As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a lasting impact, health clubs and fitness facilities worldwide are grappling with closures and gradual reopenings. The situation varies significantly across continents and countries, with each nation implementing its own set of rules and regulations.
In light of the emergence of new virus strains, many countries have witnessed surges in COVID-19 cases, prompting lockdowns and stringent restrictions. Conversely, some regions have begun to cautiously reopen health clubs, albeit with strict safety protocols in place.
The status of health clubs varies across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and North and Latin America regions. In Australia, for example, clubs have returned to a somewhat “normal” state of operation under specific guidelines. In contrast, India has faced prolonged closures for gyms and yoga centers due to the severity of the pandemic, resulting in the industry navigating through stringent protocols and restrictions.
In countries such as China and South Korea, health clubs have experienced closures and reopenings, with some organisations taking proactive measures to implement safety protocols to ensure a safe return to business operations.
Similarly, diverse situations have unfolded in various European nations. For instance, Austria saw club closures due to national lockdowns, with an extension of the closure period, while the United Kingdom experienced varying levels of restrictions across different regions, culminating in a recent reopening after a lockdown.
The landscape of health club closures and reopenings in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, and Mexico is also marked by a complex mix of restrictions and eased measures, with health clubs navigating through a challenging regulatory environment.
The process of reopening and recovering from the pandemic remains an ongoing journey for health clubs worldwide, with each country facing its own set of unique challenges as they strive to ensure the safety of their customers and staff.
Attention to adhering to health protocols and ongoing collaboration with national and local authorities are crucial for the fitness industry to navigate through these unprecedented times and chart a path towards a safe and sustained reopening.
As the global industry association, IHRSA is at the forefront, advocating for the safe and essential operation of health clubs to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals worldwide during this challenging period. Industry experts and organisations are collectively working to ensure the safe return of health clubs in various regions, contributing to the promotion of worldwide health and well-being.
This update offers an overview of the diverse landscape of health club closures and openings across different countries and provides insights into the challenges and progress in the fitness industry. Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving situation of health clubs and fitness facilities worldwide.