By Laetithia Harb | Staff Writer
Today’s world is so social media-oriented that having a fitness routine is a must – not because you need to be healthy, but because you have to fit in. Working out has become a trend. Want to play tennis? Forget about it; Padel is the way to go. You want to take a reform fitness class? Start Pilates.
These sports have taken traditional exercises and added a twist to them. Instead of a rigid, highly regulated sport, you can now enjoy playing a more easygoing, fun game that will still benefit you. These exercises are fast-paced and accessible but will also boost your sociability.
These trends have emerged around COVID times, back in 2019, when quarantine was still being implemented. People needed to spend their time, they needed to do something. Considering gyms, training facilities, and even parks were not open, group meetings were not allowed; individuals had to rely on their homes as a workout space. They depended on YouTube, TikTok, and online programs that helped them train all while at home.
Since then, many sports have surfaced and stood out to players who seem to enjoy such workouts.
Pilates is a good at-home sport renowned for the workouts it provides. Exercise can be done in-house, alone, or in a center with others. It focuses on the connection between the mind and the body, which helps with a more targeted and dynamic workout. What makes this activity so special is the fact that it can be tailored to each person’s needs and preferences. In fact, whether you’re an athlete, a pregnant woman, or a 70-year-old, Pilates is a very rewarding exercise.
A study by Pilates Method Alliance and Pilates Anytime in the United States showed that 65% of people receive their information about Pilates online. Furthermore, more than 70% of promotions about Pilates are done through different social media platforms. This proves that the media and the internet significantly influence individuals’ workout choices.
Whereas Pilates consists of a full body workout, Padel is a racket game that is also growing fast.
The traditional tennis game has been overtaken by Padel, its non-traditional sibling. For instance, according to Sports Insight, in 2023, the demand for Padel equipment increased by more than 100%, while the demand for tennis equipment somewhat decreased.
The rise of Padel could be attributed to many factors. Most importantly, practice is never restricted by technical issues such as rain. It is played in an enclosed space one-third the size of a tennis court. Additionally, this game is good for cardio, balance, stability, and hand-eye coordination.
Just like Padel, Pickleball is a game of rackets and courts.
In 1965, Pickleball was invented, also loved by many celebrities, it is a combination of different racket sports such as tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It aimed to generate fun as a whole family, children, men, and women could play together. To this day, that is what makes it popular. It, too, has fewer rules than tennis; most importantly, Head.com specifies, “the ball can bounce off any wall but can only hit the turf once before being returned. Points can be scored when the ball does bounce twice in the competitors’ field.” The reason behind its fame is that it helps with strength and technique.
Pilates and Padel are two types of sports that arose from social media trends. These sports have been around for years but they’re constantly fluctuating. That could be a response to the media’s impact on our lives. For instance, we notice how Padel has been endorsed by many celebrities, athletes, and even royalty. They are the ones to promote it while regularly playing and competing, especially among themselves.
TikTok has become a main source of advertising for these sports. People are now selling lifestyles through wellness and fitness videos, outfit of the day records, and healthy meal preps. Want to be fit, look healthy, and be pretty? Follow these tips to become an “IT Girl!”
It, however, is still not clear as to whether or not these sports will remain on the rise and how long they will be trending for. From what we can see, these games will stay among us for a while. But that doesn’t change the fact that new activities will trend and will come to replace the ones before them.
That said, do not solely rely on these trendy sports to achieve your fitness goals. If you like returning to the more traditional games, do so. Just because the social media platforms don’t mention them as much doesn’t mean that not many still rely on them to this day. Sometimes, traditional rules, poses, and games are better enjoyed by individuals. What matters is that each person does as they please and doesn’t feel restricted by social media. It doesn’t need to dictate your life and shouldn’t make you feel bad about yourself.
References
https://graziadaily.co.uk/beauty-hair/wellness/padel-and-pickleball-explained/
https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/where-to-play-racket-sports
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/well/move/pilates-exercise-flexibility.html