Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

New Zealand fitness centres return to 70% activity levels

New Zealand fitness centres return to 70% activity levels
June 5, 2020

A survey from the Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) shows that gyms and fitness facilities were back to 70% activity levels within two weeks of re-opening at the country’s COVID Level 2.

The nationwide post-Coronavirus reopening survey showed the number of new people keen to stay physical active at facilities was higher than many expected. However, the survey suggests trainers have been hit harder than gyms, with many reporting around barely 50 to 60% of their pre-COVID income.

Commenting on the findings, ExerciseNZ Chief Executive, Richard Beddie explains “while 70% is a solid start, it’s not enough for most facilities and gyms to survive as they have very high fixed business costs. A downturn of 30% is not sustainable for long, so all exercise facilities will be exploring options over the coming months on how to stay viable.

“The biggest challenges for gyms are their commercial leases, with almost 50% of landlords refusing to have meaningful engagement with tenants.

“While the government has made a positive step in this direction, it doesn't go far enough and it is limited to smaller workplaces. Large businesses don't have magic pots of money - the support should apply to all businesses in our view.

“City centre gyms have been hit harder than suburban gyms due to the 40% of Kiwis that are still working from home during some or all of their working week.

“The exercise industry has proven itself relatively robust through economic downturns. It grew around 1% through the global financial crisis, even though the New Zealand economy shrunk.

“But post-COVID will be the biggest challenge to the industry since it first started in the 1960s. The full effects of the economic impacts of COVID-19 are yet to hit many businesses.

“We expect the unemployment rate and hence gym memberships to see the full effects over the next three to six months.”

Images: Les Mills Auckland City Gym (top) and KPIs identified in ExerciseNZ's lastest survey (below).

Related Articles

4th June 2020 - Fitness First Australia announces reopening of all clubs

4th June 2020 - New Zealand looks for return of spectator sport from next week

3rd June 2020 - New Zealand Government moves to eliminate Coronavirus restrictions

3rd June 2020 - Queensland’s Chief Health Officer approves Fitness Australia’s COVIDSafe industry plan

1st June 2020 - F45 Studios in New Zealand anticipate member surge

28th May 2020 - Advisory group says Australia-New Zealand travel bubble could be in place in months

26th May 2020 - Call for fitness industry stakeholders around the world to unite on 1st June

17th May 2020 - New Zealand budget includes $265 million for sport and recreation

15th May 2020 - Skills Active keen to help New Zealanders get back into working and training

12th May 2020 - Exercise industry ready for Alert Level two but not business as usual

7th May 2020 - ExerciseNZ advises Parliament on fitness during alert level two

22nd April 2020 - ExerciseNZ highlights that gyms’ commercial leases need to be regulated

9th April 2020 - Key exercise bodies produce New Zealand’s biggest online fitness directory during lockdown

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

27th March 2020 - ExerciseNZ disappointed that New Zealand Government allows delivery of alcohol and cigarettes but not exercise equipment

7th March 2020 - ExerciseNZ to celebrate role of women in fitness on International Women’s Day

25th November 2019 - Canterbury secures top New Zealand fitness industry awards

24th May 2019 - Organisers announce postponement of New Zealand Fitness Expo

3rd April 2020 - Eight out of 10 New Zealand trainers and exercise facilities now operating online

14th April 2020 - Rotorua residents commended for keeping exercise safe and local

19th February 2020 - NZREPS shares research insights into exercise and fitness trends for 2020


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Anti Wave Global

Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Sport

 
 

Jonas Leisure

Jonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Sport

 
 

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

BODY BIKE APAC

BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Tim Batt Water Solutions

Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Recreation / Technology / Venues

 
 

TPEC Pool Enclosures

TPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

DAE Global

DAE Global is one of the world’s leading international creative and production practitioners, creating award-winning sport, culture and entertainment experiences for over 30 years.  It was…

read more

Culture / Entertainment / Events / Venues

 
 

SLE WORLDWIDE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

SLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…

read more

Insurance / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business