Digitizing Fitness During COVID-19

The U.S. fitness and health club industry is estimated to be worth $30 billion annually. With millions of Americans staying home during the COVID-19, several companies and individuals have had to find creative ways to keep consumers interested. Many fitness organizations have utilized these digitized efforts to keep their clientele engaged (and in shape).

Streaming Workouts

Approximately 45 million adults in the United States have gym memberships. With gyms closed across the country and social isolation in full effect, many of these gym-goers have turned to a growing trend across the nation: streaming online workouts. 

On-demand fitness has spiked 58.7% this year, in large part due to COVID-19. Planet Fitness has had to close their brick and mortar doors, but now offers streaming workouts. Many local YMCAs are also streaming live fitness classes. 

Social Media

Another route to keep fitness consumers engaged is through social media. Instagram posts with home workouts increased over five times on March 18 (compared to a few days prior) which was around the time many governors issued stay at home orders.

Many companies are utilizing Facebook for virtual workouts. Retro Fitness posts daily workouts to their Facebook page and SilverSneakers posts daily health videos. Blink Fitness hosts daily Facebook Live sessions where they host virtual workouts, give fitness tips and answer questions.

Orangetheory uploads a new at home workout on their YouTube channel every day and incorporates household items into the routine (such as coffee jugs for weights). And 305 Fitness offers yoga and cardio classes via their YouTube channel.

Free Trials 

For many Americans, finances can be tight during COVID-19. Almost every state has lost anywhere from 4% to 17% of their state’s total workforce. With so much financial uncertainty, cost effectiveness is of the utmost importance. Free trials are a great way to let fitness consumers try out services they may not have tried before, while being cognizant of budgets.  

Fitbit is currently offering a free 90-day trial of its Premium service, which includes workouts offered by the normally paid-for service. Peloton is also offering a free 90-day trial to try a variety of fitness classes through their app and has had five times more downloads in March compared to February.

Once the pandemic ends and the stay-at-home orders are lifted, will the gyms and health clubs be as busy as they once were? Or will people be more apt to continue the convenience of at-home fitness routines? Only time will tell, but it will likely pay off for individuals and companies to have their fitness capabilities digitized.

If you’d like help ensuring your digital fitness platforms are up to speed, contact us here.

Updated: Nov 15, 2024