The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) released a new study* that found 95 percent of gymgoers are looking forward to physically being in their gym, plus the routines and sense of community they associate with it in fulfilling their fitness goals.

When asked what they missed most, the only thing Americans miss more than going to the gym (59 percent) is visiting their loved ones (65 percent) – more so than going to concerts or games (55 percent), bars or restaurants (51 percent) or seeing movies the theater (46 percent).

Not only do gym members feel positive about returning to the gym — many feel ready and motivated to do so – they look forward to enjoying the physical and mental benefits of working out at their gym again, from building strength and their immune system to releasing mood-boosting endorphins. Notably, exactly half (50 percent) of gym members express dissatisfaction with at-home fitness efforts and changes to their routine, primarily because those new routines are less challenging (54 percent), less consistent (53 percent) or just simply worse (51 percent) than their gym-going routines.

The study reveals a number of additional insights regarding how people feel about going to the gym during COVID-19 including:

  •  88 percent of members who have returned to the gym since reopening express complete confidence in safety precautions and cleanliness procedures.
  • 3-in4 (76 percent) gymgoers admit they are feeling anxious about their health, with nearly equal halves are worried about their physical fitness (50 percent) as they are about their immunity (49 percent). Respondents were more likely to say they are worried about these factors than they are about connecting with family and friends (38 percent), stay-at-home orders (34 percent) and returning to malls, restaurants and gyms (33 percent).
  • Those at elevated risk of COVID-19 due to preexisting conditions are doubling down on health commitments compared to those respondents with fewer medical conditions. Those at increased risk are more likely to say they’re committed to being more physically active (60 percent versus 56 percent). And 58 percent of all gymgoers, regardless of current health, said that they are now more committed to being physically active, eating healthier (57 percent) and taking better care of their mental health (42 percent) than before COVID-19.
  • Gymgoers said exercise (65 percent) has been a successful way they’ve managed or coped with stress during the pandemic more so than other activities like reading (50 percent), cooking or baking (47 percent) and connecting virtually with family and friends (45 percent).
  • Prior to the pandemic, 42 percent of gymgoers went three to four days a week. As gyms reopen, almost as many (35 percent) have anticipated they would go just as often, and nearly all (94 percent) said they would return in some capacity. Even those who haven’t visited their gym since it reopened, nearly half feel going back would improve their energy level (47 percent), help them feel stronger (47 percent) and help build their immune system (30 percent).
  • Nearly all (95 percent) gymgoers miss at least one aspect of physically being in their gym. Among them, they most miss the routine of going to their gym (54 percent). Having limited equipment at home (54 percent) means they’re unable to get the same variety of workouts (51 percent). Two-in-five (42 percent) miss working out with other people, while a similar number (36 percent) miss the sense of community that comes with belonging to a gym.

“The data confirms the essential role health clubs play in promoting and maintaining the wellbeing of consumers,” said Jay Ablondi, executive vice president for global products for IHRSA. “With 70 percent of members relying on their gyms to maintain their overall health, Americans are looking at getting back to, maintaining and even improving their exercise habits – and noting nothing but confidence in their gyms to be safe, comfortable and clean. Clearly, there’s no replacement.”

To read the full report, go here.

Photo courtesy Getty

*The study was based on an online survey conducted by Kelton Global, a Material Company, with 1,171 people aged 18+ in the United States who currently have a gym membership, or recently canceled their gym membership due to COVID-19. The survey was conducted online during the period of August 24-28, 2020 and has a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percent.