Fitness Industry Roundup: Gyms Prioritize Health & Wellness

Health and fitness club check-in data have held a key role during the pandemic. New data holds an optimistic tune for future attendance—even as at-home fitness and digital options continue their respective rise. Plus, the fitness industry maintains its position in healthcare by hosting pop-up clinics and assisting members with health issues brought on by the pandemic.

Data Suggests Gym Attendance Will Reach Pre-COVID Levels by July

Zoom Media, the parent company of GymTV, analyzed foot traffic at more than 3,700 GymTV U.S. locations. “Our latest gym attendance, even with capacity limits, is already at 65% of visits pre-COVID,” said Lorraine Pyne, vice president, sales and marketing at Zoom Media. With 100% partner gyms open, expanding capacities, and month-to-month increases, Pyne projects that gym attendance will be close to pre-COVID levels by July 1. According to PR Newswire, next, Zoom Media, in partnership with a leading marketing research and insights company, Kantar, will launch a qualitative study on behaviors and attitudes of those returning to the gym.

Read the entire release.

Fitness Equipment Manufacturer Pivots to Direct-to-consumer Model During Pandemic

Like other businesses, COVID-19 accelerated interactive smart rower provider Aviron’s plans to adjust its business model. When business slowed down due to pandemic-related closures and restrictions, Aviron, an IHRSA member, made its entrance to the home market. In a recent Modern Shipper case study, Andy Hoang, founder and CEO of Aviron, said, “One of the scary parts of going B2C is you have one shot, because if your product enters the market and it doesn’t meet on-time [delivery performance] or expectations … it can be the end of you.” Fortunately, with the help of logistics partner GlobalTranz, Aviron successfully managed its transition to shipping direct-to-consumer and still manufactures for other businesses.

Learn more about Aviron’s shift to the home market.

Vermont Gym Offers Free One Month Membership at Vaccine Clinic

Vermont is teaming up with employers to hold pop-up clinics with no appointment necessary to reach Vermont’s goal to get 80% of the population vaccinated. In an attempt to incentivize Vermonters to get the COVID vaccine, The Edge Sports and Fitness in Williston, VT, an IHRSA club member, offered a free one-month membership to anyone who received the shot. Referring to the clinic, WCAX reports that Mike Feitelberg, CEO of The Edge, said, “We’re really happy to do it … It certainly has allowed more people to be confident and come back to the club once they’ve been vaccinated and that’s great to see.” The Edge added that 71 non-members took a tour of the facility and, as promised, left with a gift certificate for membership.

Find out more.

Health Club Addresses COVID Challenges to Help Members’ Health

Orangeburg Planet Fitness in South Carolina, a 24-hour facility, aims to help members with increased stress, weight gain from staying home, and lack of socialization—all caused by the pandemic. According to The Times & Democrat, the gym offers members with tools and resources to stay healthy and safe in a sanitary environment. Orangeburg Planet Fitness manager and personal trainer, Joyce Johnson, said, “I’m here every day, so in other words, if you tell me your goal, then when you come in that door, I’m going to make sure that I cheer you on so that you can reach that goal.”

Read more.

Has your health or fitness-related business been featured in the news recently? We want to know! Send a link to any news article or video that highlighted your business to pr@ihrsa.org, and we may include it in a future issue of the Fitness Industry Roundup.