saunas. Contrast therapy is another rising trend you will likely see this year, with cold and hot tubs becoming more widely available.

These methods are now being implemented in gyms, not just in spas or wellness centers, providing gym-goers with a great way to enhance their exercise recovery and develop strategies that coincide with their workout routines.

Focus on Fitness for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Time and time again, exercise has been proven to be the most effective way to promote health, wellness, and overall well-being. However, it takes the proper generation to listen, understand, and appreciate the benefits. Exercise not only reduces stress, reverses depression, lowers anxiety, improves sleep, and enhances brain functionality but also improves mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

Additionally, exercise and fitness can be excellent ways for people to connect with others, have fun, build confidence, and feel empowered. All these factors are essential for optimal health, as a lack of confidence, for instance, can weaken the immune system.

Nowadays, people are discovering forms of exercise that they enjoy and that work for them and stick to them. But unfortunately, too often, people are doing exercises and training methods that they hate, which can have a detrimental effect. As we move into 2023, fitness is all about making your body and mind feel good.

Major Workplace Wellness Shift

The new fitness and wellness trends are driving significant changes in the workplace. Thanks to the affordability and convenience of technology, companies can offer Gen Z and Y employees the benefits and perks they desire. These generations are also more likely to choose a workplace based on wellness benefits when choosing an employer.

More than anything else, in 2023, you will see people making their fitness and health interconnected parts of their everyday routine