DANA POINT, Calif. — As gyms prepare to reopen following coronavirus closures, Colleen McNutt’s business has weathered the socially distanced storm.
“We’ve pivoted right now, and that’s the way of the future,” said McNutt, the CEO of Lightning Fit Boutique Fitness Studio.
McNutt said she can personally attest to the technology, which she used after being bedridden for five years due to a health issue and gaining 30 pound. She used the electrical muscle stimulation that stimulates 95% of the user’s muscles. It helped her lose the weight in just three months, she said.
Lightning Fit is one of only several studios on the West Coast to offer the cutting-edge technology, and as restrictions eased but businesses remained closed, Lightning Fit was able to bring its mobile tech to individuals and small-group clients such as Orange County resident Joanne Jenkin.
“You’re still getting the really good workout that I normally would get in like a spin class or going to the gym and lifting weights, and working out in the gym where there’s a lot of people and a lot of sweat and a lot of germs and not feeling very clean,” Jenkin said.
According to the International Health Racquet and Sports Club Association, while fitness facilities grew industry-wide by 15% in the last five years, boutique fitness facilities grew by 121%.
Big-box Gold’s Gym filed for bankruptcy in May, and while branding and individual personal training are some of the boutique perks, clients are willing to pay as much for several classes as a month at the gym because they’re getting more bang for their buck.
“Push press, I use 50 or 60,” J’son Stamper said.
Stamper is a former professional basketball player pressing just 8 pounds, but in 25 minutes he’s able to simulate traditional weights and substitute a workout that would take hours.
McNutt said her vision is to see Lightning Fit suits on professional athletes, and open new locations — in addition to the four she has already.
“It’ll help people maintain social distancing but during this, too, it’ll help people achieve a better lifestyle, it’ll help fight obesity, it can help people not use the excuse, ‘I don’t have time,’ to get their workout in. So I really just see this growing hopefully all over California and eventually the nation,” McNutt said.