As a yoga and group fitness instructor I was personally impacted when Covid 19 began its world tour in 2020. Gyms and yoga studios were forced to abruptly shut down, leaving many avid exercisers hanging in limbo and/or scrambling to outfit home gyms and yoga rooms.

In a blink of an eye, an explosion of online classes geared not just to buff bods but suddenly mental health was front and centre. This online shift will not come to an end with many participants loving their new routine. Which means many gyms and studios have maintained some online presence in the form of hybrid classes (online and in-person) or some teachers have completely shifted their business model to strictly virtual.

Home workouts were already starting to take seed with the launch of such products like Peloton, iFit and Mirror. People suddenly became housebound working from home and no commuting and when commuting patterns change, workout patterns change. I have students who still love rolling out of bed right onto their yoga mat and turn on their Zoom class.

The in-person fitness experience is still veiled in fear for some and some participants lack confidence in the virus being under control and facilities taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread. Seniors make up a large portion of users and they or someone close to them may have compromised immune systems so they may choose to stay away from public spaces.

Members may have found their gym or studio couldn’t stay afloat during the pandemic and were forced to close permanently which forced some to find new routines. The pandemic also helped some to find “more affordable ways” to get exercise and live a healthier lifestyle.

Virtual workouts also eliminate the intimation factor. Participants don’t have to have their camera on or can do a pre-recorded class.

Gyms and and studios may look less busy still, what hasn’t changed is people’s need and desire to take care of their health and wellness. So whatever you’re choosing to do right now, keep up the good work.