The rise of rest in fitness regimes
This year, there will be a major shift in how we exercise — and those who hate going to the gym will be happy about it.
If you’re looking for a reason to skip the run club, here it is: Australians are moving away from physically demanding workout routines that push their bodies to the limits, and focusing more on restorative wellness-based practices. While physical fitness will always be a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, the concept of wellness is evolving, with a greater emphasis on improving overall quality of life.
“People are now shifting focus beyond the physical and towards a more holistic approach,” says Zaac Schembri, head of product at Virgin Active. Schembri believes that taking the time to rest and recover is critical in maintaining balance in our busy schedules. Doing so can help prevent injuries, improve movement quality and increase longevity. But unfortunately for couch potatoes, this isn’t an alternative to exercise, so quitting the gym won’t help. Rest is not meant to replace workouts but rather complement them with wellness amenities and low-impact workouts such as sound baths, yoga, or other recovery-focused practices.
Virgin Active health clubs have noticed an increase in the demand for wellness classes this year. Members are now more focused on rest and recovery rather than pushing themselves to their limits. In response to this shift, the gym now offers new classes such as reformer recovery pilates and sound baths to provide its members with opportunities to rest. This approach moves away from solely intense workouts towards a more balanced approach to health and stress management. According to Schembri, “These classes are a haven for members to decompress and rejuvenate. They support a holistic fitness journey, allowing individuals to balance regular workout intensity with essential rest and recuperation.”
Gabriella Franklin, the founder of AirPod Wellness Australia, has also noticed a significant shift towards prioritising wellbeing. She believes that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated change in the wellness sector and that people are now more proactive in managing their health. This change is happening globally, with initiatives such as wellness tourism and workplace wellness programs gaining popularity. Franklin points to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2023, which projects significant growth in the wellness sector and highlights an increasing focus on proactive health management. According to her, the Wellness Economy was valued at AUD$8.736 trillion in 2022, and by 2027, the Global Wellness Economy is forecast to be valued at AUD$13.2072 trillion. This represents an 8.6% CAGR that is projected to outperform global GDP growth.
Prioritising rest over physically demanding exercise is not just a trend, it’s supported by numerous benefits. Engaging in low-intensity activities has been linked to improving blood flow to the muscles, which helps in recovery and prepares the body for future workouts. Effortless wellness practices such as infrared saunas, ice baths, cryotherapy, and the AirPod mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) chamber have also become increasingly popular, and offer effective ways to destress and detoxify the body. Franklin said, “We have experienced exponential growth with an increase in visits to our Wellness Hub, new like-minded wellbeing partners coming on board globally, as well as a substantial influx of weekly inquiries on how and where to access the AirPod mHBOT.”
If you’re wondering how you can incorporate active rest into your routine, it’s easier than you might think. Schembri suggests scheduling restorative classes into your schedule, treating them like any other important appointment. “Many of our members opt for a mix of early morning, lunchtime, or evening sessions as well as weekend sessions to complement their busy lives and manage work-life balance,” he says. Alternating between intense workouts and wellness practices can optimise recovery and prevent burnout. Whether you prefer low-impact exercise, yoga, sound baths, or other restorative activities such as the AirPod, they can all aid in muscle recovery and enhance overall wellbeing.
As the importance of rest and relaxation gains recognition in the fitness industry, you can expect to see more classes and amenities that promote recovery and overall wellness. In the quest to find a balance between activity and rest, doing less appears to be a crucial component in maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.
Next time you want to skip the gym, remember that rest is as important as exercise for your health, perhaps even more so.
