What are the boutique fitness trends

With the onset of the pandemic last year, we have all seen the fitness landscape evolve amongst the uncertainties surrounding Covid-19. 2021, however, has proven to be a pivotal year as the changes have stabilised and we are slowly returning to a new state of normalcy. 

So what is this “new normal” of 2021 that has overtaken the boutique fitness landscape? The new normal combines the fitness trends that came about as a result of the pandemic as well as the qualities that we were so used to pre-pandemic that we can finally indulge in again.

 

Let’s take a look at some of the boutique fitness trends in 2021 in Singapore:

 

1. Outdoor Fitness Classes

 

 

We started to see the emergence of these outdoor fitness classes in Singapore as a top boutique fitness trend when the restrictions for indoor mask-off activities started to kick in. 

 

The benefits of outdoor classes are plenty, from being able to bask in fresh air to receiving vitamin D from the sun. Being in outdoor spaces also helps combat the effects of long-term isolation that came about from having to work from home or being in lockdown due to the pandemic. A plus point for boutique fitness studios and trainers for using public outdoor spaces is that they’re completely free of charge!

 

These benefits have sustained the demand for outdoor fitness classes in Singapore even after the restrictions on indoor mask-off activities have been eased. Now, outdoor fitness classes such as cardio training, high intensity interval training, and even outdoor spin classes are no longer a new concept to us. 

 

You can check out The Daily Movement, Liv Outdoor and Yoga in the Park on vibefam for some outdoor fitness classes! 

 

2. Spin Classes

 

 

Spin classes foster a sense of community and in-person human connections which consumers value after a full year of reduced social interaction. The sense of community is strengthened especially through Themed Rides, which is a very popular trend amongst spin studios in Singapore come 2021.

 

For themed rides, each spin class would have a specific theme to it; whether it is playing only a certain genre of songs, or only a certain artist’s songs. This creates a sense of community where all riders ride to the same type of music. There are even special occasion themed rides like when instructors and riders are all encouraged to dress up in halloween costumes for 31 October rides.

 

Based on an analysis done by classpass, one of the trends that emerged amidst the pandemic was that the most popular time to workout was 12pm on weekdays. Spin classes also easily perpetuate this trend as it is usually a quick 45 minutes class where many working individuals slot into their lunch break on working days.

 

Some spin studios you can check out in Singapore are X Spin Club and Aurora Singapore Official!

 

3. Reformer Pilates Classes

 

 

Reformer pilates classes is also one of the trends that rose to popularity in 2021 when there was loosening of measures for fitness classes. As described in an article by very well fit, a reformer pilates is a pilates equipment shaped like a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs and resistance can be adjusted.

 

One of the reasons why it is so popular is that gym go-ers are seizing the opportunity to book equipment intensive classes (where equipment are those that are complicated and they would not otherwise have it at home) now that in-person classes are allowed. The lockdown last year also created an increase in knowledge on the importance of health and wellness, with many individuals opting for classes that focus on good form. Pilates does well in this domain as it teaches proper muscle engagement.

 

BE Pilates and Pilates Plus are some of the Singapore Boutique Fitness studios that offer Reformer Pilates classes that you can check out! Fitfoo is one of our favourite studios that conducts classes at Core Collective, a luxurious fitness studio in central Singapore.  

 

4. Virtual Classes

 

 

Last but not least would be the trend of virtual fitness classes. Virtual fitness classes are extremely convenient as it can be done anywhere.

 

Youtube workout exercises trended during the lockdown last year, with popular Youtubers like Chloe Ting and Pamela Reif generating millions of views on their youtube workout videos. As a result of that, a lot of consumers have purchased at-home work-out equipment during the lockdown and would still like to use them going forward, making virtual fitness classes a good opportunity to make use of their equipment.

 

One of the learning lessons for many boutique studios is the importance of staying agile. Having virtual classes ensures that boutique fitness studios would be able to have an alternative stream of revenue even if social distancing restrictions are heightened.

 

Some of the popular fitness studios in Singapore that conduct virtual fitness classes are 

Body Fit Training, WeBarre and Level Singapore.

 

Boutique fitness experienced the most massive growth in the fitness industry over the past decade especially during the pandemic and spilling over to 2021. One of the main reasons is that boutique fitness studios offer niche workouts and a unique community space. Boutique fitness studios have also proven to be flexible in times of the pandemic and adapted to all of the trends we see above, which is why they experience such exponential growth. 

 

Here at vibefam, we aim to support boutique fitness studios to scale their businesses. Ride on this boutique fitness wave with us, as we support you in offering virtual fitness classes and building your fitness community. Find out more about what vibefam offers here!

 

This article was written by Kwok Shu Ning.