Overall, the health and fitness industry has overcome membership and revenue loss, facility closures, fighting negative perceptions, and more due to the pandemic. Over a year later, there are still many steps to take until the industry can be back to “normal” again. For now, any positive news is something to hold onto in the hopes of returning to a more normal life—one where health and fitness is a higher priority for everyone.
Fitness Industry Gains Famed Talk Show Host’s Support
Aaron Harber, the host of “The Aaron Harber Show”, wrote a column for The Gazette in support of keeping gyms open and asking officials “to address the unreasonable restrictions'' in place. He believes that, “Giving people the opportunity to be active again — after over a year of isolation — is an immediate need due to the severe physical and psychological damage so many have suffered.” In the article, Harber also discusses the evidence that shows health and fitness clubs have not been a source of spreading COVID-19 and specifically uses the University of Oregon study to support his claims.
Read Harber’s full article.
Fitness Chains Invent New Strategies & Campaigns to Connect With Members
In a recent AdAge article, numerous fitness club chains were featured for reinventing the way they establish relationships with consumers and members. For instance, ahead of Mental Health Awareness month, Planet Fitness, an IHRSA member, will alter its messaging to connect with members on their mental and physical health. “What’s different now, because of restrictions lifting and COVID fatigue, people want to take the step and be out with other people and be in a club environment, and we’re celebrating that,” said Jeremy Tucker, chief marketing officer of Planet Fitness.
