1. Create Consistency

In a time when people are experiencing new routines, kitchen tables turning into “at home offices,” and the complexity of managing families, roommates, spouses and pets, it’s important to cultivate consistency. Fitness can be a great way to help provide a familiar element of daily routine into your clients’ lives. When shifting from classes in the gym, to virtual classes, it is important to offer some sense of familiarity. You do not need to create all new classes or change the lengths or formats of your standard classes.

  1. Format – Offer some classes virtually, using the same format you would offer in the gym.
  2. Times – Offer virtual classes at the same time you would offer those classes in the gym.
  3. Modifications – If classes involve equipment, try offering a modified version of the class using body weight resistance.

***Pro Tip – If you are leading a class that involves weights, bands, etc. provide your clients with alternative options they can find in their homes, such as towels or cans

2. Determine Your Online Presence As A Trainer

It is important to determine how you will communicate and train clients. The first step is choosing what methods will best serve your business and clients.

  1. Live Stream – You can live stream classes using platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangout. These platforms allow you to create meetings and send a link, allowing clients to access the live stream
  2. Videos – If you are looking to provide clients with video content that they can access on their own time, it can be helpful to create videos, walking them through the workout. This can be a tutorial, demonstrating specific movements, or a full workout that you coach them through. Videos can be uploaded to platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo for clients to easily access.
  3. Written Workouts – Providing clients with written workouts allows them to walk through instruction on their own time. You can post workouts in blogs on your website, email those instructions to clients, or if you are using a workout tracking software, such as SugarWOD – post those workouts to that platform.

***Pro Tip: If you want to setup a private YouTube channel, you can easily change the settings and restrict viewership. If members then try to share video links with other outside of the channel, the links will not work.

3. Cultivate Community

In a time where everyone is experiencing a higher level of social isolation, it is important to help drive and establish community.

  1. FaceBook Groups – If you have a FaceBook presence, you can setup groups for your clients, allowing them opportunities to engage in conversation.
  2. Q&A – Try setting up a Q&A where clients can ask trainers questions.
  3. Instagram – Engage with students by posting stories on your Instagram. You can include helpful tips, motivation and encouragements, or fun examples of workouts.

***Pro Tip: Blogging can be a great way to engage with your members. If you are using a ZenPlanner Integrated website, you will have blogging capabilities. Try sharing relevant health and wellness information, encouraging stories, or updates on your fitness community.

4. Accountability

Keep up with your clients as much as possible. Because many people are lacking physical community at this time, it’s easy to lose accountability.

  1. Weekly Check-in’s – Check-in with clients. You can use email, text, or calling as a way to stay in contact. Checking in shows you care and that you are invested in the health and wellness of your clients.
  2. Promote Conversation – If you are using any social media platforms or groups, suggest topics to spark conversation, or pose questions that can help your clients engage in discussion.

***Pro Tip: If you are posting videos to YouTube, in the description of the video you can add information about the video content, along with posing questions for your clients. This can help promote discussion.

5. Think Outside the Box

Now is a great time to try offering something new. If there is a new class or program you have been hoping to introduce to your clients, try structuring it as an online offering. This could be a special class, downloadable content, a nutrition seminar, or tutorials. New offerings can be a great way to help your existing clients get excited about their fitness, or help encourage prospects to checkout your programs.

***Pro Tip: Try setting a theme for an existing class. This allows you to easily add a new element to a class, while still maintaining the majority of its structure. For example, try offering a 90’s themed boot camp class. You can maintain your standard boot camp class structure, while sharing a 90’s themed playlist.