Will you stick with online fitness classes after the pandemic?

We all changed how we work out during the pandemic - no longer allowed in gyms, most of us were downloading apps or joining Zoom calls in order to get sweaty.

And while some of us have joined the gym again, according to a new study by Pragma and Fiit, the online fitness industry is now 70 per cent larger than the size of gym memberships pre-pandemic. 

Fiit, which features in our guide to the best online personal trainer and fitness apps, also found in the survey, produced by Pragma, that one-third of the UK adult population have now participated in digital fitness activities - a massive shift in how we work out.

Of course, this is nothing new, in lockdown weights were hard to buy online, Peloton's success skyrocketed and fitness apps suddenly had thousands, if not millions of new users. But, with lockdowns easing is digital fitness here to stay?

The survey results go on to show that those using digital fitness platforms are typically exercising 17 per cent more often than non-digital fitness users. While 31 per cent of us are looking to the best fitness trackers to record how we move at home.

Daniel Shellard, CEO and Co-Founder at Fiit, says: "For the last year, home workouts have offered consumers the ability to tailor their workouts to fit with their personal schedules, offering a new flexibility that has been instrumental in helping users create better, healthier habits. 

"As bricks and mortar facilities begin to reopen, it's clear that the traditional format must be adapted to match post-pandemic customers expectations."

Looking ahead, as restrictions continue to be eased, the survey showcases how digital fitness is here to stay with 65 per cent of fitness fans stating they will continue using digital apps in some way - whether it's at home or in the gym.

Daniel goes on to say: "With flexibility now a priority, we can expect to see our members adopting a more hybrid exercise routine, training both at home or taking Fiit to the gym. 

"Our partnership with The Gym Group reflects these changes and supports our mission of getting every body moving by allowing its members to train with industry-leading trainers whether they are at the gym or at home."

Co-Founded in 2017 by a team of ex-Google employees and Qubit founders, the Fiit app allows you to stream fitness classes straight to your phone, tablet or TV. And you'll never have to do the same workout twice - as you can choose from any of the 700+ workouts — either on-demand or in scheduled group classes with live leaderboards.