FIT FOR TRAVEL
Business Traveller Middle East|December/January 2021
The global ‘health is wealth’ movement accelerated by the pandemic is giving hotels the extra push they need to offer travellers what they really want – flexible fitness and wellbeing choices for their body, mind and spirit
GEMMA GREENWOOD
FIT FOR TRAVEL

There’s no doubt about it; 2020 has been a game changer for the health, fitness and wellness sector. Pre-COVID-19, the global ‘health is wealth’ movement had gained strong traction, but nine months into the pandemic, body and mind wellbeing has become a priority for all.

Never before have so many people on this planet turned their focus to moving more, eating better and perhaps most poignantly, practising methods to improve their mental health to reduce anxiety and promote sleep during what has undoubtedly been ‘the’ most unsettling period in modern history.

Some 59 per cent of people are more conscious about their overall health as a result of COVID-19, and 73 per cent plan to eat and drink healthier, according to the latest research by FMCG Gurus.

The pandemic’s impact on our every-day routine has also led to a fast evolution of fitness and wellness trends. With more of us working from home (WFH) than ever before and gyms forced to close for extended periods, we’ve been fast to adapt.

Video-on-demand fitness classes, available anytime anywhere, have become a saviour for many, breaking up the monotony of yet another day of WFH and enabling us to try new training methods at a time that suits us. Demand for already popular sleep and meditation apps and videos have rocketed too.

In what Google CEO Sundar Pichai calls “a sign of the times”, daily views of guided meditation videos on YouTube (the streaming site owned by Google) have surged 40 per cent since mid-March, while San Francisco-based relaxation, meditation and sleep app, Calm, was downloaded 3.4 million times in April alone, according to figures from Sensor Tower.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TRAVELLER MIDDLE EASTView all
Onwards and upwards
Business Traveller Middle East

Onwards and upwards

In an exclusive interview with Ian Fairservice for Business Traveller, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, provides insight into the current and future state of travel and Emirates’ pivotal role in getting the industry back on track

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2021
Cleaning up the crisis
Business Traveller Middle East

Cleaning up the crisis

How hotels have risen to the challenge of keeping guests safe during the pandemic

time-read
10 mins  |
May - June 2021
The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act
Business Traveller Middle East

The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act

The city is working hard to conjure up events and make millions of visitors reappear

time-read
9 mins  |
May - June 2021
TAKES OFF
Business Traveller Middle East

TAKES OFF

Corporations are seeking new travel solutions that put safety and convenience first

time-read
5 mins  |
May - June 2021
TEE TIME IN TOKYO
Business Traveller Middle East

TEE TIME IN TOKYO

The Tokyo Olympics may be delayed, but the golf courses around Japan’s capital aren’t slowing down

time-read
5 mins  |
May - June 2021
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
Business Traveller Middle East

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM

New and upcoming hotels to check out when you next visit Saudi Arabia

time-read
10+ mins  |
May - June 2021
QATAR CALLING
Business Traveller Middle East

QATAR CALLING

A swathe of hotels are opening in the Gulf State in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup

time-read
10 mins  |
March 2021
MEMPHIS CON BRIO
Business Traveller Middle East

MEMPHIS CON BRIO

Music and history flood through the heart and soul of this quintessential American river town

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2021
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Business Traveller Middle East

Sofitel Mumbai BKC

BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2021
Taking Scotland in Stride
Business Traveller Middle East

Taking Scotland in Stride

A walk through the Highlands and Borders is the best way to touch this country’s history and nature

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2021