Social Media and Health
Over the past decade, there has been a significant cultural shift towards prioritizing physical health, and this trend has been accelerated by the rise of fitness centers and the pervasive influence of social media.
The rise of health and fitness has been greatly influenced by the expansion of fitness facilities and the growing variety of offerings available to people. In recent years, the number of gyms, fitness centers, and boutique fitness studios has increased rapidly, providing more opportunities for individuals to engage in exercise and wellness activities. These facilities now offer a wide range of fitness options, including yoga, Pilates, cycling, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), and strength training. This diversity allows people to choose activities that align with their personal preferences and fitness goals, making it easier for individuals of all backgrounds and fitness levels to find something they enjoy and can commit to. As a result, more people are prioritizing their health and well-being, contributing to the overall rise in health-conscious lifestyles.
LesMills 2021 Global Report
1 / Prioritizing Health
"The pandemic has prompted consumers to prioritize their health, with 50% focusing more on their wellbeing in 2021. 82% of consumers regularly exercise (or soon plan to), while 75% of this group do gym-type activities"( Phillips, 2021).
2 / Beginners
27% of regular exercisers describe themselves as "absolute beginners"(Phillips, 2021) This highlights a significant trend in the fitness world, where many individuals are just starting their fitness journeys despite engaging in regular exercise. This emphasizes the need for recreation professionals to create supportive, beginner-friendly programs that cater to those who may feel new to exercise, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to build confidence and continue progressing.
3 / Virtual or In-Person
The majority of exercisers (59%) favor a 60:40 split between gym and home workouts, reflecting a growing preference for a balanced fitness routine that combines the structure of gym sessions with the convenience of home exercises. This trend suggests that recreation professionals should consider offering flexible programs or hybrid options that accommodate both gym and at-home workouts, ensuring participants can maintain consistency and stay motivated regardless of where they choose to exercise
Health & Fitness Trends
These are the top fitness trends listed by American College Sports of Medicine in 2024
Wearable Technology
Technology like Fitbit are used to educate users on data to improve their health, sleep, and recovery
Mental Health Exercise
Exercises to enhance someone's overall health and well-being
Mobile Apps
Helps guide users to be able to perform workouts in other environments compared to the gym.
Traditional Strength Training
Most popular within people, evidence shows significant outcome on physical health and fitness
Exercise for Weight Loss
With obesity trending upwards, many people are striving to lose weight
Programs for Older Adults
Helps increase longevity and healthy years of life, adds diversity to a growing community
Community Building
1
Variety of Offerings
The variety of fitness offerings in gyms, from yoga to HIIT and strength training, plays a key role in building community. These diverse options allow people with different interests and fitness goals to connect and share experiences. As individuals find activities they enjoy, they create supportive networks where they can motivate each other and celebrate progress. This sense of community fosters a positive, inclusive fitness culture, encouraging people to stay committed to their health and well-being.
2
Blogs
Fitness and health blogs have become a powerful tool for community building by providing valuable information and creating spaces for people to connect. These blogs cover a wide range of topics, from workout routines to nutrition tips, and often encourage readers to share their own experiences and progress. As people engage with these blogs, they form online communities where individuals can offer support, advice, and motivation. This sense of connection helps foster a positive, inclusive environment where people feel encouraged to pursue their fitness goals and prioritize their health, while building lasting relationships within the fitness community.
3
Movements
Social media movements in the fitness and health world have become a powerful way to build communities. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are filled with movements that encourage people to share their fitness journeys, tips, and challenges. These movements create spaces where individuals can connect, support each other, and celebrate progress, no matter their fitness level. As people engage with these movements, they form a sense of belonging and camaraderie, helping to motivate and inspire others. This sense of community fosters a positive, inclusive environment, where people are encouraged to prioritize their health and well-being while connecting with others who share similar goals.
Body Positivity Movement
Social media has also been instrumental in promoting body positivity, where individuals of all body types share their fitness experiences without focusing solely on weight loss or achieving a "perfect" body. This shift toward inclusivity encourages more people to participate in fitness regardless of their starting point.
Body Positive Influencers
Body positivity influencers are important because they encourage self-acceptance and challenge unrealistic beauty standards. By showing a variety of body types, they help people feel good about their own bodies and promote a culture of inclusivity. These influencers speak out against harmful stereotypes and focus on health and happiness instead of trying to meet narrow beauty ideals. Their messages help followers feel more confident and supported, no matter their size or shape. In a world where the media often shows only one type of beauty, body positivity influencers are changing the conversation and helping everyone feel valued and beautiful in their own way.
Stanford Study
Be Body Positive Program
Why is it important for recreation professionals to understand this trend?
It's crucial for recreation professionals to understand the growing focus on fitness and health, as well as the body positivity movement, because these trends shape how people approach physical activity and wellness. With more individuals prioritizing fitness, influenced by the rise of gyms and social media, professionals must adapt programs to meet diverse needs, promoting inclusivity and encouraging long-term health goals. The body positivity movement, which celebrates all body types and promotes self-love over appearance, further emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming, judgment-free spaces for exercise. By embracing these trends, recreation professionals can foster environments that support both physical and mental well-being, making fitness accessible and empowering for everyone.