Working it out online

THIS year’s pandemic lockdowns have forced many small businesses to re-think the way that they operate.

Gyms and recreation centres have had to be especially innovative with the way that they re-model their businesses because of the physicality of their services.

Many have shut totally temporarily while some are resorting to online methods to continue servicing their clients while still following statewide guidelines.

Although popular Wendouree venues Hot Temple and Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre have been shut since Thursday, 6 August, both are continuing a selection of services online with many other gyms following suit.

Bek Meadows Fitness is another small, Ballarat-run gym that has been forced to close temporarily and move to social media.

Normally running boot-camp style sessions, Rebecca Meadows said she had to resort to a different, more virtual, type of service

since the beginning of lockdown.

“We can’t do any physical classes which is really heart breaking,” she said.

“I’ve moved my workouts to online where I have a private Facebook group where I post videos of myself doing workouts every day from my lounge room.

“All my clients are all really appreciative that they have the chance to still do my workout while in isolation because it gives you that one hour to forget about everything else and focus on yourself.”

Although many venues have shifted their services online, one Bannockburn gym opted to instead shut their doors completely.

Burn Fit 24/7 Bannockburn owner Bronwyn Davie said because they were formally a supply gym without classes and noticing just how saturated the online market was, they decided to simply close.

“Although people are becoming more comfortable using online workouts and apps, I don’t think it will be the end of gyms,” she said.

“However, I do believe that this lockdown is going to change the way that people exercise.”

On the other hand, Bannockburn’s other gym the newly established Pulse 24/7 had only just opened in between the two lockdowns.

Owner Samantha White said that although they are disappointed to have to close again, they were aware of the risks of opening in the middle of a pandemic.

“We knew starting when we did, consumers would be financially conscious so we projected a 50 per cent decrease in sales opposed to if we were to open during normal times,” she said.

“We’re happy to be offering weekly workouts that can be done at home with exercise demonstrations, private classes, coaching and personal training via Zoom.

“We are still here remotely to help and be part of our members journey the best we can under the current circumstances.”

While statewide centres adjust to the rules, Fitness Australia is petitioning to the Victorian government in the hopes of reclassifying gyms as an essential service for mental and physical health.

The industry body aims to assist government to draft a new COVID safety plan that recognises the benefits of fitness while considering the current health recommendations.

Learn more about the petition at Fitness Australia’s Facebook page.