The past few years have each been unpredictable in their own way. With the way the world is going, there’s not much that we can see coming, but experts can predict the trends we’re bound to see this year. Mindbody and ClassPass teamed up to get data from consumers and leaders of top wellness brands about what they predict the future of wellness holds. Here are the wellness trends we’re about to see everywhere.
In-person classes will be back
According to the Mindbody and ClassPass 2022 Mid-Year Wellness Trends Report, consumers in some areas are booking in-person experiences at rates that surpass pre-pandemic levels. “In February 2022, the ClassPass platform saw the most reservations since February 2020, with users booking at 10 percent higher rates than pre-pandemic times,” says the report. Additionally, data shows that 82 percent of Mindbody app users solely use the platform to book in-person experiences, with just 14 percent seeking virtual offerings. Even those consumers that begin virtually tend to transition to live experiences. Data shows that “35 percent of Americans started going to an in-person fitness class they discovered through virtual fitness.”
The metaverse will expand as it relates to wellness
Data shows that the adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will continue to grow. “Researchers predict growth of more than $125 billion globally by 2024,” reads the report. Currently, 23 percent of Americans already exercise using a VR app. The report notes that many Americans use AR or VR equipment to exercise as a way to gamify working out for a more fun, easy and appealing experience.
Chief creative soul of Good Soul Hunting, Emma Barry, admits to Mindbody and ClassPass that people are a bit scared of the new technology right now, but that doesn’t mean it’s going away. “It’s the continuum of the evolution of the internet. It’s going to be the meeting place for all realities, and it’s going to create quite an intoxicating environment.”
Personalization will be expected
A recent McKinsey report found that more than 70 percent of consumers expect to have personalized interactions with brands. Another report from McKinsey indicates that consumers are increasingly willing to provide their personal data in order to receive more personalized wellness treatments and services.
Founder and CEO of The Hydration Room, Dr. Brett Florie, said in the report, “Our health and wellness are inherently individual. What is going to work for you might not always be the case for anyone else.” He adds that “with personalization and customization, you receive a much more engaged customer: one who visits weekly, is eager to try new services, and becomes a champion of your brand online and in-person.”
President and CEO of Solidcore, Bryan Myers, says in the report, “Wellness brands should start to think of how they can ‘Netflix-ize’ or ‘Tik Tok-ize’ their consumer journey and experience, leveraging data and AI algorithms to proactively suggest how clients should interact with their service (or product) based on a user’s stated wellness goals and their ongoing behavior.” He feels that this type of tailored experience will help clients achieve their goals faster and more consistently.
Positive company culture will be essential
A recent study from Frandata and the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that nearly 90 percent of respondents reported franchisees are struggling to find workers. Meanwhile, a recent McKinsey article claims that 40 percent of employees are likely to leave their current job in the next three to six months. Experts suspect this spike in job transitions is due to shifting priorities.
According to the Mindbody and ClassPass report, 42 percent of people say that wellness perks/benefits, like corporate wellness programs, play an important role in making their decision. People are seeking opportunities for growth, paid time off and an unlimited vacation policy.
Consumers will seek more from their wellness experiences
“Consumers are more focused on wellness than ever and are expanding their definition of wellness to encompass a whole lot more than just being in shape,” reads the report. “This is likely to be a lasting effect of the pandemic, as Americans share that the pandemic has negatively affected their mental (49 percent) and physical health (40 percent).”
Wellness is now a full-body experience that includes “reducing stress, feeling confident and finding a sense of community and belonging.” Data from Mindbody found that people are even prioritizing mental wellness above all other aspects of wellness. While pre-pandemic, the top reason people exercised was to control weight and feel better. Now, people say they exercise to reduce stress and feel healthier mentally. These findings indicate that a focus on holistic wellness and the mind-body connection is and will continue to be pivotal.
