Can gyms survive our new normal?

by Rina Raphael

After vowing never to get the Mirror, I caved. I plopped down $1,500 and resigned myself to what I assumed would be a subpar replacement for in-person classes.

But then … I fell in love with it. I now use the Mirror nearly every day and far prefer it to the studio experience. No commute, no waiting to check-in. And I can snuggle my dog during rests.

I’m not the only at-home fitness convert. I hear this from numerous friends who swear by their Peloton or workout app, be it Obé or Alo Yoga. A Mindbody research report found that in April, 80% of Americans attended streaming fitness classes on at least a weekly basis (compared to just 7% in 2019). Many are excited they’ve discovered a more convenient and affordable solution, while others—such as myself—feel a bit guilty.

Simply put: I just don’t see myself going back.

That’s not to say I won’t ever visit my local studio, just far, far less. And that’s a growing trend. As more Americans adopt digital fitness, the appeal of gyms wanes, especial…