Closed for three months, the alleged third wave of pandemics could be the death knell for many facilities
The fitness industry is in a doldrums due to the second wave of COVID-19 in the city of Vizag. A number of fitness trainers and gym owners are not only affected by COVID-19, but also financially affected by the lockdown and closure of gyms. Owners of various fitness studios are now very concerned about their future in the wake of the supposed third wave of the pandemic.
Almost 80% of gyms work in rented buildings and, according to the industry, pay a rent of at least 30,000 yen every month.
Even before they could recover from the effects of the first wave, when gyms closed for a few months, the ongoing second wave and resulting lockdown forced their facilities to close for the past three months and there is still uncertainty about their opening. Many gym owners and coaches have taken out loans to pay rents and take care of their families.
“Compared to the first wave, the second has shaken the industry completely,” complains B. Mahesh, who owns the Maruthi Gym in Akkayyapalem. “During the first wave there was some easing of bank loan payments and some owners reduced rents. But now the situation is different. There is no help from the government. Several gyms with a strong clientele have changed hands due to financial problems, ”he says.
Debt burden
G. Ravi Kumar of Maxx Fitness gym in Murali Nagar was among the few owners who invested in renovating and expanding the facility to provide social distancing for its customers after the first wave of the pandemic. Two months later, it had to close due to the reintroduced COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are now trapped in debt and unable to pay employees full rents and salaries,” he complains.
With the third wave of COVID-19 being predicted, they fear that people would hit gyms again in the near future. Many sell their gear that has rusted from being left out of use.
“Last year we held meetings to discuss issues related to the impact of COVID-19. But even that is not possible this year because many of our members and their families are infected. Now that cases have receded, we can sit down and discuss ways to overcome the crisis, ”says K. Ganesh of Vayuputra Health Club and President of the Visakha Gym Owners’ Welfare Association.