Inspiring Future Movement Rachel Ely outlines how the fitness industry continues to strengthen 12 months since COVID-19 shutdowns ith March marking a year since Coronavirus forced much of the industry to close down, Fitness Australia is reporting W that operators are experiencing a resurgence that is driving jobs, memberships and demand for services. Midday, 23rd March 2020 will forever be etched in the memory of fitness facilities, exercise professionals and fitness industry staff as a day that more than 6,400 fitness businesses closed indefinitely, put more than 35,000 people immediately out of work and removed the option of gym-based exercise from four million Australians. Faced with uncertainly, instant loss of clients, revenue and income and not knowing how they would survive sent many health and fitness business owners and sole traders into a state of despair and scrabbling to go virtual within a matter of days, just to keep food on the table. Advising that the $3 billion a year industry was hit devastatingly hard, with no warning or foresight into how long businesses would remain closed, Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish (pictured left) stated “this time last year was a period of panic, uncertainly and fear for our industry. No one was immune from the forced shutdowns - from business owners 16 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 143
and personal trainers to support staff and the four million gym members across Australia. “COVID-19 was unlike anything anyone has ever experienced before, as with many other industries we were not prepared for what played out over months of various shutdowns and restrictions. We had to adapt very quickly to ensure people still had access to vital exercise options, such as virtual training and outdoor exercise, when permitted. “This allowed some businesses to continue to operate at a minimal capacity, which was important for the livelihood of so many people and the survival of the industry.” Data from Fitness Australia’s COVID-19 Fitness Industry Impacts Report released last year, found: -81% of exercise professionals and sole traders had lost their job or main source of income -70% of business cited a 100% decline in memberships -Revenue was down 100% for 50% of gym owners -Gyms that could adapt and go virtual or outdoors were able to only generate less than 10% of their usual income. 12 months on Despite the financial and emotional pain faced by many over the past 12 months, the industry is continuing to quickly rebuild strength and resilience according to Fitness Australia who is the industry’s peak member association. Elvish noted “at an association level, we’ve implemented more robust health and hygiene frameworks for Fitness Australia members to give their business greater credibility and provide their members with the confidence and peace of mind their gym is of the highest standards and delivering service excellence. COVID-19 also saw Fitness Australia start to work more closely with governments and health authorities, and while this has been slower in some states than others, we are confident our engagement will continue to push for fitness facilities to be classified an essential service due to the benefits on our community’s long-term mental and physical health and wellbeing.” Adding that the industry was also seeing a surge in new job opportunities as businesses cater for heightened demand and start planning for the future, Elvish went on to say “job listings through the Fitness Australia Jobs Board* for the January to March quarter so far are 88% above the 2019 average. In comparison, listings in April last year were 79% below the 2019 average - that’s a big turnaround and gives us tremendous reason for hope.” For Newcastle business owner, John Pirlo, who owns eight Genesis Health Clubs and founded the Ninja Parc franchise, the closures impacted more than 21,500 members, 174 of his staff and 32 contracted Personal Trainers from across the region and took a toll personally. Pirlo explained “it was a real challenge coming to terms with World Gym Australia reported a record year in 2020 (below) while Viva Leisure (top left) continues to open and acquire new locations.
