Gen Z loves the gym. That's a big problem for gyms.

Gyms and studios across the nation, already overwhelmed by a saturated market, are scrambling to keep customers loyal with virtual offerings and equipment rentals.

The big picture: this crisis is amplifying concerns brick-and-mortar operators have been wrestling with in recent years. Mainly, will on-demand and connected fitness offerings poach their members?

Devotees say 'gym is church' and that customers will come flocking back, but analysts aren't so sure.

As social distancing persists, exercising at the park may replace going to the gym. This summer, outdoor yoga classes could be a stand-in for boutique studios. And low-cost, equipment-free workouts will become the standard. An alternative to expensive or complex fitness regimens, COVID-era exercise could be a catalyst for simpler, more accessible f... See more

For some, social isolation will leave them craving the community aspect of their favorite studio or gym more than ever before. Others who responded to the pandemic by purchasing a Peloton, outfitting a home gym, or downloading an app like Obé Fitness might not turn back.

The disruptive potential of the creator-led online fitness market is in relation to gyms, boutique fitness classes, and personal trainers that provide community and accountability, but are expensive and inconvenient for many consumers. By leveraging digital platforms like Fitplan or Playbook, or even just enabling payments or donations on Zoom/othe... See more