Whether it’s going to a female-only gym or optimising the body’s hormonal shifts, Mindbody reported that the data clearly showed American women are tapping into their feminine power as never before

39 per cent of women say they prefer women-only gyms or fitness studios, which may be why the number of women who experience “gymtimidation” has decreased this year.

For those who are too intimidated to work out in public, seeing more real and diverse bodies in fitness promotions helps. 24 per cent of women also said that wearing the right outfit (ie proper fitness attire or sportswear) makes them feel less intimidated – a trend that’s particularly popular with Gen Z and millennials.

While periods used to be a taboo topic, talking about menstrual cycle syncing, or aligning diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits with the stages of the menstrual cycle is now becoming an increasingly mainstream topic. 35 per cent of women between 18-50 structure their workouts based on their cycle, with Gen Z and millennials most likely to do so.

The number of American women who say they’re sexually fulfilled is also on the rise. This could be due to the growing number of women who actively seek to improve their sexual wellness with enhancement therapies, coaching or workshops and the like.

According to the survey, the past few years have underscored the importance of connection in our day-to-day lives.

Consumers continue to look to fitness, beauty and wellness businesses as a source of community with nearly half (43 per cent) saying that community is a very important part of wellness experiences.

More than a third are likely to choose wellness businesses that are well known for their community-building activities, and nearly a quarter say they’re more focused on their health and wellness as it makes them feel connected to other people.

Consumers who use integrative health services reported feeling more connected to their communities than those who don’t. Similarly, the more active consumers are, the more socially connected they feel.

Respondents also indicated they’re looking to reconnect with nature, with nearly 40 per cent saying they’re embracing a more natural lifestyle

Consumers are turning to nature, rest and the great outdoors to boost their mental health, with nearly 40 per cent saying they spend time outside to support their mental wellbeing, while 24 per cent do nature walks or forest bathing.

They’re also looking to plants and herbs to reduce stress and improve cognitive function, with more than 4 in 10 Americans having either tried or being interested in trying adaptogens – mushrooms that can reduce negative physiological effects of stress – or nootropics – medical-grade supplements that can support brain performance.

The study found that millennials and especially millennial men are most likely to try these options for optimal health.

Another big trend that kept presenting was that Gen Z and millennials require health and wellness offerings that feel connected, emotional and inclusive.

In almost every way, Gen Z and millennials engage with health wellness more than their mature counterparts, for example, they reportedly spend the most on fitness, salon, spa and wellness services and they’re most likely to work out at least once a week and eat the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.

These younger generations prioritise their mental wellbeing more than other generations, too.

Gen Z and millennials also expect wellness to be a part of the workplace, as they’re more likely to say wellness benefits or perks are important when choosing an employer than other age groups.

Encouragingly, the Wellness Index findings suggest longevity could become the ‘new weight loss’.

Consumers report being less concerned with using exercise to control their weight and more concerned with living longer better. In fact, almost a third of consumers (29 per cent) say they exercise because they want to live a long and healthy life – a significant increase from last year.

One way consumers are optimising their health is functional fitness – a type of strength training that prepares the body for day-to-day activities such as squatting, bending, pushing and lunging.

More than half of general consumers engage in movement that prepares the body for daily living, with millennial men the most likely to do so.

Recovery is also a top priority, with nearly half (47 per cent) of Americans saying practices such as stretching and restorative yoga are very important to them.

More than one-third of general consumers have tried or are interested in trying ice baths, while over a quarter (26 per cent) of Americans practice biohacking for peak physical and mental performance.