2022 fitness trends to keep you healthy throughout the new year

Grab your Lulus and refill your water bottle. The experts are making predictions about the best 2022 fitness trends to keep you healthy and well next year and beyond.

From types of exercises to the way in which we practice them, the next 12 months will certainly bring about a few adjustments to our exercise schedule. Even though lockdown changed our workout habits, there is still plenty to look forward to if you're anxious to break a sweat. 

Are your sneakers on? It's go time. 

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2022 fitness trends to try in the new year:

1. Hybrid fitness will continue

While many of us got accustomed to hitting the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, a new commuting schedule and work-from-home lifestyle caused a need for flexibility—literally and figuratively. 

If you can't be at your yoga studio as often as you'd like, now is the time to explore what's available digitally.

"I think 2022 will continue to see virtual and hybrid forms of fitness," says certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor Lauren Leavell. "While a lot of folks have returned to in-person spaces, not everyone feels comfortable or interested in doing so. Hybrid and all virtual models allow for more flexibility around workouts and can make various forms of movement more accessible to a wider audience."

2. Competition will be big—when it's safe

Marathons, triathlons, you name it—people are starved for a little friendly competition, which makes the likes of CrossFit desirable to some. 

"I believe there may be a correlation with lockdown taking place and people feel like they need to belong in a team environment and community," says Dan Savage, personal trainer at A Body Forever."

But it doesn't necessarily need to be something super grueling—it's all about what works for you and makes you feel as though you're part of a larger group. Of course, this is all dependent on when local governments say it is safe to participate in such activities.

3. Yoga and pilates will increase in popularity

Sometimes, we don't have a lot of room to work with, which makes yoga and pilates a hit with those who've set up shop at home. All you need is a yoga mat, and bam—your studio apartment is a makeshift gym. 

"Pilates and yoga have had an increase," says Savage. "They're home workout exercises we could participate in with limited space and equipment. Also, there's a mental health side of it—we know pilates and yoga fall into the mind and body section." 

4. Self-care will be part of your workouts

Self-care practices are now more important than ever, especially on the heels of such a tumultuous time. It would only make sense for them to coincide with our workouts.

"I think there is an emerging trend for physical and mental recovery, both in between training sessions and when it comes to work-life balance," says JJ Tindale, a personal trainer at A Body Forever. "Prioritizing workouts and using therapeutic techniques including cold water swimming, float pods, meditation and breathwork to manage stress."

5. People will be visiting smaller gyms

"In the coming year, we will see a continued trend toward smaller boutique studios and a move away from big gyms as COVID has made people less confident in large group settings," says Rebecca Convey, owner of Kinetic Pilates. "People are not commuting, and as such, want something closer to home."

6. Classic routines will be go-to workouts

We can all get lost in a new fitness movement, but there's a reason some exercises have stood the test of time—because they promise results. 

"I think people are less likely to be attracted to exercise fads and will look for more established traditional exercises methods such as Classical Pilates, which has a history of almost 100 years," Convey adds. 

The plank might get a bad rep, but you have to admit—it works!

7. People will select a workout based on their moods

Let's face it: some days are more challenging than others. You might not be terribly inclined to hit the elliptical on Thursday like you were at the beginning of the week, and that's OK. 

ClassPass UK uncovered that there's a perfect workout for every mood. Even if you're thinking about giving the gym a pass because your sales call went poorly, don't. All you have to do is make a few adjustments.

On a stressful day, 60% of people prefer a high-energy workout such as boxing or HIIT," the ClassPass results indicate. "Forty percent of people prefer calming and restorative exercise such as yoga. 

Here are some of the top classes for every mood, according to ClassPass UK.

High-energy options:

1. Bootcamp
2. HIIT
3. Indoor cycling
4. Circuit training
5. Power yoga
6. Weightlifting
7. Kickboxing

Restorative options: 

1. Reformer Pilates
2. Hot yoga
3. Yin yoga
4. Mat Pilates
5. Restorative yoga
6. Hatha yoga
7. Ballet

8. People will exercise with friends

If you can brunch with your besties, you can certainly hit the gym with them. 

ClassPass UK reveals that people are 45% more likely to continue with a new workout routine if they take a class with friends during their first month. Those who work out with friends are also 63% more likely to keep a routine for 12 months or longer.

Plus, 81% of people say they push themselves harder in group classes than they do on their own. Guess a group setting is the motivation we need to kick things into high gear!

9. People will be more inclined to dance

For the first time in ClassPass history, dance is ranked as one of the top 10 most booked activities. No need to save those moves for the dance floor of your best friend's wedding!

The top dance styles by reservation volume:

1. Cardio dance
2. Pole dance
3. Hip hop
4. Zumba
5. Ballet
6. Latin
7. Salsa
8. Jazz
9. Contemporary
10. Modern
11. Bollywood
12. Ballroom
13. Swing
14. Tap

10. People will turn to TikTok

TikTok exercise tips are aplenty, just like those bizarre challenges. 

From the coregasm to the Cupid Shuffle, the video-sharing platform will keep your heartbeat pumping with new routines. It goes without saying, but some exercise trends are more beneficial than others. Always check with a professional if you're unsure about a viral fitness challenge.

@sydtheyogi

Abs on fire!! 🔥 #cupidshufflechallenge #sixpackabs #abworkout #plankchallenge

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