2020 has definitely been a year of lessons – most of them learned the hard way. But perhaps the most difficult reminder has been that our health takes priority above any other thing we used to worry about.
Remember when our biggest problem was deciding where to go on vacation? Or when our kids were telling (or hiding) us stories from school?
Not only are those days long gone, but we still have no idea when – or if – they will ever return to normal.
Now it feels like all we do is stay home and repeat the same things over and over again without seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. Luckily, though, there’s plenty we can still do to protect ourselves and our loved ones while improving our quality of life.
One of those things is to take care of what’s left: ourselves. From mindfulness to apps that keep you and your dear ones connected, many trends that help us thrive through the pandemic have emerged.
Today, we’ll have a look at 6 trends that will keep you in good shape while providing just enough motivation to restore your energy and get you ready for when we’ll be able to go out again.
Physical activity boosts your immune system, gives you a mental break and regulates your hormonal balance by promoting the production of the so-called ‘feel-good’ hormone: serotonin. Whether you’re exercising at home or outdoors (safely!), this might be just the solution you need right now to feel better.
During a recent poll conducted by OnePoll, 75% out of the 2,000 participants said that it’s easier to stay fit at home than in a gym.
Now, considering the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no wonder than 64% of the study respondents reported being more interested in at-home exercise now than ever.
It’s expected that this trend will further increase in 2021 with many people even reserving a place in their home for personalized home gyms. If you feel like you don’t have the space for an actual gym, you’re not alone! However, even placing a yoga mat in the corner of your living room or bedroom can make you feel more responsible to take action and start working out.
Today, there are plenty of apps and resources you can use to pick the right at-home workout tools, as well as exercise programs you can get for free as well. In other words, there’s no excuse not to get moving right now!
Here are a couple of resources you can find right here, on Wellness Captain:
If the space you own at home is more generous, then maybe you should consider getting some high-end workout equipment – as many Americans are embarking on the same trend as well.
For example, the stationary bike and treadmill company Peloton reported a shocking 232% increase in sales during the first quarter of 2020. Coincidence? I think not! Many people have found this alternative to be very beneficial in the long run since they can’t attend actual gyms anymore.
Although exercise machines like treadmills or weight system do require a bit of investment at first, choosing high-quality products assures their durability. Just think about it: these are items you and your family will use for years to come and they may turn out to be more comfortable than driving to the gym almost daily.
Let’s say you’re not a fitness junky: you don’t really want to build muscle or become a marathon runner. This is perfectly fine – and we may have the right option for you below.
Holistic fitness is a large spectrum of physical and mental exercises designed to keep you healthy from every point of view. Most of the times, these physical activities are combined with meditation, mindfulness or a healthy sleep schedule for maximized benefits.
I think everybody who has done a workout even once knows the excruciating sensation of barely moving your arms and legs for days at end. However, we also know that taking a break between exercise is crucial for proper muscle recovery and energy balance.
Now you can make your recovery time more comfortable and pleasant by helping your body get back on track in a healthy way. Last year, we’ve noticed a considerable increase in products meant to soothe sore muscles, increase relaxation or improve blood circulation – and the trend is likely to rise in 2021.
Additionally, more people are using their recovery days to take care of themselves spiritually or psychologically through meditation and mindfulness. Nutrition has also become a huge focus since most of us are cooking at home more than ever.
Here you can have a look at some of our useful resources to get the best out of each recovery day:
The industry of wearable health and wellness devices has seen a massive spike over the past few years. Nowadays, people seem more interested than ever to record their physical activity, as well as their heart rate or sleep schedule.
In fact, experts predict that by 2022 more than 900 million people worldwide will wear such devices. The industry expects to have a total worth of over $70 billion by 2025.
While there are countless variations in this category available right now, the most popular one remains the smart watch. Our Ultimate Purchase Guide for Sport Watches can help you make the right decision that fits your goals and interests.
In 2020, we’ve learned to rely on the internet for mostly every task we have to do. From work to seeing our loved ones and managing all sorts of errands, the pandemic has led to an explosion in a virtual world which was already expanding at the speed of light.
Of course, physical activity makes no exception. Since we have to maintain the recommended social distance of 6 feet and avoid public gatherings, performing certain sports is simply impossible – unless we use the internet. It’s February 2021 and you can already find plenty of digital at-home cycling programs, virtual workout communities or training sessions experts recorded on camera.
This industry alone is predicted to be worth $30 billion by 2026 – a massive increase compared to previous years.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have a trend that matches those of us really looking forward to some alone time: solo fitness.
Be warned that this category of physical activities involves going outside, so if you live in a crowded area you may not be able to perform such exercises safely.
However, many people have found a way to enjoy outdoor activities while still maintaining the strict COVID-19 safety rules. Sports like outdoor cycling, hiking or surfing are still safe for most of us, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
In fact, data from Golf Datatech found that the number of golf rounds played last summer went up by 20.6% compared to 2019. Bicycle sales have also recorded a massive increase in popularity as their sales have gone up by 121%.
If you need more inspiration, here are 8 physical activities you can safely do during COVID-19.
As the world is rapidly adapting to new situations, we can learn to find new ways of enjoying life even during these difficult situations. Sometimes, all it takes is a 5-minute stretch to change our mood completely and stay happy!
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