When gyms closed at the beginning of the pandemic, many people lost their sense of community as they turned to exercising on their indoor bikes or lifting weights in their backyards. Since then, there has been a significant increase in foot traffic to gyms as well as web searches about them, according to the research firm Jefferies, and gym goers are on the hunt for something new. By Brianna Bohn
When gyms closed at the beginning of the pandemic, many people lost their sense of community as they turned to exercising on their indoor bikes or lifting weights in their backyards. Since then, there has been a significant increase in foot traffic to gyms as well as web searches about them, according to the research firm Jefferies, and gym goers are on the hunt for something new.
“We’re not just another gym. You’re not just another number with us. What we do isn’t choreographed; we’re invested in teaching and making sure our members learn different skills, connect to trainers and are mentored,” said Stephanie Lashley, co-founder of Southpaw Gym.
Stephanie and her husband, Vic, are doing something right, as their new Toms River, New Jersey, location has gained 78 members since opening six months ago. In addition to its boxing and mixed martial arts classes, Southpaw Gym offers several camps and programs that make it a staple of the communities it serves, while providing multiple revenue streams for owners.
The brand’s popular full-day summer camp just ended, running from June to the end of August. In addition to providing boxing and kickboxing lessons to students from 4 to 12, the camp curriculum includes educational and motivational instruction as well as trips out into the community. Parents appreciate the well-rounded summer program so much that many enroll their children in Southpaw’s after-school program.
The summer camp and after-school program are just two of the many ways that franchisees can access multiple revenue streams. Southpaw Gym also is known for hosting workshops that address various skills and topics, including martial arts, investments and financing, which impact mental and physical strength.
“Martial arts and boxing are about harmony and balance,” Lashley said. “We make sure we help our members in every aspect of their lives.”
Brianna Bohn