The Biggest Fitness Trends in 2023 | lululemon Studio

A lot has changed over the years, but one thing has remained the same: prioritizing health and fitness is unquestionably important. With that said, the way we stay fit is constantly changing, too.

In a world sometimes dominated by short-lived fads, we’ve put together the  fitness trends that are here to stay.

Whether you’re new to the world of fitness or a health and fitness aficionado, you’ll love these trends that are disrupting the fitness world. 

A Changing Fitness Industry 

It’s a story we know far too well by now. As news of the global pandemic swept the globe in early 2020, one of the hardest-hit industries was fitness.

The landscape of health and wellness has changed a lot recently, but that hasn’t stopped fitness enthusiasts from getting sweaty in new and exciting ways. The future of physical wellness is looking bright.

What Is the Fastest Growing Fitness Trend?

The 12-3-30 treadmill workout trend has been the fastest-growing fitness trend in recent years, holding strong in 2023. A 12-3-30 workout means walking on a treadmill with an incline of 12, a speed of 3 miles per hour, and walking for 30 minutes. It’s much harder than it sounds and people are loving the fat-burning results. Cardio is an important part of any weight loss plan and should be routinely incorporated to any general fitness plan for good overall health and wellness. For those looking for a low-impact but effective cardio workout, 12-3-30 could be for you. 

What Is the Newest Trend in Fitness? 

The newest exercise craze in 2023 is wall Pilates. This breakout trend has gotten attention from fitness enthusiasts all over North America. While Pilates can be done with a varying number of modalities including a chair, many of its foundational movements can also be done using a wall. But while wall Pilates might be a trend this year, classic Pilates remains timeless. Try lululemon Studios’ online Pilates classes to see for yourself how great a workout it really is.

Fitness Trends to Avoid in 2023 

If you’ve been hearing the term “heroin chic” online or in conversation lately, it seems that this trend is attempting to come back around in 2023. Some celebrities are opting for a thin and frail appearance; however, this trend should be avoided at all costs, in 2023 and all years that follow. 

Having a strong body that’s capable of moving heavy objects with ease and without risk of injury is essential to long-term physical health and mental well-being. Focusing on what the body can do instead of what it looks like is the correct approach to fitness and encourages a much healthier mindset. Remember, your body type is not, and never should be, a trend.

Fitness Trends For 2023

Pandemic or not, change is constant. That’s especially true in the fast-moving fitness industry. Stay up to date with these top health and fitness trends to watch in 2023 and beyond.

Fitness knows no bounds in the virtual world. Anyone with access to an internet connection can access workout classes, fitness challenges, and one-on-one personal training sessions.

Back in the day, we had Jane Fonda’s workout videos on VHS. Then YouTube came along, giving us on-demand workout videos. Today, virtual classes have gone a step further by streaming live into our homes.

Challenges are a great addition to the virtual fitness mix because they help keep people accountable to stick to their workouts. Whether it’s virtual 5k runs or step contests at work, a challenge can be exactly what you need to get motivated, increase your heart rate, and burn a few extra calories. 

One-on-one personal fitness training sessions have gone online, meaning that motivation is now coming through at-home speakers instead of studio microphones. By pivoting to remote delivery fitness services, personal trainers have been able to hold their clients accountable to their S.M.A.R.T. fitness goals  when they can’t be there physically.

The lululemon Studio Mirror checks all the boxes when it comes to virtual fitness. Our smart fitness mirror gives you access to virtual fitness classes, virtual training sessions with a personal trainer, and virtual challenges you can do with your family and friends. Turn your fitness routine into an interactive experience with the Mirror.

Get form advice and technique tips from lululemon Studio instructors during live workouts, or hire a personal trainer for a private, virtual session in the comfort of your own home.
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If you’ve headed out to a park to catch some sun, you’ve no doubt seen people doing outdoor workouts (either solo or as a group fitness class). On any given day, the soccer field plays host to organized bootcamp, Tai Chi, boxing, and yoga classes. 

Combining fresh air and group training activity seems to be a winning formula—as long as the weather cooperates. As we settle into 2023, we can see the trend of working out outside is here to stay. Unfortunately, it’s not a year-round option for much of the country, making it only part of the wellness puzzle, and driving to an outdoor exercise class may not fit within some peoples’ schedules. For those reasons and more, at-home fitness is also a trend that works perfectly with your fitness routine.

Technology has changed the way people work out. Fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, smartwatches, and other wearable tech track heart rate, calories burned, and stairs climbed. ‍

These improvements have made exercising alone a much more interesting affair.

To a degree, fitness tech can also simulate the in-person experience. The ability to track every workout on your Apple Watch and broadcast it to the world is a game-changer. The lululemon Studio App, and other similar products, allow for competition between friends and community members, and face-off challenges during workouts. As we return to a more traditional exercise model in the future, fitness technology will continue to change the way we think about health and wellness.

The data that people get when using fitness wearables helps keep them motivated and focused on their fitness journey. With new fitness wearables and tech coming out each year, this trend has, unsurprisingly, continued in 2023.

People are busier than ever and blocking off a full 30 to 60+ minutes for an uninterrupted workout can be unrealistic for some. A trend we’re seeing in 2023 is the need for shorter workouts (or “workout snacks”)that can be done throughout the day. This means 15, 10, and even 5-minute workouts.

For example, if you have a jam-packed day, a realistic approach to fitness could look something like this:

• Morning: 10 minutes of cardio
• Lunch: 5-minute ab workout
• Afternoon/Night: 15 minutes of strength training

These small bouts of exercise add up to a much larger number without a big time commitment upfront, and people are taking notice of this approach in 2023.

After the world shifted to a work-from-home model, there were some brilliant opportunities for exercise. Commuting to workout took 15 seconds, home gym systems like lululemon Studio’s Mirror doubled as decor, and you could be ready to work out at a moment’s notice. 

While many people have returned to in-office or a hybrid model, the noted benefits of working out at home haven’t changed. 

lululemon Studio offers the widest range of live and on-demand workout classes led by top instructors and industry experts. Choose from over 10,000 classes across 50+ categories, with workouts as short as 5 minutes for a midday break.
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 Rest and recovery have become as essential as crushing personal bests. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to have one without the other. Resting your body allows you to come back to your workouts feeling rejuvenated, helping you overcome that plateau.

And how great is it to be able to move heavy objects without pain or strain? Moving through life with ease is something everyone can get behind, and it’s why mobility is so important. 

There’s been a rise in mobility exercises such as yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, foam rolling, stretching, etc. People are seeing the benefit of mobility training and easily incorporating this into their active recovery days.

Meditation and mindfulness have been gaining in popularity, and with good reason. Isolation, uncertainty, and disrupted fitness regimens all contributed to a decline in mental health over the past few years. It’s no wonder that so much focus is going into linking mental and physical wellness.

Yoga has exploded in popularity due to its emphasis on meditation and spirituality, with long, deep stretches promoting relaxation and self-reflection. Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi and other low-intensity workouts fulfill a similar purpose—slowing down and allowing the mind and body to work in harmony together.

Wellness coaching has also become an integral part of self-care, allowing many to take a more holistic approach to their physical fitness and mental well-being.

Connect your mind and body with lululemon Studio Tai Chi classes, available in four levels
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The average American spends around five and a half hours on their phone each day. While that number may seem like a shock, some of that time is actually being used for exercise (thanks to fitness apps).

Some apps guide you through a solo workout, while others—like the lululemon Studio App—elevate your home fitness experience by pairing with existing smart or connected home gyms. One of the most significant benefits of app-based workouts is the ability to track preferences and performance, leading to personalized suggestions.

Regardless of their exact function, most fitness apps have one thing in common: they allow you to exercise with minimal equipment. For many, all you need is resistance bands, dumbbells, and kettlebells. Whether you’re weight training at home or doing cardio-based workouts, it’s simplicity at its finest.

And while apps may not be a substitute for the entire fitness experience, they make for an excellent add-on to a healthy lifestyle.

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So far, 2023 has felt more normal than recent years. People are getting out of their houses more and back into the real world. In-person fitness at gyms and health clubs is slowly feeling more comfortable for people, but the convenience of working out at home will never fade. That’s why we’re seeing a steady trend of hybrid workout routines. 

People are choosing to approach their fitness routines with a mix of in-person and at-home/online workouts. This hybrid approach allows for so much more freedom and flexibility with any fitness plan. 

Living a healthy and fit life is for everyone, and fitness platforms and facilities alike are doing more to make everyone feel included in recent years. This means acknowledging different communities and gaps in communication around marginalized groups. The rise of an inclusive fitness industry is a celebration of all bodies moving and getting stronger together. 

Community fitness has always been a great way to get motivated and feed off the energy of others in a class. If you’ve attended a lively group class, you know how electric they can be. This is even more present when everyone feels included, safe, and welcome. We’re happy to see this inclusive trend in 2023 and are confident that it’s here to stay.

Your Fitness Routine Shouldn’t Rely On Trends

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that personal well-being is indispensable—but not at the risk of personal safety. Simple home workouts meet both of these criteria but can leave a little to be desired.

lululemon Studio is more than just a fleeting fitness trend. Its advancement in fitness technology revolutionizes the home workout, here to stay regardless of health orders, lockdowns, or your changing exercise preferences. The smart fitness mirror gives you access to thousands of live and on-demand workouts and connects you to a fitness community of trainers and other lululemon Studio users that will inspire your daily fitness routine—all from the comfort of your home.

Stay ahead of the curve with the lululemon Studio App. Become a member today and get FREE access to our library of over 10,000 classes and over 60 workout categories for 30 days.