Studies show that gym participants engage in a practice of self-reinvention. They want to create a fitter, healthier, and more robust version of themselves.
But, like large grocery stores, they also require a staggering amount of electricity to keep the lights on and machinery plugged in (even when idle) all year round.
Personal Training
Despite declining membership numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, fitness clubs are seeing a rebound in revenues. Consumers are investing in equipment and going back to in-person workouts, according to TeamUp, a platform that allows consumers to book classes on their phones or computers.
While many gym-goers enjoy their fitness regime’s benefits, they are dissatisfied with several aspects of the industry. Among the most significant complaints is the lack of emotional release from exercise, which can help people manage stress. 65% of gym-goers have reported that working out at the gym has been one of the ways they’ve coped with the pandemic’s effects.
Two respondent gyms have started wellness departments offering body and mind classes to address this. This comes as the industry focuses less on body shaping and more on total health. Good looks are no longer necessary, as the priority is healthy lifestyles and boosting the immune system.
Another area being focused on is energy efficiency, a key challenge for any large-scale gym that consumes electricity, water, and gas. To this end, our two gyms have introduced LED lighting and water-saving solutions like using waterless urinals. According to Clean Link, a US-based company that provides water-saving products for the fitness industry, a single large-scale club uses up to 256,000 gallons of water per month.
Group Training
Many fitness consumers were frustrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when their gyms and studios closed. They could not work in the environment they had grown used to, and staying motivated while training at home or with friends was challenging. When fitness facilities reopened, most had to implement various restrictions and limitations, which made it harder to retain members and get them back to the club.
Despite these obstacles, our in-depth interviews with gym owners revealed that the industry is still moving towards a holistic approach to fitness. They have shifted their focus from body shaping to health and wellness promotion, and they are incorporating mindfulness training into classes to encourage their clients to exercise stress-free.
Group training sessions also help to improve membership retention. They encourage members to train with their friends and can keep them in the gym when they would otherwise drop out of training due to price increases or new competition.
Eco-friendliness is another trend that gyms in San Jose embrace as they align with the growing social acceptance of sustainability. Whether that’s how an elliptical or rowing machine is built or how much electricity an indoor cycling class generates, these are all crucial factors for the consumer to consider when choosing a fitness facility.
Weight Loss
Gyms have a lot of electrical equipment that requires a lot of power. That includes equipment like treadmills, benches, weight machines, and lighting and air conditioning systems. All of that requires a lot of electricity to keep things running and to maintain safety.
That’s why many gyms struggle to get back up and running during the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re dealing with the loss of revenue as members cancel their memberships or go for home exercise options instead. Many are also concerned about how they will keep up their fitness levels if gyms reopen later.
A recent study found that most active adults want to return to gyms as soon as they are open. In addition, the study found that nearly half of all respondents have no concerns about exercising in a gym as long as specific measures are in place to ensure their safety. The most popular suggestions were requiring vaccinations or proof of immunization upon entry, frequent disinfection of equipment by staff, and implementing a 1.5-m distance between people to help prevent the spread of germs.
In our interview series, we spoke with several Budapest gym owners and trainers to learn more about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. These interviews provided an overview of their issues, their ideas for survival, and changes in consumer behavior.
Sports Performance
Whether for endurance, muscle strength, balance, coordination, or simply breathing, fitness centers are helping people of all ages improve their sports performance. And while you can get an effective workout at home with the right equipment, many people find it easier to work out with others. This is why many gyms offer group classes like yoga, Pilates, or indoor cycling.
Even though they’re a great way to socialize, these groups can also help people stay on track with their exercise goals and motivate them to return. One study found that gym members are 14 times more likely to meet aerobic activity guidelines and ten times more likely to meet muscle-strengthening guidelines than non-members.
In addition to helping people maintain healthy weight, strengthen their muscles, and breathe better, gyms can reduce stress and help manage high blood pressure. In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic threw fitness businesses into a tailspin and forced many to close completely.
When they reopened, some gym owners found that the demand for personal training had increased. But overall, memberships dropped by 30 to 100%. The good news is that many gyms have since recovered and offer low monthly fees, flexible contracts, and 24-hour access to their facilities. They’re also promoting fitness benefits, such as a more robust immune system and lower blood pressure, to entice more consumers to join.
