From Lockdown to Lifting Weights: How the Pandemic Changed Our Relationship with Fitness

When the pandemic hit, it threw a wrench into just about every part of our lives—work, school, travel, and especially fitness. Gyms closed, sports leagues were put on hold, and the once-popular gym routine was replaced by home workouts (if you were lucky enough to have the space and motivation). Now that we're emerging from the chaos, it’s time to take a look at how our participation in physical activity has shifted since the pandemic—and what might explain the changes.

1. The Decline in Gym Visits: Why We Took a Step Back

Before COVID-19, people were hitting the gym, signing up for fitness classes, and joining sports leagues in record numbers. The Physical Activity Council’s 2022 Report highlighted that about 82% of Americans aged 6 and older were active in some form of physical activity pre-pandemic. But, once lockdowns and restrictions kicked in, gym closures and social distancing measures threw a major wrench into regular routines.

A 2021 Statista survey showed that 48% of gym-goers stopped working out regularly during the pandemic, citing safety concerns and social distancing guidelines. In fact, many fitness centers experienced mass cancellations and a dramatic drop in memberships.

So, what happened? Well, the gym environment—once a social hub and fitness sanctuary—became a potential breeding ground for the virus. People felt more comfortable avoiding crowded spaces, and many shifted their fitness routines to home-based activities like yoga, home workouts, or outdoor running. And for some, this shift became permanent. The closure of gyms forced people to reconsider their fitness habits, and for many, the transition to a more flexible, at-home fitness routine stuck around.

2. The Rise of Home Workouts: The New Normal?

Speaking of home workouts, it's clear that these became a serious trend during the pandemic. According to a 2021 survey by IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association), 62% of people reported trying home fitness during the pandemic, with many saying they planned to continue even after gyms reopened. Home fitness options, from YouTube workout videos to virtual personal training, offered a convenient way to stay active without leaving the house.

Apps and fitness platforms like Peloton, Zwift, and Daily Burn saw massive growth. Peloton, for example, reported a 172% increase in sales during 2020 alone. That was the year people were looking for alternatives to their usual routines, and many found a new love for working out in the comfort of their living rooms. Not only were these platforms convenient, but they also made fitness feel more personal and tailored to individual needs.

Still, the shift wasn’t without its challenges. Home workouts might be convenient, but they also lacked the social interaction and accountability that gyms and group fitness classes often provide. For many, the isolation of working out alone led to a decline in motivation. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), this decrease in social interaction contributed to a significant rise in feelings of loneliness and a drop in overall mental health during the pandemic.

3. The Surge in Outdoor Fitness: Fresh Air, Fresh Perspective

One area that did see an uptick in activity during the pandemic was outdoor fitness. With gyms closed and indoor activities limited, many people turned to nature as their gym. Running, cycling, hiking, and outdoor sports became more popular, not just as a way to stay in shape, but as a means of coping with the stress and uncertainty that defined the pandemic years.

In fact, a 2020 report by the Outdoor Foundation revealed that outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking increased by 8% in the U.S. during the pandemic. With people looking for ways to stay active and maintain social distancing, the outdoors provided a safer, healthier alternative. Many individuals found that these activities not only kept them physically fit but also helped with mental clarity and stress relief, which were especially important as mental health took a hit during the pandemic.

Even now, post-pandemic, outdoor fitness remains a strong trend. According to a 2022 survey by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA),74% of people still prefer outdoor activities for fitness, citing the health benefits of fresh air and sunlight. The pandemic might have forced us to adapt, but it also sparked a greater appreciation for outdoor exercise—something that’s likely to stick around for the long term.

4. Mental Health and Fitness: A New Focus on Wellness

Speaking of mental health, one of the more surprising shifts in post-pandemic fitness trends is the increased focus on wellness—and it’s not just about physical health anymore. Before COVID-19, fitness was often viewed as a means of improving physical appearance and athletic performance. Now, wellness has become a much broader concept that includes mental health, mindfulness, and overall well-being.

During the pandemic, many people turned to fitness as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and isolation. Meditation apps like Headspace and Calm gained millions of new users, and fitness platforms started integrating mindfulness and recovery sessions into their workout routines. Research shows that physical activity and mindfulness exercises can help reduce anxiety and depression, and people are now more likely to consider mental health as an integral part of their fitness journey.

In fact, a 2022 report by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 72% of adults now view physical exercise as a key component of their mental health regimen. The pandemic, in many ways, turned fitness into a holistic approach to wellness, where mental clarity and emotional health are just as important as physical strength.

5. Looking Ahead: Will We Go Back to "Normal"?

So, after everything we've been through, what’s next? Will we return to our pre-pandemic fitness habits, or have things changed for good?

The short answer is: a little bit of both. While some gym-goers will undoubtedly return to their favorite fitness clubs, others will stick with their home workout routines or embrace outdoor fitness as the norm. The pandemic has reshaped the way we view exercise, and it’s clear that flexibility and variety are key. People now appreciate the ability to work out on their terms, whether at home, in a gym, or in the great outdoors.

As gyms and fitness centers recover, they’ll likely have to adapt by offering more virtual classes, hybrid options, and outdoor events. The trend is clear: people want fitness options that suit their lifestyles, whether that's a 5 a.m. spin class or a midday walk in the park.