Mindbody's 2024 Forecast: Trends Reveal a Return to Nature and Low-Impact Fitness

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

The annual Wellness Index, a comprehensive study into Americans' perceptions and behaviors towards wellness, reveals evolving trends and priorities in the health and wellness sector. Conducted by Mindbody, this survey offers key insights for fitness industry professionals by examining consumer attitudes across various dimensions of wellness, especially in the context of recent economic challenges and the global pandemic.

Despite the economic downturn impacting many Americans' financial well-being, with over half reporting stress related to their financial situation, wellness remains a priority. The survey found that 76% of consumers believe wellness is more important than ever, with nearly half stating their focus on well-being has intensified due to the pandemic. This sustained interest in wellness is reflected in steady spending within the category, with the U.S. wellness market estimated to have reached $480 million by the end of 2023.

Mindbody's Wellness Index, which surveyed over 8,000 consumers, identifies six key wellness trends anticipated to shape the industry in 2024. Among these is the rise of beauty tourism, with a significant portion of consumers willing to travel for specific beauty treatments, highlighting a global interest in aesthetic services. Another trend is the increasing embrace of childhood nostalgia and outdoor activities, with a notable uptick in sports and recreation bookings, including a 92% increase on platforms like ClassPass.

A notable 40% of respondents have incorporated various low-impact exercises into their fitness regimens, such as gentle yoga (17%), traditional yoga (16%), and martial arts (10%). This trend towards gentler forms of exercise underscores a growing appreciation for workouts that offer calming and relaxing benefits, with 41% of consumers favoring low-intensity exercises for these reasons. This data suggests a pivot away from the high-intensity, high-stress workouts of previous years towards more sustainable, mindful fitness practices. The 2023 Look Back Report, referenced in the survey, shows a clear preference for these types of activities among modern consumers. Moreover, a blend of low and high-intensity workouts is popular among Gen Z and millennials, 41% of whom appreciate the variety and holistic approach these combined routines offer to fitness.

Furthermore, the Wellness Index highlights a deepening connection between wellness and nature, with 39% of consumers acknowledging the significant mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. More than half of the survey participants view outdoor walking as a critical component of their fitness routine, supported by studies suggesting that just 20 minutes outdoors can substantially reduce stress levels. This growing interest in nature is not just about physical activity; 17% of respondents are considering incorporating adaptogenic mushrooms into their diets, and 13% have participated in camps or retreats that focus on activities connected to nature, seeking benefits beyond stress relief, including anxiety reduction and improved cognitive function.

For fitness professionals, these insights underline the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences and the potential for new market opportunities. The continued prioritization of wellness, despite economic pressures, suggests a resilient and evolving industry ready to meet the diverse needs of its consumers, with a particular emphasis on low-impact, nature-inclusive, and holistic wellness practices.

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