Phnom Penh: With Covid-19 keeping gyms closed in most parts of the world, we shouldn’t be too surprised that sales of home-gym equipment and online training programs are growing, but you might be surprised by just how much. Fortune Business Insights says the home fitness market is projected to grow from $10.7-billion in 2021 to almost $15-billion in 2028.

While the pandemic has been seriously affecting the regular gym industry, the situation has inspired many people to concentrate more on their health and appreciate the small things. In Dubai, considered one of the fittest cities in the world thanks to its number of training facilities, residents are being encouraged to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days, in what’s known as the Annual Fitness Challenge.

One of Dubai’s biggest gyms, GymNation, was closed for 75 days at the height of the coronavirus outbreak but gave free access to members and non-members to free online classes. CEO Loren Holland said that immediately after Dubai’s lockdown, there was a huge surge in demand for fitness. She says the company is now seeing its best ever period.

In Cambodia, where gyms have been closed since early March, people are finding new ways to stay active and produce those healthy hormones that boost the immune system and help achieve a happier and healthier lifestyle. Those who can afford it have hired personal trainers or are using the internet for their daily fitness routine, but the vast majority are luckily still enjoying their physical activity outdoors, playing badminton in the park, running along Riverside or taking advantage of public exercise equipment around the capital.