DUBLIN, Ireland, Aug. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Design Partners, an award-winning product design and innovation agency centered on elevating human potential, today released its “New World of Home Fitness” research report. The report was created in tandem with The Shopper Agency, a shopper first, digital agency. It reveals new insights on people’s behaviors and attitudes towards exercising in the home and provides a rounded view of how brands and retailers need to adapt to the new world of home fitness.
With gyms closing, people being confined to their homes, and our health threatened by COVID-19, people’s habits and attitudes towards fitness and exercise has dramatically changed. The survey conducted in June 2020 asked approximately 1,000 UK citizens ages 18 to 74 about their relationship with home fitness, with the gym, and with the equipment and technology they use or wish to use, both pre- and during COVID-19. The report highlights new consumer insights, which brands, retailers, and innovators can utilize to optimize and reshape their product offerings or better connect with their audience.
“The COVID lockdowns in 2020 have forced every participant in the gym and fitness arena to change and adapt very quickly, and that includes consumers, gym owners, fitness brands and retailers. For many of us, going to a gym or club is not an option, which has led to a massive explosion in the home fitness market,” said Cormac Ó Conaire, Creative Director at Design Partners. “This study uncovers new and interesting trends unfolding right in front of us. It highlights the potential for innovation for home fitness brands and tech companies - by adapting their strategies and product directions to address these changing attitudes and behaviors, they can stay relevant and succeed.”
Major findings include:
- Traditional gym models are dead
- Mental health is a new key motivator
- People want tech that delivers personalization and community
- People are craving fun in their home fitness experience
Key takeaways and areas of exploration of the report include:
- 90% of people want home exercise equipment to be compact – 70% want it to look nice in the home
- 87% of Gen Z’s surveyed look for brands that are part of a community
- 87% do not exercise happily at home because of the barriers
- Less than 19% of people miss the gym, but over 60% of people want to replicate a gym-like experience in the home
- Over 50% of people want equipment that comes with an app, while 55% want something that offers coaching
- 75% of people have been the same or more motivated to exercise to improve their mental health since lockdown
- 74% of people have been more motivated to sleep better since lockdown
“Technology and self-reliance are accelerating the spending maturity of the younger generations quicker than anyone predicted, which makes it imperative for retailers to understand their behaviors,” said Martin Fawcett, Managing Director and Founder of The Shopper Agency. “Brands and products should focus on the ability to inspire social sharing and connectivity with others, while utilizing new convenience-led shopper journeys.”
For more information about this report visit: https://www.designpartners.com/projects/future-of-home-fitness/
About Design Partners:
Design Partners is a product design and innovation agency based in Dublin, Ireland. Our mission is to elevate human potential. We collaborate with the world’s most innovative brands to create future product experiences that empower and inspire people. From first responders, video gamers, specialist surgeons, to craft makers; our design, UX and engineering experts bring ideas to life that enhance capabilities, performance, and wellbeing. Supported by strategic research and advanced prototyping capabilities, our hands-on approach facilitates faster decision making, simplifies complex interactions for end-users, and enables people to achieve incredible things.
About The Shopper Agency:
The Shopper Agency was established by Martin Fawcett in 2012. Bringing together a collaboration of experts in behaviour, strategy, brand and retail, the agency helps organisations to put shoppers' experience first. Services include behavioural research to gain insights into the motivations and behaviours of consumers; shopper marketing to help drive purchase, create an occasion or increase category penetration; and retail design, from full store design or pop up shops to smaller campaigns. Clients include Philips, Lucus Bols, Microsoft, PlayStation, Levi’s, Karndean and SHS Drinks. Working with clients across the world, the agency has its headquarters in Leeds, but also has bases in Miami and London, thanks to a strategic partnership with the Outform agency, which is a major shareholder in the business.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Skyya PR:
Allie Potter
Skyya PR
allie@skyya.com
218-766-8856
Design Partners:
Cormac Ó Conaire
Design Partners
cormac@designpartners.com
The Shopper Agency:
Shona Nutter
shonanutter@gmail.com
+44 (0) 7714 953919
Rosie Macdonald
rosie.macdonald@theshopperagency.com
+44 (0) 7545 385198