The Rise of Digital Fitness During COVID
Fitness apps were popular long before COVID, however, when COVID emerged, they quickly changed their market positions and became increasingly integrated into people's everyday routines.
This took place during the first lockdown when all gyms were forced to close for an indeterminate amount of time. This left people with little choice except to workout at home, either through YouTube videos or fitness apps, providing a significant distraction.
COVID became like "fuel" for these apps since people adapted to stay indoors and were practically required to live the same monotonous day over and again with little or nothing to do.
However, it didn't take long for people to discover a terrific method to keep themselves active and in shape by using fitness apps, training routines, and classes available for free on Tiktok, Facebook, or Instagram.
Within the first lockdown period, which lasted from March to June 2021, Strava had an average of two million people subscribing for the first time on their website.
Similarly, Freeletics saw a two million increase in new UK users, soon surpassing 50% of what they had before COVID.
People recognized isolation as an opportunity to focus on themselves and their bodies. Resulting in them improving not only their physical but also their emotional wellbeing.
After restrictions were lifted and both lockdowns ended, gyms were quick to re-open, and although many people returned, several others chose to stay within their bubbles and the comfort of their homes, emphasizing the ability to see results by working out using fitness apps.
It's possible that this happened since COVID caused all kinds of social anxiety, and because individuals stopped socializing and socializing with each other.
It suddenly became awkward to chat to someone face to face, let alone exercise in front of a stranger.
In any case, COVID has increased awareness for people to take care of themselves, both physically and mentally, and fitness apps are a fantastic starting point.