Source: freepik.com
A frequently practiced recreational activity by the majority of the American population is exercise and recreational fitness. However, recent times have made sports and fitness during the Coronavirus pandemic very difficult for most individuals to participate in, even impossible, due to social distancing measures and quarantine requirements causing gyms to be closed completely.
In addition to gyms being difficult to visit, American sports and sports around the world have seen a complete change in regards to their processes and settings. Why and how have these changes taken place and how do they affect the sports demographic?
Gyms Close as a Response to the Virus
As the virus’ threat continued in America early 2020 and increasingly worsened a few months in, many gyms and outdoor recreational facilities saw temporary closings with the ordering of business closures aside from vital businesses such as pharmacies and grocery stores by state governments. These closings, although put in place to reduce and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, made physical activity and fitness very difficult and for some, impossible.
According to gym membership statistics, as of 2017, 60.87 million Americans possess gym memberships. Looking at these statistics, it is safe to say that many individuals were and still are affected by the closing of gyms, regardless of the intention and efforts made against the spread of the Coronavirus. The question for most gym-goers is, what are my alternatives to going to the gym? If I cannot make use of my gym membership any longer, what can I do to stay healthy and active? Here are some solutions people have come up with.
Gym and Fitness Alternatives
Ever since the majority of recreational centers and gyms closing as a protocol to help fight against the spread of the virus, many Americans have found themselves purchasing their own gym equipment to compensate for the closing of gyms. Some gym enthusiasts have even taken it upon themselves to build their own home gyms. Many of these at-home gym items include dumbbells, treadmills, benches, and others. However, as more and more people participate in these alternatives, it has become more difficult for companies to keep up with demands.
The boom in demand for gym equipment prompted by the mass closing of gyms all over the United States has made supply and demand difficult for companies to keep in check. For example, Walmart and Amazon struggle to keep exercise equipment, especially dumbbells and kettlebells in stock. Not only are large corporations like Walmart and Amazon struggling with this issue, but smaller fitness-focused companies like Powerblock and Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells, which are currently in high demand, do not seem to be coming back in stock any time soon. However, purchasing gym equipment or flat out making an entire personal gym at home isn’t the only option people have turned to.
As a response to gyms closing and most fitness equipment being out of stock, people have resorted to outdoor fitness. The Coronavirus has been proven to disperse far easier outdoors than indoors. The virus is also known to be found in droplets that come from our coughing or sneezing. According to Melissa Bronstein, Director of Infection Prevention and Control for Rochester Regional Health, “Coronavirus droplets don’t get carried far in the wind.” Looking at this information, it is safe to say that the outdoors is a good temporary alternative to fitness during the pandemic.
A few gyms have also moved their equipment and classes outdoors to allow for individuals to exercise and in safer conditions. Gyms have also taken this alternative to prevent going out of business. For example, the owner of Firehouse Fitness Studio in Philadelphia, Dana Auriemma, offers exercise classes at the top of the studio building on the rooftops at around 7 p.m. In July of 2020, Coronado City Council allowed for recreational businesses to move their operations outdoors. Nick Merril, the co-owner of the Sweat Equity gym in Coronado City says, “We have everybody in their own designated area. We bring all the equipment out.”
A Different Sports Environment
In addition to gyms closing all around the country in response to COVID, American sports have experienced some major changes as well. One of the most obvious changes we saw earlier this year was the temporary cancellation of all sports, including the N.B.A, N.F.L, M.L.B, soccer, golf, auto sports, and even the 2020 Olympics. This didn’t surprise most sports fans, however. With schools and most other business-oriented areas being closed down as per government orders all over the country, it was apparent sports were soon to see cancellations.
For the remainder of 2020, most sports with the exception of the W.N.B.A, Wimbledon, and British open were scheduled to resume in the months of June-November. The resumption of sports, however, came with a plethora of restrictions and policies to ensure the safety of fans, athletes, and staff. For example, the N.B.A’s resumption on July 30 of 2020 saw the stadiums completely void of fans. Instead, fans could be seen virtually through video calls on screens. This implementation by the N.B.A allows for an enjoyable experience for fans and players, despite the lack of physical connection.
What We Can See in Sports and Fitness in the Future?
In regards to sports and fitness for the rest of 2020, stock for exercise equipment still continues to stagger as more and more individuals struggle to find everything they need for a home exercise alternative. The condition of stock doesn’t seem to be getting any better, either. According to Randal Konik, an analyst at Jefferies, “We expect accelerated consumer gravitation toward fitness/wellness apparel in the wake of COVID-19.”
The majority of sports leagues, including the N.B.A, N.F.L, M.L.B, and others have resumed their 2020-2021 seasons as they continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. As for the 2020 Olympics, they have been moved one year ahead and will be expected to take place in June of 2021, if things get better, as we all hope.