A woman practices at home using an online course.
Thomas Trutschel / Photothek via Getty Images
The fitness industry was turned upside down in 2020.
When the Covid pandemic hit the US in March, Americans quickly realized that their fitness routines would no longer be sustainable. Fitness studios, ranging from New York Sports Clubs to SoulCycle, held their final group classes as they were forced to close to curb the spread of the coronavirus. And their users were forced to look for alternative ways to sweat in their basements or bedrooms to try and ease Covid-related fears.
According to data from The NPD Group, sales of health and fitness equipment more than doubled to $ 2.3 billion from March to October. Treadmill sales were up a whopping 135%, the group said, while stationary bike sales nearly tripled. Retailers from Target to Dick’s Sporting Goods could barely keep items like 10-pound weights and jump ropes on their shelves.
Now companies from Peloton to Lululemon to Apple are betting that the Covid pandemic has permanently changed the way people will exercise at home. And so far, the numbers seem to support their bets.