So far, 2020 has not been an easy year by any means. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the world, forcing people to change their habits as social distancing is one of the only effective tactics that prevents the virus from spreading.
COVID-19 has hit the fitness industry hard. Gyms were always the place for getting fit and healthy, but when the pandemic started, they became unsafe – there are just too many people in a constricted, air-conditioned space, which is a big no-no when it comes to virus spreading.
But chances are if you are reading this blog that you’re searching for new ways to re-invent your Personal Trainer services. ‘In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity’ and many personal trainers are finding new ways to help their clients stay fit to accommodate anyone feeling uncomfortable about returning the to the gym.
In this blog we’ll explore how your fitness business can not only survive but thrive in these uncertain times.
Back to Basics
Although gyms and fitness clubs were closed, creative personal trainers found success in organizing bootcamp activities in open areas such as parks. With the added experience of fresh air and feeling the elements, we predict a demand for this continuing. These activities are not only fun but are an excellent way to get or stay fit, all while maintaining distance and avoiding closed spaces.
These classes aren’t just for your local market, you can also hold boot camp classes online via apps like Skype or Zoom. That way, you will be able to work even with clients who are not from your area, which will keep the business flowing.
Bootcamp workouts require no large-gym machinery, and all you need to start is a few weights or smaller pieces of equipment of your choice and speaker to put some music on to keep the clients engaged.
However, designing a proper circuit that will be safe, effective and fun is harder than it seems, which is why we developed our Bootcamp course. Available to complete online, it teaches you how to structure your circuit workouts correctly and give you a lot of ideas that will keep your classes interesting, making your clients wanting to come back.
Kettlebells are King (in our eyes at least!)
Kettlebell training is another example of fitness trends that aren’t going to be affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
With restrictions on gym capacities in place, you want to have a back-up plan when times are busy.
By investing in one small piece of portable equipment, you reap the unique and versatile benefits of dynamic training, allowing your clients to train their whole body and keeping a safe distance from others.
You can train your clients one or one, or you can organize a virtual kettlebell session for multiple clients at once (once you’re happy they know how to safely execute the basic moves).
You also need to make sure that you know what you’re doing, and you need to convince your clients too, which is why it makes sense to have a kettlebell training CPD certificate. Our course will teach you all the caveats of kettlebell training, and you will be able to plan and execute your own unique and safe workouts your clients can do from the comfort of their home, out in fresh air or in a quiet corner of a busy gym.
Hang On!
Another training tool that is ideal for at-home, virtual or park workouts is suspension kit training. Because they are lightweight and can fit any gym bag, they are a perfect option when getting around, even without a car.
Also, because this is a very safe way to exercise, you will be able to have clients of all fitness levels without worrying about injury risk. Suspension training is very effective, at least if done right, and will keep even more advanced clients engaged.
Check out our Suspended Movement Training Course – it will explain to you how to structure your suspension workouts and give you ideas and tips to make your training effective engaging and safe.
Stand Out with ViPR
While bootcamps and kettlebells are great training methods during COVID-19 restrictions, when it comes to ideas that will set you apart, you need something that’s different and not going to be used by your competitors.
ViPR is a great way to train the whole body functionally while focusing on loaded movement, agility and strength at the same time. Many athletes are training using ViPR methods, and it is a tool which isn’t utilized enough by trainers when their clients’ are seeking all-body workouts.
Like the other methods mentioned in this blog, what makes ViPR great option during COVID-19 pandemic is the fact that you can do a lot with minimum equipment. Also, because ViPRs offer a lot of untapped potential as they aren’t commonly used, you’re likely to stand out from other trainers offer this type of exercise to your clientele.
We are proud to say that you can expect face-to-face ViPR Course soon in association with FitPro so watch this space and email info@t2fitness.co.uk if you would like to be added to our waiting list.
Conclusion
COV1D-19 has hit many industries and the fitness world hard. But, new opportunities are here too, and it’s our jobs to find a way to keep doing what we love and delivering a great service that makes a difference to the health and wellbeing of our clients..
Bootcamps, kettlebells, suspension kits and ViPR are all great options to keep your clients active, engaged and reaping the benefits of exercise without requiring large gym machinery and with it looking like we may need to live with COVID-19 for some time, embracing these methods are a great way of adjusting to difficulties of busy gyms and anxious clients.
Who knows, maybe both you and your clients will like these movement based training methods so much that they might become core parts of your programmes… even once we’re back to normal, which we hope is sooner rather than later!
