Mindbody released data from its 2022 Wellness Index. More than 16,000 adults in the largest 50 cities in the U.S. were surveyed.
Seven trends to look out for in 2022 include:
- From the inside out: Increased interest in immune health: In 2022, we expect the increased focus on immune health to continue, with one in five Americans having tried new services or treatments that support immune health and another 46 percent are interested in trying those services moving forward.
- Intellectual wellness: Your biggest asset: More than a quarter of Americans ranked intellectual wellness, which encourages one to explore new concepts, enhance skills, and challenge the mind, in the top three most important dimensions of wellness. However, only 50 percent of Americans say they spend time on creativity and stimulating activities.
- Mental wellness is a top priority: Over a third of Americans ranked mental health as the most important dimension of wellness. About half of America agreed that the pandemic has negatively affected their mental wellbeing. In the past year, 37 percent of Americans have incorporated physical fitness into their routine to help support their mental wellbeing while 14 percent have added yoga and 9 percent have added wellness treatments like acupuncture to their routines.
- Sexual wellness is taboo no more: Sexual wellness is a facet of wellbeing that’s been historically kept behind closed doors – but it’s time to break those doors wide open. From sex therapy to vaginal steaming to erectile dysfunction treatments, the once-taboo topic is becoming mainstream and 32 percent of Americans are actively seeking information or resources to help them improve their sexual wellness or skills.
- Facial exercises are the new burpees: Millennials are leading the way on this trend, with 36 percent reporting interest in or already participating in facial exercises. Nearly three in ten respondents already do or are interested in doing facial exercises to tone their face muscles, like face yoga.
- Pets and wellness: Wellness isn’t just for humans anymore: With 20 percent of households adopting a dog or cat since the beginning of COVID-19, consumers are on the lookout for pet-friendly wellness experiences. 41 percent of consumers are interested in going to pet-friendly salons or spas, with Gen Z and millennials expressing the most interest (over 50 percent) in pet-friendly establishments.
- Workout classes are the new Spotify: For 71 percent of Americans, music strongly motivates them during fitness activities—younger Americans are more likely than older generations to agree that music fires up their workouts.