PHYSIOLOGICA: COVID19 - BACK TO THE GYM?

 
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PHYSIOLOGICA: COVID19 - BACK TO THE GYM?

WILL YOU BE A HUNK, CHUNK OR A DRUNK?

THE STORY SO FAR

In mid 2020 millions if not billions of people across the world are now finding their way of life has completely changed. Depending on your location, from late February to early March, Covid19 has wreaked havoc in our society, in family cohesion and in everyday work life. 

In terms of exercise, people are reacting to lockdown in different ways. Some are using this time to throw themselves into a new home regime, some are struggling without the gym environment and have let their training slip, some have found a new love for running or dusted cobwebs off bikes and got out in the fresh air. 

WHERE WILL WE GO FROM HERE? 

One thing is incontrovertible, the fitness industry as a whole is going to be hit very hard in 2020. All gyms are currently shut and have been for weeks. Memberships are either frozen or have been switched to online only, personal training is non existent, and staff are either furloughed or are getting some other government assistance. 

Currently, there is no indication as to how long this lockdown will last but gyms, cinemas, theatres, pubs and restaurants will probably be the last to be released from it. The big name gyms with high membership numbers are struggling just as smaller facilities such as functional gyms, crossfit boxes and PT studios are, but smaller facilities may be better positioned to restart. Social distancing when that time comes, may be much easier to put in place in these smaller spaces.

REBUILDING THE INDUSTRY

Functional spaces will be able to divide up floor space allowing clients to participate in workouts with a kettlebell, dumbbells, suspension trainer etc in groups of 8 or so, when allowed. It remains to be seen though, how some of the large fitness facilities will cope. Banks of treadmills, cross trainers etc all inches apart and people moving around from resistance machine to machine are an obvious hazard. Apart from the clear social distancing problems, how are standards of hygiene going to be enforced? 

I worked in a David Lloyd in the beginning of my career and it was nigh on impossible to get people to wipe machines down after themselves, now machines will need to be not just wiped down, but sterilised after each user, and there’s talk of plastic screens being installed around each machine. There will also need to be some kind of limit on people entering the facilities at any one time, how will the members tolerate that? Maybe some form of time slot booking will be introduced, there’s lots for the management teams to be thinking about. 

Smaller gyms and the functional style gym may, as mentioned cope easier with this new way of operating;

  • Smaller class sizes and ability to create 2m working spaces

  • Shorter HIIT style classes 

  • Easier to restrict space per person

  • Often don’t have changing rooms or if they do, are much smaller

  • Easier to put in place a hygiene routine at the end of each class

Personal training, as long as social distancing can be followed may be the first option open to us, especially outside sessions. This will be very welcome to many, trainer and client alike - especially those who have lost their training mojo. Again, smaller Personal Training Studios and functional facilities may find it easier to get one on one training started again. 

The strength athletes and bodybuilders are arguable struggling the most at the moment. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a substantial home gym set up, with bars and plates, then strength training or bodybuilding is currently very basic. 

COVID19: THE LEGACY, GOOD OR BAD?

When this is all over, and generations look back on this time, will it have been a catalyst for improvement? It will be very interesting to see if the health of the nation actually improved - with many having more time on their hands. Will the spike in running and cycling and home workouts just be a flash in the pan and vanish as quickly as it came, or will the public have embraced this as a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the sun with a beer in the garden? Time will no doubt tell all. 

If you are struggling at home with focus, message me at: admin@lcsandc.com

If you’d prefer, use Text/WhatsApp: 07703 167274 and we can discuss options for online training. 

If you just need a plan to follow, try my 8 week fully structured plan (beginner or int/advanced) no equipment needed at: www.lcsandc.com/online.

 
Lee CarnabyLCS