Finding ourselves in a socially distant world has bred a new need for connection and exercise has become a key area that allows people to gather, if only digitally.

Popular hashtags such as #indoorworkout (which has had over 3.2 billion views since lockdown) present quick circuit routines, mini challenges and heart-spiking choreography from influencers such as Cassey Ho and Jen Selter. Brands are also jumping on the bandwagon such as Gymshark who have amassed almost 2 million followers through their clever marketing strategy of using fitness influencers to create follow-along videos including two athletes performing the #stairshuffle challenge, followed by rhythmic airwalks on the pull-up bar.

Group exercise may not be anything new but there’s a fundamental difference between acing your weekly kettlebell class and sharing something new with, potentially, millions of strangers on the internet. Vulnerability is never comfortable, but there’s a charm to putting yourself out there that can attract like-minded individuals eager to support and try it for themselves.

“Coordinating our movements with others has played an integral role in human evolution,” says Dr Aria, clinical psychologist and high performance coach. “Synchrony, for instance serves crucial social functions by fostering connections with others, boosts feelings of solidarity and positive social behaviour, raises cooperation and increases compassion and trust. Research also shows that interpersonal synchrony influences self-esteem, with people tending to feel better about themselves when moving in time with others as opposed to their own rhythm.” 

Is TikTok the new wellness platform?