The Gym in the era of Covid-19

For many, the gym is their sacrilege; somewhere to zone-out and unload the stresses of the day. Whether it be in instructed sessions or lone exercising, the UK gym industry has approximately 9.7 million members in 6.7 thousand gyms and health clubs across our nation according to Statista. With a total annual turnover of £1.9 billion in the UK, there is a clear appetite for holding a gym membership. However, like many industries across the globe, the nation’s favourite gyms were forced to close their doors as Coronavirus struck which changed the fitness industry as we know it.

The Rise of the home-gym

From 21st March, many gym-goers were persuaded into the world of the home gym.  Joe Wicks, self made personal trainer and now the nation’s PE teacher, gained over 600,000 views per class during his virtual PE sessions, ITV News claim.  Likewise, rising star Courtney Black, surpassed almost 150,000 views on her live IGTV workouts and many more on her mobile app.

Yet, after “home-gyming” since late February, when many registered gyms reopened under government permission on the 25th July, much of the industry struggled. Heathline warned, “one of the main concerns health experts have about Covid-19 is how readily it can spread through the air via respiratory droplets, especially in confined spaces”. Sky News also claimed “gyms are the perfect place for the virus to spread because they are typically humid.” As a result, BBC News reported that “The Gym Group… had lost 178,000 customers over the past three months” (July 2020). Despite the alarming headlines however and extensive FAQs on how to stay safe whilst at the gym (Runners World 2020), it seems it’s not just Covid-19 which keeping the British public from returning.

Is it really about the risk of Covid-19?

Are the British public fearful of the gym risk or simply too attuned to this new home-gym lifestyle?

In September, the Financial Times reported that “some people remain reluctant to return to indoor training, preferring instead to exercise in the open air.” They also shared that “Coronavirus has increased the external competition… From the likes of Zoom workouts or ‘Instagram Live’ workouts, personalities online have really established a profile and gained a following” which helps to inspire and influence the masses (2020).

For many, what these online personalities provide is a ‘no-brainer’; the cost is lower, the commute non-existent and the risk to Covid-19 reduced significantly. At home, all we need is ourselves and a digital instructor. If we are feeling a little more serious about home-gyming, we many even invest in a yoga mat or some dumbbells to push ourselves. For the likes of Joe Wicks or Courtney Black, equipment is minimal and even water bottles are encouraged to act as weights; alternatives that don’t break the bank. Ultimately, their new product is not only popular because of their incredible motivation and expertise but additionally, because it is the most Covid-19 friendly. No track and trace, hand sanitiser or booking slots required.

Arguably, it’s not for everyone. Some of us could never imagine life without a real gym environment and rushed back to the gym when restrictions allowed. However, many have been surprised by the effectiveness of exercising from home and it is without a doubt that online gym instructors are driving a new wave of fitness. It will be interesting to see it’s impact on the present gym industry.

Thoughts?

“In the time it takes me to drive to the gym and back, my home workout is done. Switching to home work outs also gives me less of an excuse to skip a day. I stay motivated by following challenges and joining social media groups so there’s a community feel to it I wouldn’t always get in the gym.” Lily H.

“Apart from the fact that gyms seem like a Corona hotspot, I’ve realised that I can save money by working out at home with YouTube videos whilst watching TV.” Lily S.

“I was a daily gym-goer before Covid…and I don’t plan on returning. Reason 1) I think a lot more holistically about my health/fitness since Covid-19 and I find short bursts of exercise in my living room are helping my mental health better than going to the gym when I used to spend hours trying to mentally gear myself up to go. Now I just put on some music and get moving. Reason 2) To save money. I lost my job and went freelance at the start of lockdown, I didn’t qualify for any help so foregoing the gym was the easiest thing to cut back on.” Lucinda.

 

Laura Buckle

Featured image courtesy of @dncerullo via Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.