Have you noticed that it's getting more difficult to find a parking spot at your favorite gym? That is because more Americans are hitting the gym again post-covid 19, and it's not just for exercise. Data suggests that the recent outbreak of Covid-19 may have served as a wake-up call for many Americans, who had previously been leading unhealthy lives. Many are now looking to gain a sense of control, regain their health, and find solace in an increasingly chaotic world that they know can't be changed by anything other than themselves.

The days of being too sick to go to the gym appear to be all but gone, thanks largely to a relatively fast roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines and other measures such as wearing masks, which experts say are finally starting to make a difference in the battle for public health.

As the Covid-19's pandemic subsides and restrictions are being lifted, many Americans are returning to their old routines with a renewed sense of vitality and vigor. Recent data suggests a surge in gym membership, with some parts of the country seeing an increase of over 55%. It's a post-covid fitness boom if you will.

Lifestyle Changes

At an individual level, the pandemic also took a toll on people's health and well-being. A survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that more than 60% of U.S. adults have gained an undesired weight during Covid-19. The so-called covid weight gain was likely because the virus disrupted people's dietary habits and exercise routines. The survey also found that drinking more alcohol and not getting enough sleep were inversely correlated with increased weight gain.

But the adage, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," seems to be true, at least for the fitness industry, as more Americans appear aware of the adverse effects of not staying in shape and are taking steps to correct it. Studies suggested obesity, as a pervasive American problem, was a significant factor in the country's increased mortality rate during covid-19. More than half a million Americans have died of the coronavirus so far.

In a country where over 70% of its adults are overweight or obese, the covid-19 scourge appears to have had a silver lining: it has served as a wake-up call to many Americans about the potentially fatal consequences of living an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 14% of Americans say the pandemic led them to make significant lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and exercising more.

While it's not a large percentage of the population, it can be a step in the direction of a healthier America.

What helped provide a turnaround for the fitness industry was last month's decision by the U.S. Center for Decease Control and Prevention (CDC), saying that those who have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccines don't need to wear a mask anymore. The CDC's decision seems to have led many people to feel more comfortable going back to the gym.

So far, nearly half of Americans are vaccinated, and an almost equal number of the population say they no longer wear a mask.

A Business Opportunity

The new optimism among people to return to the gym has led many business owners to start looking for ways to capitalize on this opportunity. Though the fitness industry, like other sectors, suffered during Covid-19, it is one of those sectors with the potential for a strong rebound and increase in profits.

If you want to invest in the multi-billion-dollar fitness industry, there are a few options that you might want to consider. One option is to start your own fitness studio. There are many benefits to owning your own business, but one downside is that it can be difficult for those who have never done so before to know where to start, how to run day-to-day operations profitably, and how to market within the fitness industry.

Another option is franchising, which many people find more attractive because of the built-in support that comes with it. It also gives you access to advanced training from those who have been there before to help your business succeed.

Franchises offer many benefits, such as access to a marketing team, training programs, and brand recognition. Some companies, such as Eat The Frog Fitness, a 24-hour fitness franchise, offer franchising opportunities in key locations throughout the U.S. and Canada with a relatively low upfront cost. With the interest rate on small business loans being at one of the lowest levels in recent history, you might also want to check out your options on how you could own your fitness studio.

If you are interested in franchising, you can reach out to us here and find out more information about owning your own studio.

So, if you've been considering a change in your career or it’s finally time to own your own business - reap the benefits of being an entrepreneur while also helping others lead healthier lives. With more Americans hitting the gym again post-Covid 19, there's never been a better time to buy a franchise that will provide physical activity for many people who feel they have lost control over their own health.