Top takeaways and insights from the TIME Magazine article on why Americans are returning to the gym.
TIME Magazine recently published an article about the resurgence of people going back to gyms. The article bodes well for the fitness industry, and here is a summary of top takeaways from the piece.
Home workouts are boring.
Alison Phillips, an associate professor of psychology at Iowa State University, told TIME Magazine the repetitiveness of at-home workouts became too much, which led her to return to her gym after being vaccinated. “It’s boring,” Phillips told TIME Magazine. “Same thing, all the time.”
Gym visits are on the rise.
The TIME Magazine article referenced a number of positive stats for the fitness industry that many insiders know, but that hasn’t been talked about much in mainstream media.
“Visits have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels; gym visits were down just 8% in early October compared to same period 2019, according to data cited by CNBC,” stated the article.
Gyms are good for mental health.
The TIME Magazine article talked to multiple consumers who shared about how the gym improves their mental health, whether it was helping them destress or providing much needed social connection.
Danon Ray, a recruiter for the New York Army National Guard, told TIME Magazine he despised working out from home, stating: “The house is too familiar, too comfortable, the temperature is not right. Working out in a gym is a communal, social thing. It’s people who have the same interests who are involved with trying to better themselves. You develop some sort of bond, right? …. My job is highly stressful. And when I don’t go to the gym, I feel like I miss my medication, something that keeps me normal.”
Self-care is now a focal point of the American consumer.
According to the TIME Magazine article, the pandemic highlighted the need for self-care. As a result, the American consumer is much more apt to be open to messaging regarding this fact.
“Exercise has become a priority — wherever people prefer to do it,” wrote Sean Gregory, the author of the TIME Magazine article. “But the uptick in gym visits and memberships resonates even more.”
What are your top takeaways from the piece on why Americans are returning to the gym, and what it means for the fitness industry? Email rachel@peakemedia.com.
Stay ahead in the fitness industry with exclusive updates!
Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
