Being a personal trainer during COVID-19 has been difficult. Fitness facility staff have done their best to get ahead of the pandemic and adjusted to keep their clients safe during this time. Larger gyms have had to close their facilities, while others are able to maintain social distancing procedures because they're small or have large sections between machines.
Personal trainers, who are either independent contractors or work as a part of the gym staff, were significantly affected after the shutdown. Not only do personal trainers have to be present to check your form, but they also need to be closer to you if they have to spot you. However, it's still very possible for personal trainers to do their job without getting near or touching you.
Online Coaching
One of the ways this was possible was through online personal training. Many personal trainers were taking advantage of online personal training courses to stay employed during the shutdown. This has been quite fruitful for them, as more potential clients had limitless free time and a willingness to get moving.
The focus on most gyms is the community formed. Online workouts are good by yourself, and it was something a lot of people needed. Personal trainers were starting to act like a beacon of positivity - more so than ever before. They were able to check in on their clients through apps, text messages, and video conferences to hype them up.
Guidance Online and Offline
Protocol for all businesses meant that personal trainers had to be cautious if they decided to continue going to a brick and mortar gym. Personal trainers were encouraging others to stay away when they're sick. After all, it's unproductive to work out when you're sick because it won't improve your athletic performance and will more likely be to your detriment.
Although some personal trainers have given their clients a direct mode of contact between each other, it's also common for them to help their clients become more self-sufficient. Basically, they don't want you to need them. Instead, they will give you the guidance you'll need so you can improve your athletic performance or health on your own.
It was important for personal trainers at the beginning of the shut down to help with the tradition between in-person sessions to 100% online. After shutting down the gyms, many personal trainers or gym owners have even lent some equipment out to its members and given workout plans to their clients to help this transition be as smooth as possible.
How Larger Gyms Stay in Business
A lot of good has even come out of the pandemic. Many large fitness institutions, like Blink Fitness, have shared content on their app that was previously only available to premium members for a limited time. This free content was a lifesaver for many who didn't have a personal trainer and needed some guidance for plans and exercise.
Some personal trainers decided to keep doing one-on-one sessions in person - even if the gym was closed. Many have offered their clients in-home personal training as long as they had the equipment and space available. There are even personal trainers that don't use a specific gym based app and will speak to their clients via Zoom or Skype.
Flexibility still remains one of the most essential tools in a personal trainers toolbelt. Clients need to be honest if they're comfortable with the shift, while trainers had to be more patient with their clients' building needs. Without equipment, personal trainers have had to become more creative with bodyweight exercises while also offering nutrition advice that is more affordable.
