6 Quick Tips to Recover Your Fitness in the Post-Pandemic World

The global pandemic is the biggest disruption the health and fitness industry has ever faced. By the end of 2020, 17% of clubs permanently closed, industry revenue fell by 58% relative to 2019 sales, and 44% of the fitness industry workforce lost jobs.

Without access to health and fitness clubs, some people managed to exercise outdoors and at home. But it wasn’t the same. The Fitness Consumers Report by  IHRSA found that consumers reported it was difficult to stay motivated without their gym.

During club closures, 20% of health club members stopped exercising entirely, according to a longitudinal study by ClubIntel. People that did exercise regularly prior to the pandemic reduced their weekly workouts from just over 2 times per week to under 1 time per week. The Physical Activity Council Overview Report shows that inactivity increased last year amongst Americans between the ages of 18-34. With many team sports on hiatus in 2020, research from the University of Wisconsin and Aspen Institute shows high school athletes reported an increase of anxiety and depression.

The benefits of regular exercise on well-being, preventative health, and mental wellness are all well-documented. The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the importance of regular exercise and healthy habits for everyone. Consumers still struggled with maintaining their healthy lifestyles and struggled to continue to exercise as efficiently and PAIN-FREE, without help from gyms and fitness/health care professionals.

Positive findings from The Covid Era Fitness Consumer Report showed that those at elevated risk of COVID-19, due to preexisting conditions, are doubling down on health club commitments as 60% aim to be more physically active. Also, 2021 started strong—member traffic was up in January 2021 from December 2020, but still down relative to January 2020.

We need to get people back to working out more regularly, which is one of our goals at ROC Physical Therapy.

We are seeing a trend with many of our clients. Most are now staying on with us after their rehab, as fitness/wellness clients with our Sports Performance and Continuity Plans. Everyone now sees that we need to maintain healthy lifestyles to help us fight off germs and prevent/manage pain. We need to switch from being reactive to PROACTIVE. Being Proactive is the best defense!

FITNESS IS NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER!

Here are some simple guidelines to start becoming more active again if you feel your fitness, health and wellness has suffered the past 2 years.

1) Prioritize your workouts - set the time aside in your calendar

2) Be specific in your goals and make sure you track them and keep a journal

3) Say it out loud, have an accountability partner to keep you motivated or write your goals on your bathroom mirror.

4) Get outside even if it’s for a walk or bike ride

5) Vary your exercises, keep it interesting and don’t wander outside your comfort zone.

6) Lastly, give us a call with any questions or concerns and we can help you get started on the right path. We love helping out and keeping you accountable for your health!