The growing spread of COVID-19 is altering consumer routines – from spending time with family and friends to partaking in usual activities such as going to the gym – adults are bound to home isolation and forced to accept limited person-to-person interaction. In this time of uncertainty, adults are looking for some semblance of normalcy as they face additional and possibly first-time stressors, including financial insecurity, income loss, social isolation, health concerns and fear of the unknown.
Mintel examines consumer behavior through the lens of seven drivers, determining what is impacting attitudes and actions now and in the future. Mintel consumer driver, ‘Identity,’ explores how consumers understand and express their place in society. Adults find comfort in groups that share something in common. The unwavering desire for community drives people to band together and find connection in times of inevitable separation. Adults also feel a sense of identity and pride when they are in control of their health and wellbeing. With self-care being an aspect of health that consumers place a significant emphasis on, many wellness-focused brands are making a difference by providing an outlet for community, connection and support when the outside world feels chaotic.
At-home exercise platforms find their voice
In-person relationships are necessary to everyday life and are being compromised in the attempts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Instead, people are leaning heavily on technology to provide new connections and access to a myriad of brand products and services. With adults spending more time at home, fitness brands are taking this opportunity to strengthen their relationships with current users and enticing new users to stay active and healthy. Luckily, consumers are already accustomed to working out in their homes. According to Mintel research on exercise trends, more than half of exercisers report working out within their home, and frequency of at-home exercise is even more substantial for adults who are interested in digital workouts.
Brand response
During times of shelter-in-place, fitness facilities are challenged to stay relevant and profitable with their members. Some niche exercise franchises, such as CorePower Yoga, have turned to social media platforms to provide free, streamable classes for users to join at home. Equinox is maintaining engagement by sending daily check-ins to members through their app with exercise tips, self-care advice and health-forward rituals to continue during home isolation. Digital fitness platforms like Peloton, that already have at-home exercise content on hand, have found their stride with many by offering extended free trials to gain new members.
What consumers want and why
Adults who exercise at boutique fitness facilities are more likely to seek out a sense of community than those who work out in a traditional gym setting. Fostering a sense of community and belonging when in-person contact has been discouraged is even more critical to keep users engaged during and after COVID-19. Providing users with daily check-ins, unfiltered workouts and honest content can reinforce a sense of support, connectedness and relatability.
According to Mintel research health management trends, nearly half of adults say making activities fun would help them achieve their health and wellness goals. To move beyond the clutter of digital exercise offerings, brands can infuse some enjoyment and encouragement into staying active. Developing workouts that involve family or creating virtual challenges to reach a larger goal (ie competition where participation results in a brand donation to a charitable foundation) could keep adults even more motivated during shelter in place.
Mental health services cater to the masses
Exercise brands are not the only form of self-care services evolving quickly in response to heightened demand. Mental/emotional health apps are recognizing that many adults are facing new and daunting challenges with unclear solutions. According to Mintel data on health hurdles, nearly one-third of adults say their day-to-day responsibilities keep them from reaching their health and wellness goals. For some adults, everyday responsibilities may include at-home schooling and child care, cooking every meal, working remote, seeking a new source of income and more. Self-care brands have the opportunity to act as a simple tool for stress relief, advice and maintaining a sense of calm as consumers adjust.
Brand response
In mid-March 2020, popular meditation app Headspace announced free subscriptions to healthcare professionals through the end of the year; an offer for front-line responders who will undoubtedly need support during and well after the current COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Headspace partnered with Hyatt to unlock a collection of meditation and sleep therapy sessions free to the general public titled “Weathering the Storm.” Efforts are mirrored by many self-care companies to help adults find mental/emotional wellbeing during the crisis.
What consumers want and why
Before the threat of COVID-19, Americans were particularly aspirational with their health and wellness goals because they perceive health management as an ongoing process of improvement. With most adults already focused on bettering their wellbeing in some capacity, it is now time for brands to help consumers feel in control of their health: reinforcing that wellness aspirations are not out of reach amidst uncertain times. Brands should latch on to the power of human connection and support their community when day-to-day routines are compromised.
Read more: www.mintel.com/blog/personal-care-market-news/covid-19-how-brands-can-support-consumer-wellness-during-isolation