Time to look back: the Garmin Connect Fitness Report for 2022 is here
The time for retrospectives is approaching. The Garmin Connect Fitness Report for 2022 is already here. And it shows: We have finally overcome the pandemic, at least in terms of sport, and are back in studios, swimming pools and climbing gyms.
December is often a time for self-reflection and retrospection. Wearables giant Garmin also practices this. On the surface, its Connect insights look like most other years - with a significant increase in the number of activities recorded in the biggest categories, including running and cycling.
A closer look at the data, however, reveals that there is more behind the engagement and commitment. They suggest that sporting habits are returning to resemble pre-pandemic times. Indoor activities that are not suitable for at home are showing a sharp increase. Some examples are swimming in indoor pools, indoor climbing and also gym activities like HIIT workouts (high-intensity interval training). Workouts done at home such as yoga and indoor cycling, both of which peaked during the pandemic, seem to have settled at a stable level. There seemed to be less time for a morning run or a midday walk at work for most.
Gym
Strength training activities saw a 20 per cent increase compared to 2021. This is particularly impressive, according to Garmin, as many returned to the office more regularly in 2022 after the worst of the Covid 19 pandemic was over. Still, weights were regularly lifted.
2022 was the first time Garmin's HIIT activity profile was available on compatible smartwatches for a full year. As the profile was only introduced in mid-2021, data on percentage changes is not necessarily representative. However, it seems that many Garmin users have grown fond of the HIIT feature.
Biking
It's worth noting which cycling categories have made big gains. As it turns out, road cyclists and gravel bikers have stepped up to the plate. Road cycling has increased by 8 per cent and graveling has recorded 40 per cent more activity than in 2021.
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Source: Patrick Bardelli
Running
Garmin users always seem to find a way to go running. Treadmill activity has increased by 13 per cent this year, and indoor running activity by 17 per cent. However, according to Garmin, this does not mean that everyone has stayed indoors. Track training, for example, has more than doubled.
You can find the full Garmin Connect fitness report here.
Titelfoto: Patrick Bardelli
From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.