Hybrid Fitness: From Pandemic To Permanent

Blog

Yoga flows in the living room. Virtual PT sessions. Daily lockdown excursions to the local park. 

At the height of the pandemic, working out looked very different to business as usual. With gyms and fitness studios closed across the country, Australians had to find creative ways to get the blood flowing. 

Interestingly, these changes in fitness habits appear to be sticking around. Research we conducted found 28% of the people we surveyed don’t miss the way they used to work out pre-pandemic. Plus,  24% are uncertain or confident they won’t go back to their usual gym or studio routine. So, what does this mean for your business? 

This doesn’t need to spell disaster for you as a gym or studio owner. Instead, there is a unique opportunity to meet consumers’ shifting priorities and reimagine your offering to stay in the game.

woman doing yoga at home

3 driving factors behind Australia’s changing fitness habits

The pandemic forced all of us to embrace change. Now, fitness fans are keen to embrace these pivots for good - and here’s why.

Craving variety to keep their body guessing 

Slogging it out on a treadmill five days a week isn’t how most people want to stay fit. Lockdowns taught us to shake things up, think outside the box and ditch our old routines.

The good news is that gyms and studios have always been spaces for dynamic, varied workouts. From Pilates classes to weights sessions, fitness fans can always find the kind of workout they’re looking for at their favourite gyms (and say goodbye to repetitive routines). 

For gyms and studios, the lesson is that monotonous class timetables need a revamp and should include a variety of classes that cover everything from strength to mobility. Plus, why not get your members together and build a strong sense of community with a Sunday morning run club or hike? 

It’s all about finding ways to bring people together and harness the best of in-person workouts.

woman working out at home

Seeking more flexibility in membership models 

This desire for difference isn’t just happening in the way people move: it extends to the membership options on offer, too. 

50% of people we surveyed don’t want to be locked into a long-term contract and are seeking flexible payment options that hand back control. 

Those who remain on top will be studios and gyms that reimagine traditional membership models and consider competitive pricing and packages that blend virtual and in-person experiences. 

Looking for personalised fitness experiences 

High traffic studios and crowded gyms can be seen as a health and hygiene red flag for consumers. 

Instead, the venues that tap into personalised experiences that prioritise bespoke offerings will come out on top. 

That means a friendly smile from your favourite trainer, boutique class sizes and high attention to detail that makes members feel like more than a number. 

Fitness is moving forward - fast. It’s why we created Xplor Technologies’ Evolve & Thrive Report, packed with the latest insights and trends transforming Australia’s fitness industry. 

Is your business ready for action? Download our report and take informed action today.