As the United States continues to increase vaccinations amongst eligible citizens, many young professionals are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The fitness industry specifically has experienced many alterations and adaptations, where some experts still consider gyms to be unsafe and many personal trainers are dealing with the harshest restrictions. Since March 2020, immunologists have been warning about indoor workout courses in public settings and personal trainers assisting clients in confined spaces. These restrictions didn’t stop most people from wanting to feel the burn, so they sought out other opportunities within their own households. A report by Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, reported a 170% increase in fitness equipment purchases at retail spots. In addition to setting up home gyms, people are still seeking virtual workouts with savvy trainers who have pivoted to online instruction. These online courses may be a setback for many, but for some, it is now a preferred method of working out. You no longer have to get ready and worry about an ongoing commute to a HIT class the next morning. You no longer have to feel uncomfortable with others watching you. You can do these things in the comfort of your own home and in many cases still get to interact with others via the internet so you continue socialization. I reached out to Kortni King, a certified personal trainer and movement and mobility specialist, to discuss the ongoing implications for exercising during this pandemic.
Though the opportunities for at-home exercise can be great for consumers, it is of great downfall to many business owners. According to 2020 research conducted by the IHRSA, 17% of all fitness facilities’ doors have permanently been closed during this pandemic. What do you think the lingering effects amongst gyms will look like?
Honestly, I think a lot of these closures (at least in my area anyway) seem to be fitness studios and big box commercial gym locations. I personally think it almost purged out those who really aren’t that sad to see go. I always preferred a small locally owned private gym space than I do a “Golds Gym or a Lifetime” anyway. No offense to them but a local gym has cleaner equipment because there’s a gym owner there who cares about it, not a GM that’s making sure he’s hitting sales quotas places on him by whoever is really in charge. A lot of the small gyms I know of made it out just fine because they build communities that support and adjust WITH them. As for the fitness studios, you either have a good concept or you don’t. You either do the necessary small stuff, hire the right instructors, or create good vibes that make the experience great or you don’t. I feel like the ones who made it proved they can do that. I think small private gyms will finally get the recognition they deserved all along and the new classes and the right studios that make the fitness community a happy place will keep thriving.
According to Business Wire’s research, there has been a 170% year to year increase in the demand consumption of fitness equipment. Do you think that buying dumbbells at Target can replicate the experience of a local gym? If I was new to working out and had a few hundred bucks to spend on beginner equipment, what tools would you recommend?
Absolutely! And target is actually the best place to buy dumbbells right now. Their insanely overpriced everywhere else! Honestly, even in a gym space I use minimal equipment. I’m in the gym to train my BODY, not train myself to “use gym things”. When you understand how to exercise and truly how to MOVE you can move anywhere. The 25lb dumbbell at the gym isn’t any better than the one at your house. It doesn’t even matter if the way you get to 25lbs at home is by holding your dog or your child while you bend at the hips. People go into the local gym to use the equipment and get a little room to move. If you have what you need at home and create the right SPACE in the comfort of your home then that’s really all you need. If anything, at least I’m able to pick the music and the lighting. Some people prefer for the only eyes staring at them to be their dog. Your home gym can be anything you want it to be!
Beginner Equipment:
My recommendation for a beginner is to focus on the space and the equipment that you need. Have steps at home or a sturdy bench that you could sit on already? If not, I’d recommend a small workout box that can help you elevate yourself. It will bring so much versatility to your workout and help with increasing or regressing your movements. If you can use the kitchen counter, a chair or a window seal great, but if not this is the first thing I’d get.
A couple pairs of dumbbells light, medium and heavy.
If you have somewhere for it, DEFINITELY a pullup bar w/ a variety of long resistance bands ranging from light to heavy. Your pullup bar can be wall mounted, door mounted, it can be a whole squat rack if you’re into that, or it can be my personal favorite. The base blocks home pullup bar. It sits on your floor and offers a pullup up inside with ease.
Lastly, I recommend a LARGE yoga mat or even investing in some type of “gym floor” whether its kids foam puzzle pieces or rubber mats on FB Marketplace, you can’t go wrong with actually creating a separation from the floor of your bedroom to an actual new space with a new feeling. It does wonders for motivation at home and honestly what good is any of the equipment if you don’t use it.
Bonus things are things to just make the workout experience more interesting over time. These are honestly inexpensive and can really elevate your routine.
Swiss Ball – $20 – It can be used hundreds of ways for a full body workout and challenge your stability, something most people neglect in training.
Medicine Ball – $40 – Great for metabolic work (stiff that gets your heart rate uP) and a really functional piece of equipment to practice different grips and positions for moves you already know.
Jump rope- $10- for fun movement
A set of kettlebells or even just a larger kettlebell- $40 to $100 – a set of kettlebells or even just a larger kettlebell for more versatility and new challenges to your dumbbell movements.
Beachbody had seen approximately 1.36 million sign-ups for its on-demand streaming workout programs between March and August last year. What makes a great workout video and do you foresee the virtual training market to have more competition?
This is honestly something I am trying to figure out myself still. But I really think a good educational and entertaining video is what does it. The instruction and the person instructing has to be able to lead a class and teach people how to move through a screen and also try to keep the energy up!
Around August last year, league commissioners from the Big Ten college conferences cited concerns over myocarditis. Cardiologist state myocarditis is when the walls of the heart become inflamed, making it harder to pump blood. Have you had any experience dealing with clients who tested positive for COVID-19 and did you have to adapt programs?
Honestly, I didn’t have a single client test positive for covid while I was working with them. Guess they must be doing something right!
