The past two years have brought trials and tribulations that were nearly impossible to prepare for. The health and fitness industry looks completely different from any predictions made before 2020. Quarantines, social distancing, and state and federal laws have completely changed the way business is conducted. I strongly argue that despite these setbacks, health and fitness businesses can still thrive in 2021.
The reality of running a health and fitness business in 2021 is that we live in a different world than we did 2 years ago. We live in a world nobody could have imagined 2 years ago. So how do you survive and thrive in the new, unknown territory? Don’t forget the past, but adapt for the future. Here are 5 Steps to help your health and fitness business thrive in 2021.
- Assess the Market:
Take a look at different Health & Fitness Businesses that have done well over the past two years. For example, at home workout equipment sales have skyrocketed, socially distant sport participation is up, and fitness app downloads have increased. This data tells us that people did not all of a sudden stop wanting to be healthy and active. The general population is simply looking for virtual, at home, and socially distant alternatives. Additionally, internationally famous athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have both brought prioritizing mental health to the forefront of health and fitness conversations. Being aware of these trends in the health and fitness industry can give you a huge advantage in a competitive industry.
- Remember Your Strengths:
Don’t forget what your business looked like 3 years ago. Remember your unique strengths and traditions that set you apart in the fitness industry. People still love familiarity, and continuing old traditions helps to create an atmosphere of normalcy. If you host a cancer fundraising event every October, continue that tradition, but don’t be afraid to make adjustments to make it more relevant in today’s market. A virtual 5K or online fundraiser can be a great way to expand your events and reach a broader market.
- Evaluate Your Situation:
What has your business looked like over the past 2 years? What changes have you made, and which ones were successful? In this step, ask yourself the difficult questions and pin down your missing puzzle pieces.
- Accept Your Situation
This can be a tough step. We live in a different world now. The health and fitness industry has changed forever. There is no going “back to normal,” there is only moving forward. Don’t rely on external factors and uncontrollable changes next month because they may not. Accept where you are, and take control of what you can.
- Adapt Wherever Necessary
So your gym doesn’t have a fitness app? Now is a great time to invest in one. Use the research you gathered in step one, and try to come up with creative ways to incorporate new programs into your business. Business adaptations can be small or complex. You could add an entire virtual platform to your business, or you could simply incorporate 5-minute meditations into group fitness classes to highlight mental health exercises. Assess your situation, gauge your clientele, and make changes where you see fit.
Running a health and fitness business in 2021 is no easy feat. The reality of your own situation may be difficult to come to terms with. We are about 2 years out since the rapid onset of COVID-19, so it is time to accept our circumstances, adapt, and grow stronger than before.
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