Last updated 3 weeks ago by Michael Darmanin

Due to the temporary closure of many gyms and fitness centers during the first few months of the corona virus pandemic, many went searching for alternative ways to stay fit.

Popular sporting equipment

During that period, Google search statistics show that there was a rising trend in the Netherlands for those looking to purchase exercise equipment. There were however a number of key differences among the provinces.

Differences between urban and rural areas

In the largest cities of the Netherlands, most Google search queries were for indoor sports equipment. In Utrecht for example, the most popular search terms were “yoga mat”, “resistance band” and “dumbbells”. This could be directly related to urbanization. Utrecht is a more densely populated city which could explain why most are searching for indoor sporting equipment.

In the more rural parts of the Netherlands, such as the provinces of Friesland, Drenthe and Groningen, there were more search queries for outdoor sports equipment. Outdoor equipment such a inline skates, racing and mountain bikes were most sought after by residents of those regions. The Northerners seem to prefer outdoor sports.