How did the gym business pivot?

During the pandemic, the gym business faced significant challenges that urged them to pivot in several ways. Here are some of the key pivot strategies discussed on the Mind Pump Podcast:

1. Virtual Platforms and Online Services: Many gyms moved to virtual platforms to continue providing services to their members. For example, a virtual platform was set up using Vimeo, although it was considered expensive and less successful due to reopening of physical gyms shortly after launch 1.

2. Online Certification Courses: Gyms also expanded into online certification courses, which became particularly crucial when in-person sessions were not feasible. These courses helped in sustaining some revenue streams during lockdown periods 1.

3. Expanded Personal Training and Flexible Business Models: Gyms considered-personal training and open gym models as opposed to purely class-based schedules. This shift allowed better accommodation of social distancing rules and potentially retained customer base even with reduced overall capacity 2.

4. Home and Outdoor Workouts: Some trainers pivoted to offering at-home and outdoor training sessions, utilizing equipment like kettlebells and resistance bands, thus adapting to the constraints of gym closures and restrictions 3.

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     1

     Virtual Fitness Pivot

     00:15:54
     
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     2

     Adapting Business Models

     00:18:40
     
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     3

     Adapting to Change

     00:36:53
     
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     4

     COVID Gym Adaptations

     00:01:05
     

5. Diversified Income Streams: Gyms that successfully managed the crisis diversified their income streams. For instance, including corporate wellness programs, digital programs, and even opening new locations with adapted business models 4.

These pivots were essential not only for surviving the immediate impacts of the pandemic but also for setting new directions in the fitness industry that could continue post-crisis.