Local Gyms Not Predicting Large Membership Increases In 2021
Dec 28, 2020, 11:31 PM | Updated: 11:37 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As Americans set down the holiday treats and look to pick back up healthy lifestyles, gyms across the country are facing a different reality than in years past.
Local gyms in Salt Lake City aren’t predicting a crazy turnout for people kickstarting New Year’s resolutions at the gym, but they remained hopeful that people will.
“We all need relief from this isolation and boredom,” said Bodywise member Dan Murray.
Murray said he returned to the gym last month and feels safe in the environment at BodyWise. It’s one of the last locally owned, non-franchise, health clubs in Salt Lake City, located off of Foothill Drive.
The gym is smaller, more community-driven and open to all ages. For those who are at higher risk and choose not to work out in person, the family-owned gym has online workouts too. It’s a trend small boutique studios and large franchise fitness centers agree have helped save their business.
“For every new person who has joined in the last month, there is probably an equal number of people who have canceled,” Bodywise employee Xavier Matheson said.
Matheson said they typically are packed around New Year’s. He said they’re expecting to see a little increase, but nothing compared to years past.
It’s what many local gyms are also predicting.
A representative with Planet Fitness in Salt Lake City said they’re expecting to see more people come in after the new year, but they still have their capacity and COVID-19 restrictions in place. Members don’t seem to mind them, according to the spokesperson.
“We would love for more people to come and visit us,” Matheson said.
If you are curious about how you can get involved and help fitness studios survive the COVID-19 pandemic, give them a call and ask — Matheson said they are one of the many that offer an entry deal for first-time customers.
