It’s been a strenuous time financially for thousands of Minnesota
small businesses in multiple industries, but those selling fitness equipment
have smashed expectations.
Omni Fitness in Chanhassen is owned by Justin Sullivan and he says things
have slowed somewhat from the start of the pandemic as people stockpiled
fitness equipment to make home gyms.
Sullivan says there’s still tremendous demand, especially for dumbbells and plate.
"Every week since March, even now, is equal to a traditional Black Friday week," Sullivan told WCCO.
Sullivan estimates he’s sold 1 million pounds of dumbbells and 2
million pounds of plates since March.
CNBC reported in July that nearly 60% of gym members were not planning to renew. Most of those said they found new and more affordable ways to workout and get exercise.
That meant a tremendous run on home workout equipment.
Many gyms have started offering virtual classes and doing their best to create safe environments. Justin Yule of The Transformation Club in Chanhassen is doing both. He says they're doing what they can to follow state guidelines, while also hosting classes on Facebook.
"We've created individual training spaces for each client to accommodate physical distancing as well as eliminate any sharing of equipment," Yule told WCCO.
Yule also said he has found it difficult to order new gym equipment, especially dumbbells and other weights, as the demand has been very high.
Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York announced this week he was imposing a curfew on gyms, forcing them to close at 10:00p.m. Gym owners have pushed back saying limiting hours only makes it more difficult to social distance.
In Minnesota, Governor Walz did not include gyms in his latest restrictions announced on Tuesday.