Boutique start-up gym founder flags challenges of post-Coronavirus operations

October 4, 2020

Simon Anderson, co-founder of fitness studio SOMA Collection has shared his experiences of how the boutique gym in Sydney’s CBD has adapted to changes brough about by the Coronavirus lockdown and its subsequent reopening.

Anderson explains “being a boutique start-up gym, … COVID-19 had a massive effect on SOMA. We were only six months in and just building our brand and membership base. In the first two weeks we lost more than 70% of our business, so we were grateful that Mindbody provided much needed fee relief to help us during this time while we focused on how we could pivot our business.

“When we were forced to close down due to (NSW) Government regulations, we created an online platform called SOMA At Home. All of SOMA’s amazing teachers and personal trainers came together to help us create a brilliant platform with a huge variety of classes, tutorials and education seminars. Some of our members are still using this platform, but majority of our loyal members love the SOMA environment we have created.

“SOMA’s advantage over most other gyms is that our classes have always been made up of eight to 10 people per class which allowed us to return to in-person classes much quicker than other studios.

“Mindbody’s educational resources provided SOMA with lots of useful tips throughout these challenging times. We’ve now capped membership and have a huge emphasis on being the cleanest and most hygienic club. Upon return our members felt safe and comfortable at SOMA and we thank them for doing the right thing and keeping their social distance.”

25th September 2020 - Fitness Australia asserts there is no clear evidence gyms spread COVID-19

24th September 2020 - Aquatic, fitness and sport facilities headed for membership crisis

23rd September 2020 - Pilates, strength training and yoga the most popular classes as Australians return to fitness facilities

28th August 2020 - Sydney CBD fitness club linked to new Coronavirus infections in NSW

19th August 2020 - Mindbody announces management changes as company hit by higher loan costs

14th August 2020 - ISPO identifies health orientation as key fitness trend in post Coronavirus-world

13th August 2020 - Les Mills plans to activate fitness industry’s COVID-19 recovery with global campaign

11th August 2020 - Fitness facilities at the crossroads and demanding new approaches

9th August 2020 - Gym owner calls for online protest over new NSW fitness club regulations

14th June 2020 - Australian Institute of Fitness’ Steve Pettit says industry ‘will never look the same as it did pre COVID-19’

19th May 2020 - Clubbercise launch their first online training courses

15th May 2020 - New online training program launched to help Australian businesses return to work safely

17th April 2020 - Precor launches new online resources for operators

7th April 2020 - Two-thirds of the world’s fitness clubs are currently closed

4th April 2020 - MINDBODY launches virtual wellness platform

31st March 2020 - With clubs closed fitness providers go online

30th January 2020 - MINDBODY and F45 Training finalise new global agreement

5th January 2020 - Pilates 100-year journey to be a global fitness phenomenon

9th December 2019 - Unique brands to transform spaces into wellness solutions

4th December 2019 - MINDBODY’s inaugural Australia Wellness Index shows changing exercise behaviours of Australians

11th October 2019 - Soma Collection a new entry in Sydney’s premium gym market

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