Inside the trend - biophilic exercise
The start of a new year often comes with a blank slate for new intentions, with more exercise being at the top of the list for many people.
Fitness trends are always changing but in 2023 we can expect to see exercise habits continue to move outdoors. So, for this month’s Inside the Trend blog, we unpack the appetite for biophilic exercise and how it’s fueling popularity for a range of outdoor activities.
What do we mean by biophilic exercise?
Surely that’s just exercising outdoors? Well, yes, kind of, but there’s more to it than that. Biophilia is defined as an innate human desire to connect with nature and other living beings. So, biophilic or green exercise is about undertaking physical activity in natural environments, with an emphasis on interacting with the environment rather than just using it as a backdrop, for example hillwalking, paddle boarding and wild swimming. We are all aware of the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature, and we understand the positive impact of exercise, so think of this trend as a double dose of goodness.
Why now?
Exercise was forced to move outdoors during the pandemic but now we’re staying there, exploring new activities in green and blue spaces. Many gym chains are taking their fitness classes outdoors and rethinking how they design their indoor spaces. And the daily walk, the saviour of the Covid lockdown period, has turned us into a nation of walkers. Sport England statistics reveal the number of people walking regularly has risen by more than five million in five years. Wild swimming’s explosion in popularity has been well documented, but trail running has also experienced a boom in recent years, and paddleboarding continues to find new fans.
How can I introduce it into my ranges?
Our Wild Swimming books are incredibly popular, so there is every chance you are already reflecting this trend in your ranges. If you sell local outdoors or wellness titles, adding some books with an active element will blend in seamlessly. There are great books on cycling, walking and, of course, wild swimming to be found in our collections. These are the type of titles that can sell well all year round, making great gifts for outdoors enthusiasts. They will appeal to a broad customer base, but will work well if you’re targeting older millennials and Generation X (30 somethings to 50 somethings, and beyond), especially if you’re based somewhere with great access to rural landscapes and natural attractions.
Book suggestions
The Art of Wild Swimming Scotland
This Bookspeed bestseller shares secrets from the wild swimming community about the best Scottish spots for enjoying a swim in beautiful surroundings.
The Outdoors Fix
This new book, due to be published in March, is perfect for people seeking the inspiration to venture outdoors more. It features stories about ordinary people who have made the outdoors a bigger part of their lives through a range of different activities.
Mindful Thoughts for Walkers
Mindful Thoughts for Walkers is a handy, illustrated guide for people seeking to use their walking time for mindful moments to truly connect with time and place.
Stand-up Paddleboarding in Great Britain
A practical guide that will enable anyone to get started with this popular water sport with suggestions for routes through some scenic British waterways.
Really Wild Cycling
This guidebook is packed full of off-the-beaten track routes to challenge and exhilarate adventurous cyclists.
Epic Hikes of Europe
For outdoors enthusiasts who want to travel further afield, this comprehensive Lonely Planet guide offers practical insights on 50 of Europe’s most rewarding and beautiful hikes.
