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

The 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.

After a year of enforced isolation, appetite for live fitness experiences in groups is soaring, with 85 per cent of gymgoers interested in trying live classes in their facility.

“After months of being stuck at home, people can’t wait to get back to fitness facilities and enjoy their favourite 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 renewed appreciation for real-world social settings. But that doesn’t mean that home workouts will disappear as we emerge from the pandemic. The digital fitness boom and the growth of home working means consumers are taking an omnichannel approach to their training to stay more active, mixing thrilling live workouts at the gym with the convenience of digital workouts at home.”

Lockdown has also spawned a new generation of fitness fans who have taken tentative steps into fitness and are now deciding what comes next, with 27 per cent of regular exercisers describing themselves as ‘absolute beginners’.