New Year resolutions not enough to increase patronage at gyms, pandemic still weighs heavy on Chennaiites’ mind

The number of new registrations this year is not as attractive when compared to the boom the industry typically sees during the start of the year. “We have seen not seen many registrations over the last week, compared to previous years. The number was comparable to any other months of the year. However, compared to last August, when nobody was coming, this is an improvement,” said a manager at a popular fitness chain gym in the city.

Sanitization concern is not the reason for this dip, say trainers. “We have been very open on our social media about the sanitisation procedures that we follow after every client and therefore san itisation was not a concern. The reason that several of our customers dropped out is that they have financial restraints owing to the shutdown and layoffs,” said a senior trainer at Pounds Fitness, Anna Nagar.

Interestingly, many customers are more interested in in-person training rather than online, share trainers. They cite that the fatigue of remaining indoors has led clients to look forward to leaving the house and that it gives them a better mindset to train when not in the confines of their homes.

“The future is unpredictable. I personally feel we will return to normality only at the end of the year, but that is also not assured. The one good thing from the pandemic is that many people have understood the importance of physical exercise in maintaining immunity and so the clients we see are more dedicated in that front,” said a trainer from Pounds Fitness.