Even the Wall Street Journal agrees — hybrid fitness has become the new norm.
With technology allowing us to interact with each other from afar, this impacts the accessibility of wellness practices.
For fitness instructors, we’re not saying that you should stop teaching in-person— please don’t! We’re are saying that if you can’t find childcare, if your clients live far away, or if you simply want to reach more people, virtual fitness is an incredible tool.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. Virtual fitness is cost-effective.
Space is expensive (especially since fitness requires a lot of it). Virtual rooms are relatively inexpensive compared to actual real estate, while allowing similar social experiences for clients.
For fitness instructors that are new to the sector, it is easier than ever to pool your clients online before investing any real capital. You could do this by throwing up a poll on your Instagram story or sending out an online survey. You can even call clients and ask them if they would be willing to try out virtual training. This could end up saving you a lot of money.
2. Clients like flexibility.
Clients love to feel seen and catered-to, especially if they are paying premium prices for private sessions. Choosing how to meet according to what works for their lifestyle and schedule is just another way to show them that you care. This shows them that you are willing to go the extra mile to bring them a quality experience, and could increase client retention in the long run.
3. Hello, accessibility!
Location, transportation, time… These are all barriers to wellness regimens that can be alleviated through virtual fitness. If a session is remote, a commute is unnecessary. This saves the busy-bees a lot of hassle and more importantly, time. Say goodbye to the extra costs that “getting places” incurs for both you and your clients.
Use the accessibility angle as a marketing campaign to reactivate churned clients. If someone can hop on a zoom meeting for work from their living room, why can’t they get fit the exact same way?
Being able to connect online also you don’t have to lose clients just because of a move. Clients can still interact with a trainer from San Francisco even after they move to Denver! There has never been this much accessibility to wellness— ever.
4. Growing health concerns.
Gyms and studios are breeding grounds for germs and no-one wants to huff and puff during cardio while wearing a mask. If there’s anything that Covid-19 has taught us, it’s that communal spaces should be approached with caution, especially for those who are immunocompromised. Virtual fitness is hands down the most socially responsible mode of interaction when there is a communicable disease spreading throughout a community.
5. Comfort + confidence
There are people, and possible consumers, that must be accounted for. These humans have not always felt comfortable in a collective wellness setting. They might struggle with body image, social anxiety, embarrassment of fitness level, or fear of vulnerability. Virtual fitness allows these clients to show up without being “seen”. They can turn their cameras off and still participate in a meaningful class. They can tackle their fitness goals with ease and anonymity for the first time ever.
