We're sure you've all made it a point to hit the gym more since the new year. But that was before coronavirus. The World Health Organization isn't urging people to avoid gyms. However, there's a lot of hysteria going on about indoor spaces where bacteria can thrive.
Some home gym apps are reporting a surge in device sales since the virus spread beyond China. Stock market analysts say fitness apps and home gym equipment companies like Peloton are likely to see a boost in subscribersas more and more gym- stay home. Doctors are advising people to stay calm and say that getting infected at the gym is unlikely if you just wash your hands frequently.
FitOn, a digital fitness company that offers celebrity-led workout classes, saw a 200% increase in users in January. The company says it can't attribute the surge in downloads to the coronavirus, as temperatures are still low.
But the startup's founder said it's likely there's an undercurrent of people choosing the apps as a way to avoid getting sick.
“We’ve definitely seen an increase in usage of the app by people working from home over the last few weeks,” said Cook, a former Fitbit executive. He added that “access to trainers in your living room” and “not having to worry about germs at the gym” could have contributed to the boom.
Big tech companies like Apple, with supply chains anchored in China, are facing major problems as production at their factories is disrupted. Meanwhile, demand for home from companies like Peloton could be on the rise as people in the US seem to be doing more from home.
Needham analyst Laura Martin said Peloton, along with other similar companies, are looking to capitalize on the virus outbreak as consumers worry about getting sick outdoors.
“People are reluctant to go to the gym because they’re worried about contamination,” Martin said. “They would be more likely to buy a Peloton bike, use it at home for a month or two until the coronavirus scare passes, rather than go to the gym and risk getting sick from touching a bar.”.
To combat the spread of the respiratory disease that has killed at least 3,000 people, fitness centers , both large and small, have begun sending emails to members to raise awareness.
Equinox sent out a mass email reminding club members to “use disinfectant wipes.” Boutique Nasty Habit Crossfit in Boston, Massachusetts, sent out a notice urging its members to keep their germs at home.
Many of the fears surrounding the outbreak are valid. There's still mystery surrounding the respiratory illness that has emerged in parts of the U.S. , and studies have shown that gym equipment harbors more germs than toilet.
Still, medical professionals say the chances of catching a virus during processing are negligible, at best.
The coronavirus is spread primarily between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 3 feet), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection is also possible through tiny respiratory droplets produced by people carrying the virus.
It is possible to spread the coronavirus from touching contaminated surfaces, although this is not a common form of transmission, the CDC notes.
“Somehow, this virus has to get into your mouth, nose or eyes,” Burchett said. Cleaning equipment with the wipes can also help, Burchett added.
