Evolution of the fitness industry post the lockdown period – Business Insider India

However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year, the fitness industry hit a major roadblock. With the government's mandatory directive of nationwide lockdown and people practicing social distancing, the fitness industry that was largely dependent on the on-ground gyms and fitness studios saw a shift to digital platforms. Various players in the fitness industry adapted their services onto digital platforms in order to provide seamless customer experience. Live streaming of fitness sessions, virtual personal training, consultations by nutritionists, mental health experts through online social and communication platforms have seen a rise like never before. Hence, making the virtual way of accessing fitness the new normal and a subsidiary to the on-ground fitness services.

Existing fitness and wellness businesses are also expected to get creative and venture across multiple mediums for better outreach and retention of consumers. For the gyms/fitness studios that resume on-ground operations, they will continue services both online and offline. The virtual offerings are also expected to evolve with services being more personalized for the consumers (personal training, consultation with nutritionists, online therapy etc.) and hence providing overall wellness at their fingertips.

For a gym/fitness studio to reopen timely efforts for the sanitization of gyms/studios, installing proper hand sanitiser dispensers, spacing the equipment, having safety rules and protocols in place would be a must. Workout sessions would have to be performed in small/intimate groups. Fitness platforms will also be utilizing tools where they would monitor the capacity of gym/fitness centres. Pre-booking of workout slots along with ensuring an safety SOP (Standard Operating Protocol) is being implemented, would also play a huge role in building trust amongst the consumers.

3. Holistic Wellness Will Be A Priority:

Not just physical fitness, but nutrition, mental wellness and spiritual training has already become a prime focus for individuals and will continue to do so, post lockdown. In an attempt to achieve overall health and overcome the stress incurred due to our tense surroundings, consumers and service providers have found the need to focus on holistic health and are redefining fitness to become more wellness oriented.