Pandemic Fitness Behaviors (PTON, PLNT)

During the COVID-19 lockdowns last year, shifts in consumer behavior highlighted some major winners and losers in the personal fitness space.

It's been more than a year since then, but things certainly haven't returned to normal yet,

A YoY comparison of several key fitness trends shows that consumers are returning to the gym but still don't feel comfortable with group fitness classes.

The near-term downturn in home fitness enthusiasm manifested in a negative earnings reaction for pandemic winner PTON.

Still, a longer-term comparison shows that Peloton still came out on top -- Even with the recent troubles, PTON dwarfs Planet Fitness (PLNT) In terms of Purchase Intent Mention growth since 2019 (and with Happiness 30 points higher).

As COVID fears diminish in the coming months and years, it will be interesting to see if PTON can maintain the relevance it gained and if PLNT can regain the status it lost.