More People Setting Up Home Gyms To Stay Fit During Coronavirus Pandemic

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Most gyms have temporarily shut down because of coronavirus concerns. Social distancing has kept millions of Utahns at home. While that’s bad for many businesses, it hasn’t been bad for every business.

If you belong to a gym, and have become accustomed to working out consistently, the past week or so, has likely been an adjustment.

“I went to the gym at 6 a.m. for 10 years, and you see the same people there for 10 years,” said  Melissa Marchant.

With the parking lots empty and the lights going dark, coronavirus has forced the world of fitness into a different routine.

“It’s tough. It’s tough to not have a place to go,” Marchant told KSL TV.

The wife and mother of four has gradually turned a portion of her home into a make-shift gym.

“I get to a point where I just need it for my mental health,” she said.

Apparently Marchant was not the only one making a transition.

“It’s been our busiest week ever,” said Clint Eisinger with Utah Home Fitness.

Eisinger said they’ve seen record sales of their at-home fitness products.

“We’ve been putting in extra hours,” he said.

Employees have been scrambling to fulfill orders.

“These guys are trying to keep up with dumbbells, benches and weights,” Eisinger said.

More and more people have done the same thing as Marchant.

“They’re coming in specifically because their gyms are closed, and a lot of them – it’s like their routine,” said Eisinger. “They don’t want to give up that routine.”

Torrent Cycle in Salt Lake City has found a way to keep club members cranking out those routines, while at the same time keeping their business spinning.

“We actually had an overwhelming response,” said Dan Cooney. “Some (customers) said, ‘Hey, would you be willing to rent out or lease out your bikes?’ And we thought, ‘Hey, that’s a pretty good idea.”

Two days later, all 50 bikes were rented out, and the club has offered virtual classes online, twice a day.

Cooney said there was likely more to it than a chance to stay fit.

“Well, I think they’re looking for a connection,” he said. “They’re looking for a way to stay normal. They’re looking for a way to maintain their routine, even though their world’s been turned upside down.”

With a world right now, seemingly upside down, Marchant said she’s found even the littlest of ways to turn things right side up.

“I need it, and I’m grateful for it,” she said.

Eisinger said although Utah Home Fitness has sold out of a number of items, be patient. They’ve got more shipments coming in during the next few weeks.