2020 has been a tough year for all fitness businesses and the reality is about 30% will not make it into 2021. I currently own three gyms in two different states.
Two of the three were completely shut down from March to June 2020 and have been shut down again since November. To say it’s been a year of overcoming challenges is an understatement.
Gym membership statuses have become a hot topic this year, right up there with postponed concerts, and canceled flights, and interrupted holidays.
Yet, unlike other industries that were forced to grind to a halt, savvy businesses in the fitness sector quickly reshaped and adapted to the changing economic landscape caused by the coronavirus.
2020 has definitely been a rocky road for the fitness industry. At least two major franchises ducked under Chapter 11 protection between March and December.
Many more small independent studios and gyms folded, especially in states where stringent lockdowns were imposed.
As the Coronavirus pandemic wages on, cleaning and disinfecting efforts have intensified to the point where some are considered "hygiene theater."
We know as fitness professionals that in order for our clients to maximize their results they must refuel with protein! Many people are surprised to find out how quickly you should eat post-workout.
To get the MOST out of training, you should refuel within 15-30 minutes of completing your workout.
From the time the ancient Greek runner Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to announce the Greeks’ victory in the Battle of Marathon, humans have had a compelling interest in running long distances.
Whether your clients want to run a marathon for the thrill of it, to give them something to train for during the pandemic, or qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon, it pays to know how to effectively and safely train for one.
Earlier this spring, in response to widespread restrictions due to COVID-19, many fitness facilities started offering virtual fitness classes, often publicly available to anyone on the internet, on a smartphone, or connected to a smart TV.
Shorter days and colder weather mean that fewer people are inclined to visit gyms compared to the warmer months. Throw into the mix the coronavirus which has caused dwindling client bases, closures, and lower on-site engagement rates, you’re left with a fall fitness season that’s a far cry from anything we’ve seen before.
Silicon Valley has entered the digital fitness space. Is this a threat or an opportunity for bricks and mortar studio operators?
A heightened awareness of the benefits physical activity can deliver in terms of boosting immunity and protecting against infection and disease, coupled with a new consumer appetite for working out at home, both driven by the pandemic, have attracted the attention of Silicon Valley.
Before COVID 19 invaded our shores, mall-based fitness studios were firing enormous growth in the $85 billion fitness industry.
As fitness clubs focused their marketing efforts on building fitness communities and encouraging personal fitness as a means to build a healthy community, the commercial real estate industry was watching health clubs and gyms re-launch strip mall sales and rentals and reduce mall vacancies all across the country.
• Trainer, Manager or Owner • Beginner or Veteran • 500-10,000 sq.ft.