Photo Credit Jonathan Borba
The fitness industry is recovering but has significantly transformed due to the pandemic, affecting how people approach fitness and wellness. Developing a personalized fitness plan is crucial. If unsure about equipment, consult industry experts and consider long-term usage. For me, working out at home suits my busy lifestyle better than going to a gym. I invested in compact, portable equipment and mix in outdoor workouts. Cancelling a gym membership might also help save money. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.COVID-19 changed so many things about life.
-How we work
– find a home
-speak to our doctors
-How we shop
-How we dine and pay
Working out was also impacted. Gyms in 2020 were hit hard by Covid-19. I live in Massachusetts, and I remember our Governor putting gyms, resturants, and nightclubs on the list last to reopen for the public to enjoy. With COVID-19 in the rearview window, we returned to the office, enjoyed dining without masks, and showed our COVID-19 vaccination cards to enter the restaurant, bar, or club. The gym industry is forever changed. People used to join gyms, the primary ones where they worked out. Now, in 2024, many folks have adopted a hybrid model. In 2020, when the shutdown happened, I decided I would never pay for a gym membership again.
I don’t have the Space
A home gym requires minimal space and equipment. Having worked in gyms for years, I now take advantage of home workouts, which help me stay committed since I don’t need to pack up and go out. I currently exercise in my living room with modest equipment investments, including a spin bike from Amazon for under $1,000 and about $700 on other gear over two years. Here is the equipment I invested in.
- For free weights: I invested in 2.5, 3lbs, and 5-pound weights. It came as a set with a stand.
- Heavier free weights
Two 20-pound weights
Two ankle weights that can be adjusted up or down in weight up to 25 lbs
Glide Discs come as a set of two
Resistance bands that are allowed to be hung over a door frame or regular resistance bands
Yoga Matt
and as I said earlier a spin bike
Planning a workout is Overwhelming
You may not have time to plan your daily workout. You can find workouts on YouTube for just about anything; best of all, they are free. Here are some of my favorites and why I like them
Caroline Girvan—I love her workouts. She has 30-day workouts that target different body parts. She also has 15-—to 20-minute workouts that target arms, legs, abs, core, and the entire body. On her channel on YouTube, you can also have longer workouts as well. Her videos approach weight lifting from a perspective. You might be new to weight lifting or familiar with it but might need some tips or reminders on how to work out effectively when doing an exercise. Caroline Girvan, you can do workouts on YouTube and her app.
Kristina Girod– I love this instructor’s energy. She is upbeat, funny, and keeps the vibes up. Kristina has a lot of spin classes on her channel, often 45-50 min, but she does have some 20 min classes. She also has some weight training videos as well. Here, YouTube videos give you the vibe that you are working out with your over-caffeinated person, who is full of positive energy but keeps it honest by sharing little bits of herself. Music is current stuff we all recognize.
Lauren Hefez– Anyone who worked out at Equinox Back Bay Boston might recognize Lauren. I first discovered her when I used to work out. Her Barre Burn classes were intense, her energy was up, and she needed no Mic for folks to hear her. Lauren has tons of great workouts for all abilities. She brings in low weights, bands, and Barre; you will feel the burn because we’re using 2.5 lbs to 5 lbs. She has workouts for mom to be. There is something for everyone. Her YouTube channel also has personal moments, from her cooking with her children to the challenges of being pregnant. The YouTube channel has something for anyone looking to improve flexibility and strength.
PopSugar or PS—I used to love this channel during the pandemic. You can find some great classes, like Kick It by Eliza, a cardio kickboxing class with 13 rounds and one song per round. Another class you can find on PS and on their own YouTube channel is a workout called LIT. It’s all low-impact classes but doesn’t mean you won’t be sweating. You will. This husband and wife team will get your heart rate going and build to make you stronger in a nonintimating way. Their motto Build you, not break you. They often don’t require any equipment besides a yoga mat. Sometimes, they have bands they put in their workouts.
LIT Method– I mentioned this earlier when talking about pop sugar, but this husband and wife team has alot of low-impact workouts, and most are 30 min long.
Fly London Pilates– I did a lot of workouts during the pandemic on their YouTube channel and Instagram. They don’t post as much now, but they do have some old videos from the/ pandemic, and I liked them since it was like an escape hearing a British or Irish accent doing a pilates or barre class from home. It allowed me to pretend to travel durig times we couldn’t
Michelle Briehler– I like this instructor since she offers everything from Barre classes, boxing, strength training, ab classes, and HITT, and she continues to post new classes. I like the instructor since she explains things clearly and doesn’t overcomplicate things. She looks like a fitness instructor you could be friends with and does workout classes with her friends, but she isn’t a fitness fanatic. She is committed to health but not so committed that you don’t feel you’re working out with someone so young that goals may frustrate you. There is a relatable factor to her.
I don’t have the money to buy into subscriptions
Instagram is more than posting reels or short videos. You can also find great free workouts. Here are a few I love, and even though they might not post current videos, I still pull them up. BurpeestoBubbly. If you have ever been to Boston, she used to be an instructor on Seaport Sweat. Monique does great cardio kickboxing classes and weight lifting classes. She has great energy at times. Her choreography can be too complex, but regardless, I do my best. She breaks the workout down and adds that she keeps you engaged as she goes. Also, another great place to do free workouts if you go on Instagram Seaportbos. They used to do outdoor workouts through Instagram during the pandemic, and I recommend pulling up Broncore Fitness and Kick It by Eliza.
I miss the In-Person Group Exercise Experience
In-Person at No Cost workout
Seaport Sweat: Seaport Sweat is a fun environment with a live DJ by the water. This inclusive workout environment offers something for everyone: Cardio, HITT, Yoga, and Zumba, and on the weekends, there are free workouts on Sat with all those fancy gyms offering a group exercise from Equinox, Lululemon, Alo, Tonal, Kick it by Eliza, Broncore Bootcamp, Sculpt that Sass with Alanna Perry. It’s a great way to try out workouts, and if you decide you want to sign up for their programs directly, you can. They might not be accessible when you sign up directly, but Seaport Sweat in the Seaport is a great introduction to trying something without commitment. You can find all of these in the summer months.
Legacy Fit at the lawn at Legacy Place– April to Sept Free workouts Kick It By Eliza, Pure Barre, and more. Plus, stroller boot camp and full moon yoga.
Fit Row Sweat Series at Assembly Row from May to August 25th—Barre N9ne, Cyclebar, and more. The summer programming includes dancing, yoga, and live local music and food.
Healthworks Summer Fitness Series—This summer fitness series takes place in downtown Boston, along the Charles River Esplanade, Harvard, and Chestnut Hill. June till almost the end of summer
Summertime at the Street in Chestnut Hill– Mid-June to end of Sept Kick it by Eliza, Yoga under the stars, 305 Fitness, HITT classes, and Forme Barre
Fitness Facts
Many people who work out are adopting the hybrid model, and the digital fitness space is only going to grow. Here are a few fun facts about the fitness industry
- Approximately 35% of gym members in the U.S. have returned to their gyms post-pandemic
- 40% have canceled their memberships, preferring home or outdoor workouts. Another 25% canceled but plan to return because they miss the gym environment and group classes.
- Working out at home is not for everyone. Many people opt to head to the gym for health reasons, but it’s also part social.
- According to WellnessLiving
- Generation X Boomers had fewer reservations about returning to the gym after the pandemic, while Millennials and Gen Z were more hesitant.
- Most gyms have realized that consumers are seeking digital, outdoor workouts and traditional models these days, and the health and wellness model has changed.
If you need help figuring out what equipment to buy, or setting up a fitness plan to commit yourself to working out more contact me anytime. I help find folks apartments and help them visualize spaces so I am sure I can help you figure out a home gym situation. Contact me.
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