We put the spotlight on Singapore’s biggest health and wellness trends in 2023.
The pandemic has changed how we view health, fitness and wellness forever. Some of us still have PTSD while others have reached an epiphany as we regain some sort of normalcy in this post-pandemic(ish) setting.
These trends are practically antidotes to the effects of Covid-19 – whether it’s paying attention to our posture or putting mental health at the forefront. Ahead, we share the biggest health and wellness trends of 2023 and how the idea of fitness is changing.
We’re calling it: These are the top health and wellness trends in 2023
1. A ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t work for everyone
Finally, someone said it. Remember the times when you were pressured to go for a workout you weren’t really thrilled about – but it was on trend and your gang was super excited? You can skip it now that more folks are moving towards a customised approach that isn’t trend-focused. It’s all about releasing endorphins to both your body and mind. Barre, Pilates, spinning, yoga, rock climbing, rollerblading, dancing, boxing, trampolining, CrossFit… there are many classes and exercises to try.
2. Using exercise to boost mental health
“Mental health walks” is a buzzword for a reason. We’ve noticed that many of us are using exercise – that includes taking a stroll at walking trails and secret parks – to cope with mental health issues. After all, regular physical activity is known to be a mood booster that reduces anxiety, stress and even depression. Go ahead and pencil in that mental health day.
3. Getting your posture in check with stretches and posture workouts
Clocking in that calorie-busting CrossFit training session is great, but what’s the point when your back and shoulders are constantly aching? Searches on how to fix “tech neck” and “dowager’s hump” have increased. Yup, the side effects of WFH have finally caught up. Try stretching exercises to relieve back, neck and shoulder pain or head to physiotherapy clinics if you need help from the pros.
4. Going back to basics with mobility training
Not to be confused with stretching, mobility training focuses on safely moving a muscle and increasing the range of motion within your joint. It’s a future-focused approach that teaches your body to move freely without accidentally overexerting yourself. Workout ideas include dynamic stretching, myofascial release, yoga, pilates and even cross training.
5. Are VR workouts and wellness metaverse the future of fitness?
The digital era of fitness continues to make its mark in 2023. Just look at all the high-tech fitness tracking devices and smart exercise equipment launching in the market. Post-lockdown, many fitness studios have continued hybrid physical and virtual fitness classes. We’re predicting that the metaverse will take off to the next level with augmented reality, immersive and interactive workouts, virtual coaching and game-like elements in our favourite exercises.
6. Plant-based is (still) the way to go
Plant-based alternatives are as popular as ever. For starters, almost every new restaurant in Singapore has plant-based, vegetarian and vegan options. “Meatless” meat brands are getting the spotlight, and so are plant-based milk choices. But, of course, having a balanced diet of fresh veggies, snacks and organic food still holds high regard.
7. Embedding sustainability into our routines
Aside from looking after ourselves, we’re taking steps to heal our planet by making more conscious choices. Brands are having conversations about incorporating sustainability in their company value and practices – and it’s more than just using greenwashing buzzwords like ‘eco-friendly’, ‘organic’ and ‘natural’. This includes transparency in the value chain and ingredients, keeping animal welfare in mind and moving towards a plastic-free future.
8. Downloading apps to help with health and wellness
We were thrilled when our go-to fitness studios reopened. But as much as we enjoy physical workouts, we like the choice of having meditation and workout apps on our phones. Feeling anxious? Calm your nerves with apps like Headspace for guided meditation. Feeling unmotivated? Download apps such as Nike Training Club, Fitbit, and Strata to achieve your fitness goals.
9. Sexual wellness is no longer taboo, finally!
It’s safe to say that the stigma around sexual health awareness has lessened. No matter your sexual orientation or relationship status, many are reaching out to sex therapists or trying new ways to keep the fire alive in the bedroom. Here at Honeycombers, some of our most popular stories are related to sexual wellness. We’re talking masturbation tips, how to have multiple orgasms or increase your sex drive, and even something for men.
10. Wellness tourism is so in
Now, this is a trend we’ll ride by. After being cooped up for what seemed like forever, turning travel into a form of holistic wellness practice isn’t a bad idea. Interestingly, we’ve seen more hotels and resorts introduce wellness packages too. Hotels and resorts like Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam, Amanemu Resort in Japan, and The Westin Resort & Spa in Bali offer meditation, yoga and detox programmes, as well as eco-tourism packages.
So, which of these health and wellness trends will you be adding to your life this year?
