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LONDON, Sept. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Les Mills 2021 Global Fitness Report spotlights how the world will work out

post-pandemic, with live workouts and "Omnichannel Fitness" tipped to prevail.

Key findings:

- Gyms worldwide making strong recoveries, with class attendances at 120% of

pre-COVID levels in markets where restrictions have lifted.

- Two-thirds of gym members prefer working out with others as opposed to alone,

with live fitness classes cited as the most popular offering at the gym.

- Live classes at the gym are more than twice as appealing as livestream

options at home, with live Instructors and "the energy of the group" both key

factors.

- But COVID legacy will live on, with 80% of gym members planning to continue

using digital workouts post-pandemic in addition to live workouts.

Gyms around the world are set for a roaring recovery as they emerge from the

pandemic, with fitness fans eager to get back to live workouts with friends.

That's according to a major new report that charts a global 'live revival',

with fitness fans flocking to facilities for greater motivation and social

connection after months of solitary home workouts.

The Les Mills 2021 Global Fitness Report – which features insights from 12,157

consumers across five continents – explores how the pandemic has changed our

fitness habits and spotlights the trends that will shape our workouts in years

to come.

Despite fears the COVID-inspired home fitness boom would spell the end for

fitness facilities, research suggests the majority of members are rushing back

to their gym. The report finds gyms worldwide making strong recoveries since

reopening, with class occupancy at 120% of pre-COVID levels in markets where

capacity restrictions have lifted.

After a year of enforced home workouts, appetite for live fitness experiences

in groups is soaring, with 85% of gymgoers interested in trying live classes in

their facility.

Two-thirds of gym members (67%) say they prefer working out in groups, while

live classes in gyms are nearly twice as popular as online classes that are

livestreamed (done by 44% of members vs 23%).

Rockstar Instructors are identified as the single most important factor for

gymgoers when choosing a live class, favored by 28%, ahead of the quality of

music (24%) and type of class (21%). Quality Instructors are cited as a key

component of the live revival, meeting strong consumer demand for added

motivation and deeper connection in their workouts.

"After months of being stuck at home, people can't wait to get back to fitness

facilities and enjoy their favorite workouts with familiar faces," says Phillip

Mills, Les Mills Founder and Executive Director.

"Much like bars, restaurants, and sports events, fitness is experiencing a real

'live revival', as people make up for lost time with a renewed appreciation for

real-world social settings.

"Many people have missed the thrill of a busy class led by a rockstar

Instructor, and the extra motivation from working out with others.

"But that doesn't mean home workouts will disappear as we emerge from the

pandemic. The digital fitness boom and the growth of home working mean

consumers are taking an omnichannel approach to their training, mixing

thrilling live workouts at the gym with the convenience of digital workouts at

home."

The impact of the pandemic on the fitness landscape is evident throughout the

report. The digital fitness boom looks set to last, with 80% of gym members

planning to continue using digital workouts post-pandemic.

'Omnichannel Fitness' – a blend of in-gym and digital home workouts – is tipped

to gain traction as we emerge from the pandemic, with the majority of

exercisers (59%) favoring a 60:40 split between gym and home workouts.

Access the full report: https://www.lesmills.com/global-fitness-report/

Media requests: press@lesmills.com

About Les Mills

Les Mills is the global leader in group fitness and creator of 20 programs

including BODYPUMP(TM) and BODYCOMBAT(TM). Les Mills workouts are delivered by

140,000 certified instructors in 21,000 gyms across 100 countries, as well as

via the LES MILLS(TM) On Demand streaming platform. The company was founded by

Les Mills – a four-time Olympian and head coach of New Zealand's track and

field team – who opened his first gym in 1968 to bring elite sports training to

the masses.

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Source: Les Mills