This week in fitness: Coronavirus accelerates at-home workouts as the fitness industry goes virtual.
Gyms Across the US Are Shutting Down and Going Virtual to Prevent the Spread of the Coronavirus
As the novel coronavirus makes it way across nearly all 50 states, city and state governments are implement drastic social distancing measures — many are now mandating closures of all non-essential businesses, including gyms, fitness studios and sports clubs.
Thus far, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have ordered gyms to close for the foreseeable future at 8 p.m., Monday, March 16.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the shutdown in a media call Monday morning, Business Insider previously reported. Shortly before the announcement, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was spotted at his local YMCA in Brooklyn, prompting some criticism.
Local governments in Maryland and Washington, as well as in Los Angeles and Philadelphia, have enacted similar measures, local media have reported.
Via Business Insider. Read full article here.
Apple is working on a new iPhone app with workout videos, code-named ‘Seymour’
Apple is working on a new app for the iPhone codenamed “Seymour” that will guide users through workout routines on their Apple Watches and iPhones, according to a person familiar with the plans. This person declined to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss confidential company matters.
The initiative is the brainchild of Jay Blahnik, the fitness instructor and author who joined the company in 2013, according to the person. The app’s existence was previously reported by MacRumors.
It’s set to launch in iOS 14 and the next version of the Apple Watch software. Apple typically announces its big new iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch updates in June before releasing them to everyone’s devices in September.
Via CNBC. Read full article here.
Los Angeles Fitness Community Goes Virtual After Coronavirus Gym Ban
Workout programs loved by Gwyneth Paltrow, Busy Philipps, Beyoncé, Harry Styles and more stars are going online following Mayor Eric Garcetti’s orders for exercise facilities to close.
Two staples of Los Angeles culture are being stifled by the outbreak of the coronavirus: fitness and film. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered Sunday all movie theaters and gyms to close to prevent the spread of the virus, along with bars, restaurants and cafes, which can only continue takeout and delivery service.
For the booming fitness industry in L.A., the ban means most trainers are taking their classes virtual.
Via The Hollywood Reporter. Read full article here.
Coronavirus Accelerates Streaming Fitness Class Industry
As gyms shutter with the widespread outbreak of the new coronavirus, at-home fitness streaming services for adults and kids have emerged, with some seeing an influx of new members and profits.
Obé Fitness, which streams live workouts and more than 4,000 classes like strength training, cardio and yoga, said it’s had 10 times more members sign up already this week compared to last, as more employees are mandated to work from home.
Via Fox Business. Read full article here.
Snap Fitness Bringing Free At-Home Workouts to All Gym Junkies
Snap Fitness, the world’s premier 24/7 fitness brand, today announced a partnership with FitnessOnDemand™ to offer free 90-day global access to the market-leading virtual fitness platform for all those looking to “stay fit, stay healthy and stay home” amidst growing coronavirus concern and recommended social distancing efforts.
With the industry’s most diverse fitness video library of powerhouse brands including Sweat Factor by Mike Donvanik, Nora Tobin, SH1FT, Daily Burn, and many more, FitnessOnDemand™ virtual workouts are designed to optimize space and offer unparalleled variety, creating an ideal fitness experience for any environment. The general public can take advantage of custom content that was specifically curated to facilitate at-home workouts, all with little to no equipment and no studio required.
PR via Snapfitness.com. Read full release here.
Running From Coronavirus: A Back-To-Basics Exercise Boom
All road races have been canceled. There was no Tokyo Marathon, no New York Half Marathon. There will be no marathons this April in Boston, London or Northern California.
The racing world, like the rest of the world, is on hold. But you wouldn’t know it by looking at public parks, streets and trails across the United States.
A running boom is taking off.
With little else to do — no spinning classes, lap swim hours, boot camps or barre — a lot of people are turning to (or getting back to) running.
