Trips to the gym will be back, just looking a little different, as we adjust to the ‘new normal’. Look out for flexi offices with more amenities, better ventilated spaces and the rise of mental health offerings.
Many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020. COVID-19 has left an indelible mark on our lives. It has fundamentally shifted how and where we work and spend our leisure time.
We will be keen to keep some changes, but the pandemic has also highlighted the things we miss and will be keen to get back to as soon as we can.
Take a look at our predictions for 2021. We hope for none of the unexpected surprises that made 2020 so unforgettable.
The return of the gym
Trips to the gym and spa will give variety to days spent working at home and even encourage a shift back to the office. We expect a larger demand for corporate fitness and wellbeing facilities, even for co-working spaces, to suit flexible working hours.
Businesses will increasingly look to invest in both the physical and mental health of employees. People will be attracted back to offices where they can choose to exercise at times that fit their individual schedules and working preferences.
Cleaner, better ventilated spaces
One consequence of COVID-19 is that people are much more conscious of cleanliness and ventilation. Facilities will have to keep up rigorous hygiene standards to maintain customer confidence.
We estimate that gyms, spas and studios will have to allow an additional 30-40% of space to accommodate the personal distance we have all got used to.
Group training will bounce back but there will initially be a reluctance for large classes in tight spaces. Gyms will need to take a close look at layout, ventilation and air quality as they reintegrate group classes into their key offering.
It is possible that people may shift membership to smaller, more boutique gyms and be happy to pay more for extra space and cleaning.
Rise of mental health, holistic and outdoor offerings
The pandemic brought personal fitness into focus with connections between poor health and the effects of COVID-19. We are likely to see increased public initiatives to encourage people to look after themselves and improve exercise habits.
Mental health and wellbeing have also been at the forefront of everyone’s minds, with the isolation and lack of social interaction during lockdowns. We can expect to see a rise in holistic classes in 2021 with more gyms offering meditation, yoga, Pilates and barre with small class sizes.
The rise in training outdoors looks set to stay, too. Gyms will look to incorporate organised outdoor activities into their programmes through bootcamps, outdoor PT sessions or running clubs.
If you’d like to talk to industry experts about your plans for 2021, why not get in touch and find out how we can help you. Please contact our friendly team on 020 8481 9700 or info@m8group.co.uk.
