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Every social media platform is affected by the fitness craze these days. Apparently, the popularity of fitness has led to a 311% increase in usage of on-demand workout videos and a 971% surge in usage of live workout videos. Although gyms were popular and popular in India before the COVID-19 lockdown, most people were unable to sign up due to location and economic constraints. But with the announcement of the lockdown, fitness companies across the country began streaming fitness classes at competitive prices. As a result of this sudden paradigm shift, many people are participating in online fitness programs, resulting in the release of 71,000 health and fitness apps worldwide.
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While the pandemic was one of the main reasons for the unexpected rise in health-conscious people, other factors also had a profound impact on India’s fitness industry, which saw it grow by 171.75% to $434.74 billion.
Rapid digital adoption due to pandemic
Even though the concept of a diet and fitness app has been around for years, it still takes something extraordinary to achieve. The nationwide curfew gave the digital fitness industry the break it needed.
Once working from home became the norm, most people found that they had a lot of free time at home. People are starting to rethink their diets and express concerns about their health. Fortunately, most fitness companies have moved their services online during the shutdown and are offering workout classes and nutritional advice virtually. Additionally, to support home-working professionals who cannot consistently attend classes, most instructors are starting to offer flexible options, such as pre-recorded workout sessions following live classes.
A plethora of flexible options creates opportunities for fitness studios and fitness and wellness start-ups to ultimately generate lucrative revenue from the digitization of fitness services. As a result, this string of successful events has grown the global online and virtual fitness market from $11.39 billion in 2021 to $16.15 billion in 2022.
Wearables and Apps on the Move
Fitness trackers and apps provide summaries of statistics like heart rate, walking pace, and calories burned. By tracking a user’s progress, fitness trackers encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and reach their fitness goals. This idea is backed up by a Harvard University study that highlights how fitness wearables can motivate inactive individuals to increase their activity levels.
Also, AI-enhanced fitness apps are the best alternatives to make up for the lack of a personal trainer. AI gathers data on body measurements, age, and other variables to provide the right workouts for people’s fitness goals. Plus, artificial intelligence has advanced to the point that fitness apps’ AI can now monitor workout posture and improve form. As a result, downloads of fitness trackers and other AI-assisted technology fitness apps surged by a record 84% between 2019 and 2020. In addition to helping individuals burn calories, these devices also provide features such as sleep monitoring and water consumption tracking to help users lead a healthier life.
Impact of social media and online communities
Throughout the pandemic, there has been a fitness craze on social media, inspiring people to get fitter and better. Videos of those sharing their weight training regimens and diets encourage others to lift weights.
Some prefer the pre-recorded workout videos available on social media platforms, while others opt to sign up for live online classes. Online workout programs are more effective than pre-recorded workout content. In addition to being good for people’s budgets, they offer more flexibility and offer the same benefits as in-person workouts.
Attending live classes and collaborating with other participants inspires people to maintain their fitness regimen and improve their workouts. Plus, research shows that being active in the fitness community can encourage people to exercise more and help relieve stress and embrace body positivity.
focus on overall wellbeing
Perceptions of happiness have shifted quite a bit in the years following the pandemic. It is becoming more common for people to take their health seriously and take a holistic approach to improving their physical and mental health.
The Athletic Business claims that people who use fitness technology are less anxious and more motivated to stick with their exercise routines. Plus, since exercise affects your overall health, regular physical activity can improve cognition, reduce stress, and restore a positive sense of well-being for fitness enthusiasts.
final words
The integration of technology into the fitness space encourages consumers to exercise regularly. The study also found that 40 percent of fitness app users exercise five or more days a week, compared with 31 percent of nonusers who exercise at a similar frequency. This fact alone is a testament to the profound impact technology can have on individuals.
Fitness apps can offer a more effective way to track progress than workout programs offered on video streaming platforms, as they provide tailored recommendations based on criteria such as training age, weight, athletic ability and fitness goals. Those who are just starting their fitness journey and looking for specific guidance to achieve their goals will especially benefit.