The British Government have suggested that we are winning our fight against Coronavirus. With it, may come an end to isolation, and thoughts turn to a return to work. Prolonged isolation has been tough on the economy, with the fitness industry being no exception. What could a return to work for fitness professionals look like? Here, highly experienced personal trainer Nathan Kelly explores why fitness isn’t out of the woods.
Coronavirus sledgehammers the fitness industry?
Prolonged isolation and social distancing have been necessary. We have all been in the same storm but vastly different boats. Some have been promised financial security whilst others have lost their income completely. I’ve heard some coaches say that they’re quite happy to be off work. Equally, others are still having to meet overheads without having an income.
It’s human nature to make the best of bad situations. To see the positive in adversity. The fitness industry has been at the heart of keeping the nation going during lockdown. Fitness challenges such as 555 to raise funds for the NHS, Joe Wicks PE for schools, and the Zoom App keeping personal trainers in touch with their clients. Home workouts are a plenty and the home fitness equipment sector has experienced record sales for sure! As humans we adapt, and the fitness industry is exploring new opportunities for the post coronavirus era.
Has Covid-19 taken a sledgehammer to the fitness industry? Overall, probably. But for many it’s just been a massive shake up. One that may alter the way in which we return to work for fitness.
Returning to Work in the fitness industry
Who can say what the new ‘normal’ may look like. Until there is a vaccine to combat Covid-19 it’s not going to be a return to the good old days! Coming out of isolation is likely to include a series of restrictive measures. In turn these will have a knock effect on the day to day practices of fitness coaches the world over. Here are just some of the considerations:
- Social Distancing – this is possible in many personal training environments. A 2m exlcusion zone around the client may restrict sports coaches offering physical support, such as during gymnastic flips. However, for the most part personal trainers should be able to operate. Group classes may be able to function at a reduced capacity. Therefore, group exercise providers may run at a reduced level.
- Equipment – Sanitising equipment will remain an issue. This is true for gym and class setting where equipment is shared. Mobile personal trainers may find that sterilising equipment could be enough. If not, then clients may be in a position to supply their own.
- Sports that involve physical contact is a tricky one. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Until social distancing and gathering measures are relaxed team sports conditioning coaches can only work in a generic manner with their athletes.