It’s been more than a month since the lockdown has been implemented in the Philippines last March 15. In America the CDC issued an advisory against gatherings of 50 or more people. According to activity tracking data from the millions of registered Garmin users, this was a turning point, marking a major shift in human activity.
With the stay-at-home orders, it’s no surprise that Garmin data shows a massive decline in the overall number of steps taken the past month. This is an inevitable cause-and-effect scenario and consistent with global trend data in China, Italy and other countries where the pandemic struck first.
While the decrease in global movement scratches the surface of what’s happening, the advanced metrics in millions of Garmin wearable devices give us a deeper understanding of exactly how people are dealing with the impact of the pandemic on their active lifestyles. We’re observing a remarkable shift in the types of activities people are doing, reflecting an unprecedented about-face when it comes to the usual exercises and activities.
To paint a clear picture of the initial trends, Garmin engineers and data analysts looked at the percent change in activity level in the US for average daily steps and specific exercises. They compared the first half of March with the second half of that month to determine increases and decreases. For further clarity, the results are baselined against the same time period in 2019.
Things get even more interesting when we look at everyday fitness-seekers who’ve been forced to rethink daily workout routines. Indoor/treadmill running and lap swimming are down 44% and 88%, respectively. With all the closed big box gyms around the world, a massive number of treadmills sit still and are idle at the moment. On the surface, that sounds like we’ve came to a halt. However, the full story points to the exact opposite.
Despite gym closures, overall indoor cardio is holding strong over 2019 levels and showing an 18% week-over-week increase from March 16 to March 30.
This only seems to suggest one thing: More people are exercising. They’re finding new ways to do it from home, with and without their own equipment.
This theory is supported by media reports of stores selling out of in-home workout equipment, as people look to bring the gym to them. Furthermore, walking as a logged activity profile (this is a built-in app in Garmin devices) is up 36% when comparing the early half of March to the latter half of March. This surge is double the 18% increase observed over the same period last year. The numbers validate what most are observing in their own neighbors – lots of people are walking. Complying with social distancing recommendations to be sure, but walking, nonetheless.
All of this reflects another important real-world observation we’re seeing on social media. In-home routines are being reinvented and shared virtually. Fitness retailers and personal trainers are offering remote workout solutions. Consumers are challenging each other to continue moving. Even Garmin started a #10KADAY step challenge on Instagram to help followers stay active while shelter-in-place orders are in effect.
Offering further reassurance on the dual physical and emotional health front is the positive trend line for yoga. Garmin wearable device data shows an 11% increase in the ancient practice of harmonizing the mind and body through stretches and poses. This is based on the comparison of the early and latter part of the month. Again, another significant increase over 2019 data. Whether the mats are being rolled out on the living room floor or on front lawns, it’s clear that yoga is becoming an activity of choice in a world that’s also being turned on its head, so to speak.
So, what can we conclude from these early trends? In many respects, it comes down to a matter of interpretation. While the data is in the form of hard numbers, it’s important to note that any takeaways presented here are a subjective analysis based on our observances of real-world events and our insights as experts in the category. In summary, it’s too soon to draw final conclusions, at least with absolute certainty.
Garmin engineers and analysts will continue to monitor the data and provide updates for the benefit of customers and the public at-large. Future numbers for the month of April will reflect the impact of the full 30-day stay-at-home period and offer an even more detailed look at the effect of the global pandemic on our active lifestyles. Be sure to check back.
One thing we know for sure, everyone has created their own DIY (do-it-yourself) workout as an effort to stay healthy and fit.
For more workout or programs you want to explore, the Garmin Venu has 40+ on-device animated workouts. For Pilates, you have these programs— Articulate Your Spine, Back to Basics, and Pilates on the Road. For Cardio— Tabata Abs: Planks and Sit-ups, Tabata Something Else, Tabata Squats, Sit-ups and Pushup. For yoga, you can choose between three programs created, namely Improve Flexibility Now, Sun Salutations, and Wake Up, Energize! You can also “create your own” and customize workouts to make your own program. Lastly, to relax, you have the breathwork which can help you relax and focus. This also offers different techniques called Coherence, Relax and Focus (long/short), and Tranquility.
A professional sports trainer, Andrei Tolentino, suggested affordable remote workout solutions when you have limited equipment at home. With the gym equipment running out of stock, he highlighted some things we tend to overlook which can help complete our daily workout. Filling up your backpack for example. This can help add weight to your single or double leg squats. A duffle bag on the other hand, can be used for deadlifts. You can also have your water bottles filled up as your lightweight dumbbells. There are a whole lot of other ways to workout which can also test your resourcefulness and creativity.
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