Year in Review: Gyms React, Rebound from COVID-19

Gym owners had to examine every possibility of survival this year with COVID-19. They led virtual fitness classes, rented out fitness equipment, and even moved fitness equipment outside as a way to cope with COVID restrictions.

In this Year in Review, we take a look at ways gyms and fitness centers adapted to ever-changing restrictions.

When Monica Moreland lost her job as a fitness instructor, she launched a Facebook Live videos that grew to eventually include seven thousand members. People sent donations her way and Moreland used those donations to open a studio in Plymouth that offers both in-person and online classes.

“I never asked for a cent, but people just gave out of their own good will. I know financially that was probably hard for them,” said Moreland.

By mid-March, the Governor dialed back restrictions on gyms and fitness centers by allowing them to operate at 50 percent capacity.

“Bring it because we were waiting for those,” said Jose Lara, owner of Get it Done Fitness in Osseo.

Lara and Jill Dalton, who owns Curves in Brooklyn Center, say they stayed open thanks to grants. Still, memberships went down.

One Maple Grove gym called My Impact Fitness installed an outside dome to encourage people to come back to the gym. Surge Cycling in Maple Grove stayed afloat thanks to renting out their exercise bikes.

Participants at F45 fitness studio in Maple Grove.

Supply chain issues delayed but didn’t prevent new gyms from opening, either.

“I think it’s a moment of great opportunity,” said F-45 owner Jason Noeldner. “I think we’re all kind of not past COVID, but I think mentally people are very ready to get out, see other people and socialize.”

Also coming soon to Maple Grove, Crunch Fitness near the Slumberland Furniture and Target by the Maple Grove Hospital.

Brooklyn Center | Brooklyn Park | Crystal | Golden Valley | Maple Grove | New Hope | Osseo | Plymouth | Robbinsdale