Raise a Toast for 2020

The year 2020 was {Insert Adjective Here}. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the most popular word was “unprecedented.” We quickly tired of hearing that one. For each person and industry, that adjective you place in that blank could be wildly different. Maybe it was trying. Maybe it was a year full of self-reflection. Maybe it was even inspiring.

As we close out 2020, we want to raise a glass to the health and fitness industry. This year, we were resilient. As shut downs started across the country, many studios had to pivot quickly and get creative with how to still meet their clients’ needs. We tested various platforms, found outdoor spaces to meet and even managed to launch new services in an effort to keep people moving and sane during a challenging time.

While the entire industry was shook to its core, there were some real stars that emerged. Those fitness professionals who took to their personal pages and hosted live workouts, shared motivation and even launched small businesses along the way. Many of our favorites invited us into their homes as they streamed from their living rooms and bedrooms. We got to know more about some of our favorite fit pros than we ever imagined (shout to Monica & Lacadre’s favorite plant, T’Challa). There were those that managed to make their weekly streams a whole experience (Kellie’s Sunday Service was a whole mood). In fact, it was the fit pros leading the charge and showing many brands how it should be done. Emoting a level of energy through the screen that kept us motivated, engaged and having fun. It was not easy, but so many did it flawlessly.

Here we are, nine months into the pandemic and still no exact timeline for when our industry will go back to “normal.” Some studios have had to shift their spaces entirely and sadly, some were not able to sustain. As we look forward to 2021, the only thing we know for sure is that our industry has forever changed.

We cannot imagine being in a studio and not having sanitation stations at each piece of equipment. Will we ever want to sweat in a room with 30+ people again, or will smaller classes be the norm moving forward? Maybe outdoor classes will be here to stay when the weather permits. Will studios keep their online streaming options so clients can continue to workout wherever and whenever? What’s to come of our favorite races, competitions and obstacle courses?

The silver lining is it can be exciting to think about the changes and possibilities to continue doing what all of us love - helping people live their best, fit lives. For the moment, after studio owners close up and fitpros have taught their last class of the year, we hope you kick up your feet, exhale and take a moment to raise a glass for yourself. Cheers!

Love,

CaCera & Shawnie