THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON FITNESS CENTERS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the impacts and verify the adaptations made in Fitness Centers (FC), during the social distance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies found afterwards.The sample was composed by 10 FC’s Technical Directors (TD). The semi-structured interview was used as a tool and integrated 4 dimensions: Financial Management; Digital Services; Sports Facilities; Human Resource Management. The interviews were all in person inside the Fc’s and the anonymity and confidentiality were secured. The interviews were recorded and then transcribed. The data were analyzed using MaxQda (v20.4.0). The results showed that FC´s suffered significant drops in turnover. The digital model became central, and the internal management application was the most used tool to monitor the facilities. Covid-19 pandemic caused damage in a short amount of time within the FC’s, but it has provided an opportunity to strengthen and diversify the sector in mid-term.

Keywords
Pandemic; Gyms; Sports Management; Strategies