New year, new you!
January 1 has a way of marking that moment of change for people, especially when it comes to getting in-shape.
"We've been waiting for this day all year long. It's our primetime," said May Savvin, General Manager at Fitness Norfolk.
Traditionally, gyms see a bump in memberships and membership inquiries at the start of every new year with so many making New Year's resolutions to work out more, but, like everything else, COVID-19 has thrown that tradition into question with many choosing to stay home over safety concerns.
Like other gyms, Fitness Norfolk is constantly cleaning equipment and monitoring everyone that comes through the door.
Staff also put tape on the floor to indicate ten feet of space between equipment.
Savvin says she's also slashed membership prices through January 31 as a way to try and get people to come in, but she knows it's up to each person.
"We are [taking] every step to make it possible for you to be safe, to be healthy. Whenever you feel like getting out of that house, we are here to help you," she said.
On the Peninsula, PHIT Shop is a brand new personal training studio in Newport News.
Head trainer Kim Reaves says he's been happy with the turnout he's seen since opening in October.
He doesn't see a reason that success won't continue.
"We’re still getting (new) people coming in. You know, that never stopped. I am expecting more people to sign up for personal training, to inquire on the services that we offer," Reaves told News 3.
One aspect of PHIT Shop that gives it an advantage, Reaves believes, is its status as a personal training studio instead of a gym.
Single and group sessions are by appointment only, he says, and cleaning happens constantly through bacteria-killing air filters and post-workout sanitizing.
Temperatures are taken at the door.
"We're only going up from here," Reaves said.
It's a confidence that if these local fitness businesses could find any success during 2020 that 2021 will bring something even better.
