The events of 2020 were unexpected. The Covid 19 pandemic not only affects millions, but it has also claimed over 1.2 million lives. As a result, most areas where individuals socialized in close proximity were closed. These include restaurants, museums, night clubs, and gyms are also part of the affected businesses.
Numerous people had to alter their fitness regimes. In effect, some businesses, such as Hire Fitness, are seeing huge demand during the lockdown.
An Increase in Home Gyms
Many individuals decided to invest in home gyms as a way to maintain their workout programs. Undoubtedly, not everyone could spare a room to serve as a gym. People had to exercise wherever they could get some space, for example, in their living rooms or even hallways.
The kind of home gym individuals settled on relied on two main factors;
- Financial status
- The amount of space in your home
Some workout equipment, i.e., rowing machines and treadmills, are quite pricey, and not everyone can afford them. People were forced to substitute and purchase small equipment within their financial reach.
Purchasing Gym Equipment
Covid 19 has led to an increase in the demand for gym equipment. Some items, mostly small once like dumbbells and kettlebells, have a demand that’s over a hundred times the norm. Small fitness products are ideal for many homes. Besides, their compact sizes provide for easy storage under cupboards, beds, and other furniture.
COVID-19 forced numerous shops to close, leaving only essential ones, such as chemists, supermarkets, and bakeries operating. Therefore, individuals had to do a lot of online shopping to continue enjoying their services.
During this lockdown, online purchases tripled. The increased demand resulted in delayed product deliveries.
Popular Gym Products for Small Households
Many people live in apartments and small houses. For this reason, they aren’t in a position to establish a fully furnished gym within their premises. So, many have to settle for exercising in any room with some additional space.
What’s more, the inadequacy in space resulted in many opting for small fitness equipment. There was even a point when the demand for dumbbells was more than what was available. Hence, several countries had a supply shortage.
Sit up bars were also popular as you could effortlessly install them at the bottom of your door frame. Pull-up bars aren’t left behind either, with many installing them at the top of their doors.
To enhance the intensity of workouts, many individuals also invested in ankle and wrist weights. Few people had space for weight lifting equipment forcing many to improvise.
Many fitness enthusiasts ventured into workout exercises that they usually didn’t participate in, such as pilates and yoga. This was due to:
- Numerous lessons and YouTube videos on such workouts
- There was an increase in people working from home. This minimized the time wastage on traffic jams to and from work giving you more time to try other exercises.
Because of this, workout mats became a typical purchase.
Gym Setups for Larger Homes
Those with a spare room or empty garage have adequate space to develop an ideal workout area. Such massive spaces can house treadmills, exercise bikes, or rowing machines while giving you ample room to move about.
However, setting up these elaborate establishments is costly compared to purchasing basic workout equipment. Some individuals decided to buy every item available in a commercial gym.
Even the most hi-tech products like treadmills featuring video displays and Peloton bikes multiplied in sales. Similarly, Rogue kettlebells are among the most comfortable and functional pieces of equipment for a wide variety of disciplines that some can also practice at home.
Pros of Having a Home Gym
The COVID 19 Pandemic made individuals think about the benefits they’ll enjoy from investing in gym equipment. Not only will you keep fit during the lockdown, but you’ll also have a great physique post the lockdown. Therefore achieving body goals is a significant contributor to the spike in demand for gym equipment.
Saving Time
Visiting your local gym results in time wastage. Consider these examples:
- Driving to and from your gym
- Waiting for your turn on an equipment
- Showering at your gym
- Packing essentials you’ll need for the session
- Checking in procedures
- Searching for an empty locker to place your things
Yet, these aren’t all the instances you waste time. Besides all this time cutting, lockdown only amplifies the need for a home gym and its equipment.
Enhanced Flexibility
Every once in a while, you encounter an emergency. For instance, you might be in the middle of your morning gym sessions, and you get an abrupt meeting. You’ll have to reschedule but your evenings may be busy too. Hence, you’ll miss out on your workout.
With your home gym, you’ll have time to exercise whenever you want. Besides, given the massive time wastage reduction, you won’t lack time to squeeze in a session.
Rules
In commercial gyms, you have to follow specific rules. While some are considerable, others are ridiculous. Some gyms will demand you don’t drop weights or grunt! You have a limited choice on what to listen to and the loudness level. With your home gym, you’ll decide your music, grunt during an intense workout, and drop weights. You can wear what you like and follow your rules.
Equipment Availability
In commercial gyms, you may find that what you require is inadequate. Consequently, it prompts lengthy waiting or limited practice time. When you have a home gym, you’ll decide the type of equipment that best suits your workout needs.
Better Focus
There are numerous distractions in a commercial gym. From people flexing their muscles to ladies wearing yoga pants, the list is long. Although you may have some distractions at home, the amount is significantly lower. Investing in your home gym gives you a better focus; hence you’ll achieve your goals faster.
Money-Saving
Although the subscription price per month is lower, the total annual costs are higher. Since you’ll have to maintain exercise to keep bettering your fitness, a home gym is ideal. Buying gym equipment is cheaper than monthly subscriptions. Gym equipment is long-lasting; it will probably last a lifetime.
Bottom Line
The main reasons for the increase in demand for gym equipment during this pandemic are:
- Gym closures and health safety measures
- Future planning and many considering home gym merits
With the year drawing to its end and the virus still spreading, gym equipment still maintains a high demand.
