Well, we can officially say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021 (thank goodness). I think we can all agree the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented wasn’t what anybody expected—and we certainly weren’t prepared for it. I know I wasn’t the only one leaping from Target to Target to stock up on boxes of pasta and toilet paper. (Okay, and maybe a little bit of wine, don’t at me.) 

On top of that, our go-to second homes (AKA: fitness studios) were forced to go through multiple openings and closings to help keep our communities safe and healthy. When that happened, us fitness-minded folks also needed to pivot the way we get our daily workouts in— routines abruptly changed overnight. One day we’re toweling off after our favorite spin class, the next day we were looking for an at-home spin bike—and finding a decent one was like winning the lottery.  

But amid all this chaos, fitness studios near and far worked fast to make sure all of us fitness junkies didn’t turn into Netflix-binging couch potatoes by providing us with virtual fitness classes. From sweating it out in a virtual HIIT class to getting our asana at-home in virtual yoga, people all over the country were able to get a healthy dose of fitness whenever they needed it. This just goes to show, that even though we’re going through a pandemic, our wellness routines will always be there for us no matter what.  

So, as we shut the door on the dumpster fire that was 2020, these are the fitness trends you can expect to see in 2021: 

1. Virtual fitness is here to stay (and will continue to evolve). 

Even though fitness studios in some states are currently allowed to host in-studio classes, the convenience of working out from home is something that most folks can’t pass up. Not to mention, virtual options are typically cheaper and require zero commute time. So, for those of you who hit the snooze button at least twice before getting up, you can still get the morning workout in before the workday starts—or if that late afternoon meeting runs a little late, you can still make that yoga class.   

Another advantage? You can also get a taste of new types of fitness classes that might not be offered in your area. I certainly jumped on the bandwagon ASAP and figured it was the perfect time to switch up my regular workout routine. Check out my articles on the virtual classes I tried: 

• I Tried a Virtual Barre Workout... Here’s What I Learned 
• I Tried Virtual Meditation...Here’s What I Learned 

And you can check out these articles from some of my esteemed colleagues here: 

• 3 Things I Learned From Taking an Online Pilates Class 
• I Tried Virtual HIIT... Here’s What I Learned (and May Do Differently Next Time) 

2. ”Snackable” workouts will grow in popularity and abundance.  

The COVID-19 pandemic turned our day-to-day routines upside down—even our work schedules changed with loads of people now working from home instead of going into an office. However, with the slew of lockdowns triggered by coronavirus, this means childcare, work, and our fitness routines are all now happening in the same place. With so much going on at home at any given time, we're forced to get a sweat sesh in whatever little free time we have.  

That’s where bite-size fitness classes come into play. In fact, nearly four in ten Americans say their workouts are now a half-hour or less. Shorter fitness classes are also helping folks stay motivated while working out at home. I don’t know about you, but I find myself getting distracted or suffering from screen fatigue once that Pilates class hits that 30-minute marker. Instead of focusing on my abs, I start wondering what’s for dinner or tapping out early to enjoy a glass of rosé.  

But with more and more fitness studios adding shorter workout classes to their schedules, we can all stay on top of our fitness goals and still have time to juggle the many responsibilities that come with sheltering-in-place. 

3. We’re conquering Gymtimidation together. 

Hey, we’ve all been there—trying out a new type of fitness class can be a scary thing. I’ll be honest, gymtimidation (gym intimidation, get it?) is the main reason I haven’t tried an in-person HIIT class yet. But one I can do by myself in the comfort of my own home? Now you’re speaking my language. If you also feel this way, please know you’re not alone. In fact, 56% of Americans are right there with you. So, if getting in better shape or the fear of the unknown have been what’s holding you back from trying that spin class or starting your yoga practice, virtual classes can help ease you into your fitness journey until you’re ready to strut your stuff in an actual studio.

Change is tough, but the way the fitness industry changed to help us all stay on-track with our wellness goals was nothing short of inspiring. Now, missing a fitness class because it didn’t fit into our schedules or because we were stuck in traffic are things of the past.  

Ready to make 2021 the year you actually stick to your resolution of being a happier, healthier you?  

Browse Mindbody to find one that fits your schedule!    

Want an even more in-depth look into the fitness trends you can expect to see in 2021? Check out this blog.