Rolling with the Punches (Part II): Observations & Predictions Through the Pandemic

What Now?

Four months ago (whew, can you believe it?), the coronavirus pandemic caused the first major shutdown in our lifetimes, we had just begun to adjust to both working and working out at home, and we gave your our observation and predictions about the fitness industry. Things have changed a lot since and we have some fresh perspectives and insights about where we are and where the fitness industry stands.

Take it Outside

Studios and gyms have moved beyond their fancy studios and green spaces into parking lots and garages. Why not? They are already divided for cars, which are perfect for circuit stations and social distancing. As COVID cases continue to rise across the country, many businesses faced two choices: shut it all down again or take the services outside. Many fitness studios decided to take the gym to their parking lots. With all the confusion about the science, surprisingly, many studios that adopted this format have experienced an increase in their membership return, and found that their clients were more comfortable with an outdoor set-up. Even one of our favorite cycling studios is setting up their bikes in local parks.

Smaller Classes, but Masks Required

For states with more lenient restrictions, many studios are operating under conditions like smaller class sizes, stricter cleaning guidelines and mask mandates. As studio fitness instructors, we’ve been nervous about re-opening. Honestly, we still are. However, with everyone on board to ensuring we get to stay open, we’ve been able to operate with very little hiccups. In addition to smaller class sizes, fitness classes in Memphis are also operating under shorter class times. It’s been a nice way to ease back into a fitness routine.

Studios are taking other precautions into their hands like having UV lighting installed in ceilings and filtration devices running in studio rooms to help keep facilities safer.

There are still days where we are anxious. It’s hard for a good coach to provide cues and corrections while maintaining six feet apart. However, many of our clients are willing to comply if it means they can stay on track with their workouts. The community atmosphere and ability to move also seems to be helping many of our clients (and ourselves) through the mentally-draining aspect of navigating this pandemic.

Virtual Workouts Are Here to Stay

With all the uncertainty around the pandemic across the country, many studios quickly adapted their models to include virtual workouts. Well, it’s fair to say that they are here to stay. What started off as an emergency effort to help keep clients engaged and moving has now turned into full virtual memberships and weekly online programs for anyone interested in trying out a studio, no matter their locations. One downside is that working out this way can feel isolating, so many studios and fitness apps continue to build community for their members and viewers. Whether it’s live on Zoom or prerecorded, friends and strangers alike can take the same class from different time zones. YouTube has been another great resource with a wealth of information for fun workout styles (hello jump rope class).

How has your workout routine changed, or not changed, during this pandemic? Let us know at @_fitwithfinesse