Working out the benefits
Christmas is not just a time for giving, but a time for good health and exercise gear. From meal plans to fitness machines, retailers are pulling out the stops during this year’s Black Friday sales to keep Australians fit and healthy.
“With millions of Australians trapped inside during the extended lockdowns, we expect to see an uptake in products that are good for both our mental and physical health,” says retail sales specialist and founder of The Sales Dr, Ingrid Maynard.
Fitness gear has been in high demand since March 2020, with eBay’s fitness category up 323 per cent year on year, eBay Australia’s Sophie Onikul says.
“We’ve continued to see similar patterns during lockdown periods and over the last few months sales of men’s running shoes (up 118 per cent), paddle boards (up 66 per cent), dumbbells (up 217 per cent) and yoga items (up 32 per cent) have spiked,” she says.
“This year’s Black Friday deals will feature up to 60 per cent off Adidas and New Balance running shoes and an inflatable paddle board, exclusive to eBay Plus members.”
Big W spokesperson Amanda Lunn says trending summer products include Nike’s at-home workout range and water sports items such as WAHU nightballs and lightballs.
Eleanor Hashemi and Cameron Lee will be hunting for new trainers and exercise gear.
“Since lockdown I have lived in activewear, so I need more in my wardrobe,” Hashemi says. “My partner is looking for new wireless headphones for running. We’ve all been splurging a lot on fitness ... I think this will continue into the new year as people’s lifestyles have shifted towards fitness.”
FITNESS PRODUCTS FOR OUR BODIES AND MINDS PROVE POPULAR