Wellness in 2021 SINCE CORONAVIRUS EMERGED, THE WORLD HAS LOOKED VERY DIFFERENT; FROM REDUCED NUMBERS IN THE OFFICE, TO COMPLETE LOCKDOWNS. The wellness industry had to adapt and came out stronger, partly due to its ability to get creative with how its proponents deliver their services, but also because more people are seeing the importance of looking after health and well-being. With that in mind, here are the top trends that you can expect to see in 2021. ONLINE FITNESS Last year was not easy on gyms or fitness studios anywhere in the world, with forced closures followed by restrictions making it difficult for them to stay profitable. But most adapted and many went online or outdoors. For members, however it was a very exciting time, because now they could train with all of their favourite instructors, even if they did not live nearby. This is a trend that is not likely to slow down anytime soon, both because it is convenient and offers a lot of variety. Flow Athletic are one studio who adapted well. Once they saw how well their FB live workouts were doing, they decided to invest in an online platform, Flow Athletic TV to make the experience even better for members. Subscribers can access Pilates, yoga, strength and spin classes, and live classes where available. CONVENIENCE The new acceptance of working remotely, or flexibly, means many of us can adapt our fitness routines to fit our schedules. Fortunately, online workouts allow us to train whenever we want. National boxing-based club, 12RND Fitness has adapted to the new demands of members and made it easier than ever for them to participate in their
own time. Their model means it’s nearly impossible to miss a session; a new round starts every 3-minutes so you can show up anytime during opening hours and just jump in. CONNECTED FITNESS Connected fitness has been an exciting market to watch for the last few years. Think wearables and apps that track everything your body can possibly do, including fitness solutions such as Peleton and Tonal. Connected fitness is a trend that is here to stay, with more brands revolutionising the way people can train from the comfort of their own home. A new Aussie company, Vitruvian released their V-Form Trainer last year, and this device unlocks engaging and sophisticated resistance training programs through the use of motorised resistance. Driven by intelligent algorithmic technology, the device does away with static weight entirely, rather, it modifies weight loading between 7kg and 180kg to match the user’s ability as they lift across a range of curated classes and workouts. This makes training not only more effective, but also more fun and engaging. From a slimline, carbon fibre platform you can work your entire body, so it is perfect for anyone who wants a home and office gym without taking up the space. Connected fitness category is truly revolutionising the way people train, from measuring and monitoring progress to ensure results, ensuring that users have hundreds of workouts at their fingertips, connecting them with the rest of the community who is using the device and more. 56 slim magazine autumn 2021
MINDFULNESS 2020 took its toll on mental health as well. Thankfully, predictions suggest that the meditation market is set to grow at 11.4 percent this year which suggests that people are taking their mental health seriously. Meditation and mindfulness have been proven to help with stress relief, sleep, anxiety and much more, but it can be delivered in many different styles. Soul Alive is an Australian online mindfulness platform devised by Luke McLeod that encourages people to take a moment and reset and recharge through live-streamed 20-minute mindfulness classes. Luke launched it prior to the pandemic, aiming to encourage people to connect with others while also experiencing the numerous benefits mindfulness meditation can have. UNIQUE INNOVATIONS From energy healing to infrared saunas, wellness brands are offering at-home solutions in 2021 and people are embracing them in large numbers. Infrared sauna blankets were created as an at-home solution as a compact option for people to enjoy the benefits of a traditional sauna in comfy kit form. Aussie brand MiHIGH is riding that wave and made more than $2.5 million in their first year of trading. Fitness and nutrition are perennially popular. Today more than ever, people are looking for innovative solutions to make themselves feel their very best, turning to technology and formats that allow us to be together, apart. More at soulalive.com.au flowathletic.tv mihigh.com.au
