FUTURE OF wellness

We've probed the experts, dug into the data, checked the market and even googled the webs. Now, we're calling it: Here are the hottest new health, fitness, beauty and nutritional trends that will dominate the wellness conversation and help you become your best self!

- JAMIE MILLAR, JENNIFER NIED and GOTLHOKWANG ANGOMA-MZINI

Fitness

1 Working Out With A Crowd

According to Les Mills' 2021 Global Report, two-thirds of gym-goers preferred working out in groups, with live classes almost twice as popular as livestreams. "Interactive and mass-participation events will return as people seek to work out together, away from a screen, bringing theatre back to fitness," says Barry's UK co-founder Sandy Macaskill. That said, the 'eventising' of fitness won't be restricted to IRL as operators weave concepts from sport, music, films and gaming into "heightened, multifaceted experiences", adds Laura Hill, former senior editor of leading wellness platform Welltodo.

2 Everybody Is Padeling

Haven't hopped on the Padel craze yet? What are you waiting for? It's growing fast internationally - in fact it has over 25 million players in over 90 countries and is quickly ramping up in popularity among South Africans. ICYDK, Padel combines the best elements of tennis and squash. You play in an enclosed court that is three-quarters of the size of a traditional tennis court, with four people rallying a tennislike ball back and forth. Tennis scoring, squash pace so fun, right? Hell yeah! Give it a try at Africa Padel and courts at Virgin Active Padel Clubs are also currently underway.

3 Slow Exercise Is A Thing

Contrary to what you think, a workout doesn't have to involve explosive moves like burpees or high-intensity running in order to be effective. Enter low-impact exercises. Yes, they're back. Because walking really took centre stage during the pandemic. When gyms, studios and classes were shut down, people finally realised they can challenge their muscles without pounding their joints. Slow workouts include: long walks, Pilates and mobility exercises.

4 Period Power