In a world where a pandemic is still raging in many places, making predictions for trends to come can be a little tricky. Even though no one was prepared for what last year would bring, many of our 2020 wellness trends did actually ring true — like the uptick in popularity of online fitness and sleep trackers — while others, like wellness retreats, just weren’t meant to be. This year, we predict trends to largely be a continuation of what we saw last year but with more emphasis than ever on adapting to our new normal. Here are the 2021 wellness trends that we think will be staying strong.

Online Yoga Teacher Training

In response to much of the world shutting down last spring, more activities became available in an online format in 2020. As work and school moved online, so did other activities, such as sightseeing in the form of virtual tours, cooking classes, and even yoga teacher training. Looking to get your yoga teacher training certification this year? Thankfully there are more online options now than ever before, including options from some of our Alo Moves instructors. If you’re a fan of Briohny Smyth, check out her online Aligned Yoga Teacher Training. You can also get free access to Dylan Werner’s Art of Assists and Briohny Smyth’s Aligned Asana: Verbal Cues workshop series with an Alo Moves membership.

At-Home Fitness

Online workouts and downloads of fitness apps exploded in 2020, and we don’t see this slowing down in 2021. Many people enjoy the benefits an online, at-home workout offers: a large variety of classes to choose from, the time and money it saves, the ability to work out when and where you want, and the privacy of practicing in your own space — especially for beginners.

Outdoor Workouts

With a year spent more at home than anywhere else for most and options for activities severely limited, many took to the great outdoors for an escape and change of scenery. National Parks saw an increase of up to 90% in visitors to some parks in 2020 versus the year before. We predict people will continue heading outdoors in big numbers this year for leisure activities like running, camping, hiking, and more. You can even take your workout on the go with downloadable offline classes on Alo Moves.

No-Weight Workouts

With fewer gyms open, people are working with what they have at home and discovering that you don’t actually need a bunch of equipment to fit in a really good workout. No-weight workouts will continue resonating this year as people seek to simplify both their routines and workout spaces.

Adaptogens Become More Mainstream

Adaptogens are non-toxic, edible herbs with origins in Eastern medicine that may help your body respond more effectively to stress. They’re steadily gaining traction and popping up in everything from smoothie mixes to skincare. While there are some adaptogens you’ve likely heard of, such as goji berries, turmeric, and ginseng, others like jiaogulan, cordyceps, and ashwagandha may be new on your radar. Each adaptogen has its own set of potential benefits, combating everything from mental and physical fatigue to stress and anxiety. In 2021, we expect to see more products featuring adaptogens hit the market as people look for ways to deal with the cognitive effects of the pandemic.

Clean Beauty

Clean (a.k.a. nontoxic) beauty has been popular in recent years, but now it’s more popular than ever. It isn’t going anywhere anytime soon as consumers become more and more educated about skincare and what ingredients are lurking in the personal care products they use daily.

Looking to turn up your *healthy* glow this year? Alo’s new Glow System is a line of clean skincare that includes a serum, a facial cleanser, a moisturizer, body wash, body lotion, body oil, and a magnesium spray, all made without harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, and more.

Athleisure and Loungewear

Athleisure and loungewear will continue to dominate our wardrobes in the new year as more than a third of American workers continue to work remotely. People are reaching for comfort that can take them from their home to running errands like these soft lounge leggings and plush, warm hoodies.

Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

More time at home inevitably means more screen time for a lot of people. To combat the eye fatigue and discomfort from looking at screens multiple hours per day, people are turning to blue-light blocking glasses to keep their eyes comfortable. While the American Academy of Ophthalmology says they aren’t necessary, many swear by them and they’re projected to reach a market size of USD 38 million by 2026.

Mindfulness with Posture

More time at home means we’re sitting and living more sedentary lifestyles than before. We are feeling the effects of living and potentially working from the same space in the form of stiff, sore muscles and back problems. This year, we predict people will be more mindful of their posture, seeking out activities like barre, yoga, and Pilates to enhance their body awareness and relieve aches and pains.

Yoga and Mindfulness For Kids

As families struggle with the adaptation to homeschooling, many parents are looking for healthy and active outlets for their kids. Yoga and mindfulness for kids will continue to be a constructive way for kids to cope with the stress of the pandemic and not going to school and having their normal levels of social interaction. We recommend checking out Alo Gives, which offers free and fun yoga and mindfulness videos for kids, along with printable activity worksheets.

Want an all-access pass to wellness classes at home? Start a free 14-day trial to Alo Moves and unlock thousands of yoga, fitness, and meditation classes.

Wellness Trends in 2021