"Visits trends are proving that the idea that gyms somehow lost their appeal during the pandemic is fundamentally false," Ethan Chernofsky, VP of marketing at Placer.ai, tells GlobeSt.com. As COVID restrictions are lifted across the country, data from the firm shows that gyms are seeing a rapid increase in foot traffic.

In March, gym visits increased 45% over the same time in 2020, when restrictions began to settle into place. Compared to 2019, which Placer.ai says is a better comparison, visits were down only 21%, the lowest decrease in foot traffic since the start of the pandemic. The numbers are increasing rapidly. From February to March, foot traffic grew 26.8%. "The sector has a clear value to provide, and even the rise of at-home exercise is likely more complementary than a true, direct competitor. The key factor driving the return of visits is reopenings—when gyms are open, people come back. A secondary element to watch is the continued return of work and school routines," says Chernofsky. "Many gyms are frequented because of their proximity to workplaces, so as these 'normal' routines return, the impact could drive an added boost to the sector's recovery."

While all gyms are improving, Planet Fitness is a clear leader. The discount gym chain accounts for 37% of total gym visits, more than the 33% of gym visits the brand had the same time last year. "Planet Fitness was showing tremendous strength pre-pandemic, so the strong recovery largely reflects a continuation of the brand's power and reach," says Chernofsky.