Missing the Gym: COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders and Formal Fitness Communities

Abstract

In March 2020, COVID-19 stay-at-home orders (saHOs) were issued in parts of the united states to curb the spread of the novel corona virus sars-CoV-2.1 the saHOs were meant to keep people safe but had several negative consequences including the loss or reduction of employment, increased childcare responsibilities, financial stress, increased anxiety and loneliness.2 another unintended impact of the saHOs was the disruption of exercise routines, caused by temporary closure of gyms and fitness centers (hereafter simply gyms). the goal of our study was to assess how saHOs impacted perceived physical and mental well-being of those who relied on gyms compared to members of a CrossFit gym. this work highlights the critical role community plays in exercise adherence and the importance of exercise routine flexibility in the face of unforeseen disruptions, a key element of CrossFit’s brand. exercise has well-known physical and mental health benefits including, but not limited to, increased muscle mass, improved strength and flexibility, reduced inflammation, improved mood and reductions in depression, stress and anxiety.3 Less well studied are how gyms and the relationships formed there shape physical and mental well-being. some evidence suggests that group exercise, like other group activities, can enhance friendships, foster community building and knowledge and improve exercise routine adherence. Group exercise can also develop a better sense of belonging, purpose and self-efficacy.4 this suggests that gym membership may improve physical well-being through better exercise routine adherence and improve mental well-being through interpersonal relationships and community development. However, the difference between formal (CrossFit) vs. informal (regular gym-going) fitness communities and the impact that has on exercise adherence and performance is understudied. People engage in friendly banter and knowledge exchange while at the gym, but few people meet up or develop these friendships outside of the gym, because individual transformation is the driving motivation for exercising in gyms.5 CrossFit, on the other hand, is purposeful in its effort to develop a sense of community for its participants.6 Founded in the early 2000s, CrossFit distinguished itself from mainstream gyms with its barebones “box” or garage gyms, barbell training with use of Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting