On Strava, a social network for athletes, virtual group activities are gaining in popularity as people turn to technology to find community.
With more than 36 million users spanning 195 countries, Strava released a wide-ranging report this week that showed virtual group activities as being among the most common activities recorded on the app.
While these users might have previously done treadmill runs or stationary bike workouts on their own at home or in the gym, they’re now using the app to connect with people doing similar activities, while leveraging smart fitness equipment and wearable devices to share their endurance workouts.
“Riding inside used to be a lonesome way to workout, but the rising popularity of stationary trainers that connect online has made it possible to ride with friends anywhere in the world,” Strava wrote in its annual “Year in Sport” report.
Virtual activities comprised two of the top five total group activity uploads, with virtual bike rides taking the lead by far, followed by outdoor riding, nordic skiing and running. Virtual runs nudged ahead of hiking, swimming, water sports, and walking.
Strava also reported a difference in upload volume depending on gender. U.S. women uploaded slightly more races than men in 2018, though men were more likely to use a device during a race. The most active day of the year was Jul. 4, with nearly 430,000 activity uploads.
SportTechie Takeaway
Online social platforms are powering a new way to workout. Earlier this year, New York Road Runners launched a virtual run series, which included its flagship New York City Marathon. In an interview a few weeks ago with SportTechie, 2018 Boston Marathon winner Des Linden said virtual races have made the endurance sports world more inclusive.
The increased demand for virtual bike rides has come amid a surge in demand for cycling classes, provided by franchises such as SoulCycle, and at-home cycling machines, such as Peloton.