Retro Fitness COO, Todd Scartozzi, Talks Returning to Gyms
I had the opportunity to interview Todd Scartozzi, the Chief Operating Officer at Retro Fitness (originally founded by Eric Casaburi), through a connection with 5W PR. We discussed the current state of the gym market (and specifically Retro Fitness), how the pandemic has changed the way gyms function, and how the pandemic has changed member behaviors when it comes to going back to commercial gyms.
Below is my full interview with Todd Scartozzi. Enjoy!
COO of Retro Fitness
How much has the pandemic hurt the gym industry and Retro Fitness specifically?
The 30-billion-dollar fitness industry was forecasted to grow 20% over the next five years, and this was before a global pandemic shined light on obesity and the many unhealthy behaviors people adopted. Despite the extreme challenges that the pandemic inflicted on businesses across the country, people have quickly learned that exercise is medicine and the best vaccine one can have is to be fit and healthy.
This pandemic has exposed poor lifestyle choices by the population and their lack of exercise and vitamin D as risk factors. Do you feel the pandemic will cause more people to exercise and rethink their current lifestyle/behaviors?
If the pandemic unearthed anything, it created great awareness about all the unhealthy behaviors Americans have. Exercise is medicine. Being fit and healthy is the best vaccine anyone can have. It has countless benefits to both physical and mental health. People want to get back to their health club, they want to be fit and healthy.
With restrictions being lifted, what has the response been from members in terms of returning to gyms?
We have seen a 60% increase in new member joins since restrictions have been lifted, which is a strong indicator that people want to get back into the gym. People need people.
What is the outlook and the future of gyms after what we experienced during the pandemic?
Health and fitness are more relevant than ever. We know that 71.6% of America is overweight or obese, people recognize that they need to get back into a healthy routine, and that means getting back to their health clubs.
What can people expect upon returning to gyms? What has changed in gym policies and procedures (if anything)?
Cleanliness and sanitation practices by both management and members have been long-standing in our industry. We are clean, but more importantly, we continue to provide our members with a safe environment.
Many people have transitioned to at-home workout platforms during the pandemic. How will that affect the gym industry?
People need people. We believe that at-home activities supplement but are not core to health and fitness. This summer, we will be launching Retro Cobra. It is the first-ever at home and in club combination in the industry. Offering an at-home bike, virtual classes, all-in club amenities like tanning, and bring a friend every time with the purchase of the Ultimate membership. What is the value of this partnership? It’s innovative and creates more opportunities for members to engage and explore with us.
From my time working with various Retro Fitness locations during my days at MET-Rx, I’ve always respected how Retro conducted business and was always looking to innovate and improve. What future plans does Retro have to continue leading the gym market?
As a brand, Retro Fitness continues to create opportunities for members to engage with us. We accomplish this by being a part of their lives, every day through our daily engagement with them at the club and continuing the fitness journey with them by offering at-home workouts, healthy cooking classes, mental health series, and nutrition. Carrying the fitness journey inside the four walls and outside our four walls. We refer to this as our brand halo.
Thank you, Todd Scartozzi, for the time! I wish you and Retro Fitness the best!
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