Confessions of a Fitness Trainer
Over the last decade or so, virtual fitness has seen a huge surge in popularity. Normally reserved for busy millennials or people looking for a free workout from the latest fitness influencer, it was always something that I shunned.
To make a real and lasting impression, I felt I had to be actually with the person. The online world seemed too artificial and I didn’t like that I couldn’t be close enough to my clients to really see them move. I wondered if I’d be able to discern how much they were exerting themselves… Were they activating the right muscle groups and in the right sequence? Would I be able to connect with them in the same way to help them improve their lives?
Then there was this thing called a pandemic.
One domino after another, the world shut down and with it, so did my ability to meet with clients or teach fitness classes. If I didn’t pivot, my business would die.
Thankfully, most of my clients were more than happy to dive into the world of virtual fitness and learn the ropes with me. At first it was a lot… recording videos and launching a YouTube channel with short on-demand videos for anyone who just needed a break from the chaos, learning the technology and moving all my fitness classes onto a virtual platform, and checking in with individual clients for workouts via FaceTime or Zoom. In the virtual world, I also had to get even better at cueing – explaining thoroughly yet concisely what each movement should both look like and feel like so that everyone could get the most out of their training sessions.
I was so glad this would only be necessary for a short time.
Fast forward to a year later and I am still conducting virtual fitness classes and individual training sessions. The biggest difference now is that I actually like it.
No, it’s not the same as being face to face with my clients but they can still stay on top of their health and fitness goals and I am very much able to help them do that.
Furthermore, I don’t have to drive to the gym well before the sun comes up when the temperature is minus 42. No one knows if I’ve woken up 90 seconds before their training session. I can have the laundry going while I am working and fold the clothes between on-line sessions and even make myself a snack if I feel like it. I would never have had the time for those things in between sessions before.
The best part is that I can now train people from everywhere. I’ve been able to stay connected with clients across Canada, in Mexico, in Europe, and with those who still must travel for work or competition. It feels like the world of Inspector Gadget has finally fused with that of the fitness industry.
The trend towards virtual fitness offerings was on the uptick however, the pandemic accelerated this process exponentially. While in-person fitness models will make a comeback, virtual fitness is here to stay and I’m ok with that.
Tips of the day
- There are now gazillions of on-line workouts to choose from – make sure the instructor is qualified and certified by a reputable organization before you select their workouts.
- Be mindful when doing on-demand workouts or in situations where the instructor can’t actually see you – if an exercise doesn’t feel right, choose to do something else.
- Have fun, try new moves, and enjoy working out in your pyjamas if you feel like it.
Kathryn McKenzie – B.H.Kin, B.Ed / Certified Kinesiologist, Sport Conditioning Specialist & Personal Trainer & Author, Speaker & Owner of Surefire Fitness Phone: 204-802-3131
