Facebook Users Kept Up Their Eating and Their Exercising in June

With quarantines largely still in effect, Facebook users picked up their paintbrushes in June, as acrylic painting techniques and associated topics abstract art, acrylic paint, canvas, cherry blossom, landscape painting, paint, painting, panel painting and work of art were one of the month’s Topics to Watch from Facebook IQ. Women 35 and older and men 35 through 64 drove conversation up two times year-over-year and 0.7 times month-over-month. Facebook IQ wrote, “People across the U.S. are discovering the joys of art—from visiting virtual galleries to learning acrylic painting techniques at home. Acrylic paint is often considered a great option for beginners, as it’s less expensive than oil paint and more flexible in terms of the surfaces it can adhere to. Novice artists are finding tutorials online and using painting as a way to pass the time and destress. Parents are also using painting as an activity to do with their children as many summer camps across the country remain closed. Acrylic painting is helping people access their creative side and find moments of enjoyment.” [kickout id="1"] [kickout id="2"] Women 25 through 49 were the driving force in a 6.9 times spike compared with June 2019 and a 0.5 times uptick from May in talk about Althaea officianlis, or marshmallow root. Associated topics included Cnicus, gastrointestinal tract, ginger, grape, herb, papaya, persimmon, pineapple and strawberry. The social network’s research arm wrote, “Althaea officianlis, or marshmallow root, is a plant that has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. It has become the latest ‘it’ ingredient to hit the skin care market, with brands starting to incorporate it into a range of products. Hydration has been a key focus for many interested in skin care, and ingredients like hyaluronic acid have experienced heightened popularity over the past few years. Marshmallow root extract serves a similar function: It naturally boosts moisture in the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that make it helpful for those with conditions like eczema and rosacea. For skin care lovers, marshmallow root extract may be the next big ingredient to add into their routines as they look to achieve maximum hydration.” [kickout id="3"] [kickout id="4"] Facebook users showed an appetite for capellini and associated topics butter, chicken, cooking, garlic, noodle, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pasta, sauce, shrimp and tomato last month, driving conversation up 2.4 times year-over-year and 0.5 times month-over-month. Women 35 and older led the way. Facebook IQ wrote, “A form of pasta also known as angel hair, capellini offers a delicate texture to dishes. With people cooking more at home, many have sought to stock their pantries with foods that have longer shelf lives and are easy to prepare. Pasta is one of many items that fits the bill, and it’s also a comfort food for many. Some varieties of capellini can even be prepared as quickly as three minutes in a pot of boiling water, making them perfect for those juggling multiple responsibilities. People are finding recipes for capellini-based dishes that are easy to prepare but still boast strong flavors, like garlic, chiles and parmesan. Capellini is a versatile pasta with value—from its light texture to its ease of preparation—and people are finding ways to enhance its flavors and make it a true delicacy.” [kickout id="5"] [kickout id="6"] Facebook users worked off all of that pasta by hopping on their hybrid bicycles, as conversation was up 2.2 times compared with last June and doubled over May. Men 25 through 54 dominated the conversation, and associated topics included aluminum, bicycle, bicycle frame, bicycle suspension, bicycle tire, derailleur gears, mountain bike, Schwinn Bicycle, Shimano and Trek Bicycle. The social network’s research arm wrote, “Hybrid bicycles are very versatile: They can be ridden on roads and trails alike, and they work well for commuters. For those living in cities and aiming to avoid public transportation, these bicycles have become an increasingly appealing way to get around. And while popular spin classes remain limited or canceled during this time, people are embracing hybrid bicycles as a way to maintain their fitness and spend time outdoors safely. With workouts and commutes disrupted indefinitely, some people are rediscovering the joys of cycling and digging out their old gear, while others are trying the activity for the first time.” [kickout id="7"] [kickout id="8"] Hungry once again, women 25 through 49 took to the grill, driving up conversation about outdoor cooking and associated topics barbecue, cast iron, cast iron cookware, cooking, dessert, dinner, frying pan, grilling and hors d’oeuvre 2.2 times year-over-year and 1.1 times month-over-month. Facebook IQ wrote, “Outdoor spaces have become havens, and people are using them for everything from gardening to outdoor cooking. People are finding ways to step up their grilling, making outdoor cooking more than just a summer pastime. Some are even securing their own cooking equipment to transform their outdoor areas into functioning kitchens. As people look for ways to enhance their experiences at home, many are picking up outdoor cooking, as well as enjoying other activities that allow them to get some fresh air and learn a new skill.” [kickout id="9"] [kickout id="10"] The cycle between eating and exercising concludes with the last Topic to Watch for the month, weight plate, along with associated topics barbell, bench (weight training), bench press, CrossFit, dumbbell, gym, kettlebell, power rack, squat and weight training. Men 18 through 49 drove conversation volume up four times compared with June 2019 and 0.8 times versus May. The social network’s research arm wrote, “Weight plates are elements of dumbbells and barbells, and they’re designed to make fitness equipment more versatile and customizable. People can purchase sets of weight plates in order to adjust their workouts incrementally. Many gym goers have had to adopt at-home routines while their gyms are closed, and some are choosing to invest in equipment that allows them to get closer to a fitness center experience. Weight plate sets are ideal, as they're far less cumbersome than full weight machines found at gyms, and they’re customizable for different types of exercises. People are discovering new ways of staying healthy, from trying out bodyweight exercises to using adjustable barbells, and they’re discovering the flexibility of working out at home.” [kickout id="11"] [kickout id="12"] We learned these things from Facebook IQ’s latest data chart called Topics to Watch, which is designed to help marketers know what subjects to look out for on the social network. The topics are based on trending data, and Adweek readers get an exclusive look at them each month.