While the past few years of the pandemic have upended people’s lives, a few good things have come out of this harrowing experience – not least of which is realising how important it is to keep healthy.
People also have come to terms with the fact that working from home and flexible arrangements are now the norm. With more and more employees working flexible hours and prioritising their health and wellbeing, regular gym hours might no longer be practical.
Indeed, the time has come for fitness centres to consider shifting to a 24/7 operations schedule. Flexibility in time, service, payment, and everything else is not just a perk anymore – it is a necessity that consumers are demanding from businesses.
If you have a 24/7 gym franchise, you are sure to attract more members than those with limited opening hours. Here are some reasons why.
- Social distancing
With Covid-19 still at large in the community, who would want to risk their wellbeing by visiting a crowded gym? SOPs also dictate only a certain number of people can be allowed entry at one time.
With a 24/7 schedule, more people can visit the gym without worrying about operating procedures or crowds.
- Better equipment availability
No one likes to wait to use gym equipment. With 24/7 operations and fewer people, your wait time will be significantly reduced, and you can also be better assured of hygiene when someone else has finished using a piece of equipment or machine.
- Flexible timing
Many people are moving to remote working arrangements that offer greater flexibility, which could mean they don’t have time for exercise during regular hours. Then there are those who work shifts, as well as those who simply prefer to work out at irregular times.
Keeping your gym running 24/7 will allow these people the option of keeping healthy.
- Less pressure and anxiety
Gym anxiety is a real thing. Many people who want to lose weight or just stay fit feel anxious or self-conscious when visiting crowded gyms.
A gym that operates 24/7 would be a welcome relief as they would be able to work out during non-peak hours.
Erika Peres is a social media influencer, entrepreneur and director of multiple companies. She is a mother of two boys and has a passion for sports, fitness and lifestyle. She can be reached on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.