Have you adjusted the layout of your gym club or fitness center since COVID-19 struck? If you want your gym to remain relevant and profitable post-pandemic, then you probably should as soon as possible.
Gyms have been hit hard by COVID-19, and many did not survive the devastation. This is terribly unfortunate, of course, but it’s not all bad news. The coronavirus chaos, though ravaging and traumatic, has brought positive changes in the fitness industry, with one being gym layout overhauls. It has inspired heightened awareness of both physical and mental health throughout the industry.
Nobody can control the virus and the effects that it has had and will have going forward. However, it is possible to control the choices we make to achieve health and happiness.
People miss the gym. Up to 70% of fitness consumers have reported missing the gym as much as family and friends. And as a gym owner, the onus is on you to ensure that your members are healthy and safe.
Gym Layouts Pre-Pandemic
In the past, gym design and layout were very much focused on efficiency and profit, and not so much on health and safety. It was about providing a convenient and productive workout space that accommodated as many members as possible.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, gyms might have been laid out to allow for saving time and energy during workouts, with locations for cardio exercise and weight training relatively close together. This was beneficial for gym-goers, especially those with tight schedules and busy lifestyles. It also benefited gym owners and staff. The problem? A higher risk and rate of germ transmission.
In addition to having layout designs that facilitated the transmission of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, many gyms offered group exercise classes for activities such as spinning, step aerobics, dance fitness, kickboxing, etc. These fitness classes would often consist of many participants, making it easy for germs to spread. Moreover, just about anyone could join at any time without any issue.
Post-Pandemic and the New Normal
Fast forward to post-pandemic times and things look a little different. The focus for gym owners before the pandemic was creating efficient training spaces. Today it extends beyond that to a new normal that demands increased safety and hygiene.
Initial changes during the COVID-19 pandemic included limiting capacity, enforcing mask-wearing and hand sanitizing, and adjusting the positioning of equipment for social distancing — safety protocols per CDC guidelines. Gyms also unplugged machines and put up signages and barriers. While the wearing of masks may no longer be required, protocols largely remain in place.
There is and will continue to be greater scrutiny post-pandemic, with gyms and fitness centers prioritizing cleanliness and hygiene for a safer and more healthy gym experience. How it will look to patrons: more spacing, designated training zones, informational signage, continued screening, etc. Exercise classes are smaller and people may need to reserve space or schedule ahead of time.
Other changes include less staffing, in many cases, and gym-goers are expected to strictly honor the rules of the gym or health club. Owners and managers should be aware of all possible risks, inconveniences, and opportunities.
How Gyms Can Innovate
Due to the effects of COVID-19, the public is a lot more safety aware. That means that in order to increase gym member engagement and draw new members to your facility, you may need to get creative with ideas and methods and introduce new products.
Digital fitness has increased significantly during the pandemic, cementing itself as a staple of the fitness industry. Increasingly, gyms are offering tech and virtual options, as they provide convenience and enable greater levels of conditioning and safety. Fitness clubs are combining apps with workouts, making it possible to check if classes are open and much more. All these are great ways to attract business.
Another good way to attract clients is to invest in workout pods, chill-out areas, holistic zones, and heat experiences. Use outside space creatively if you have it, and see to it that indoor spaces are well-ventilated and allow for efficient use of space while reducing close interactions. Equipment-wise, bamboo and other green materials will appeal to the environmentally conscious.
There are many ways for gyms to innovate, and doing so can be highly beneficial. This is because gym owners are forced to offer more to get patrons to return. So be happy and take advantage of innovations. Adjust the layout of your gym and the way that it operates for success.
