There will be two groups of PTs: those that can’t wait for
the doors of their gyms to reopen, and those that have
identified an alternate way of conducting sessions to
service their clients.
way to give back to our industry and the
passionate professionals within it. We have
also had the ability to engage our expert
coaches on some special projects with
less on-campus delivery, and their input
is creating some exciting developments in
our key programs. For the fitness industry,
it has forced a number of providers to look
at complementary technology solutions
to support their members: never before
has there been such a high uptake of
virtual fitness supported by a new wave of
training options.
What major changes do you see
happening with regards to the
gym/trainer relationship, as gyms
reopen their doors?
There will be two groups of PTs: those
that can’t wait for the doors of their gyms
to reopen, and those that have identified
an alternate way of conducting sessions
to service their clients. A number of our
partners are offering some great re-entry
incentives to their PT teams to give them the
opportunity to reestablish their client base
within gyms and fitness studios. PTs have
always been a really important group as they
assist member retention through offering
expert advice. It will be interesting to see
what creative ways PT’s and their gyms
can come back together as they assist their
members and clients to achieve their health
and fitness goals.
Do you see any changes to
the traditional pricing and
membership models in which
gyms and fitness studios have
survived on up and until now?
Yes, however this isn’t different to any other
period. The fitness industry and gyms/
fitness studios within it have remained viable
through evolving their businesses to remain
contemporary in the prevailing market
conditions. As the fitness industry gets back
to work, new trends will materialise, the use
of physical facilities versus virtual fitness will continue to adjust,
and technology will continue to provide consumers with additional
options. Gyms and fitness studios that have a balanced approach
between onsite workouts and virtual workouts will be best placed
to find the right mix for their members. What a member is prepared
to pay will simply be an outcome of the value of the service offered.
At GYYMI we have developed an app that offers a
new model of gym rental by the hour, with no lock-in
contracts, to trainers and their clients. Do you think
the industry is ready to adopt such a flexible model?
I believe the fitness industry is ready for innovation, as evidenced
by some great technology that is complementing our traditional
services. The importance of flexibility has been a huge theme during
COVID-19 restrictions, and gyms and trainers have had to be flexible
and adapt to the changing environment.
Do you think there is a chance that qualified trainers
who have previously left the industry may be enticed
back (even on a part-time basis) if they have a more
flexible ‘pay-by-the-hour’ gym rental model?
As the fitness industry has evolved, we have seen a shift from fitness
complementing a career, to fitness becoming a career. If a PT was
looking for a more flexible approach to work with a gym, a ‘pay as
you go’ type model could be appealing. This needs to be considered
in the context of risk, ensuring that the gym or studio, as well as the
PT and client, are covered from an insurance perspective.
What do you think the fitness industry will look like
upon reopening and when do you believe it will get
back to ‘normal’?
It will never look the same as it did pre COVID-19. The phased
reopening will test the fitness industry as costs are turned back on
and members are phased back into gyms and fitness studios. More
people than ever will be willing to invest in personal trainers with
more trainers reaching more people in more contemporary ways. We
have been reminded of how vital our health and wellbeing is, so I
actually think the fitness industry will go from strength to strength.
The Australian Institute of Fitness (RTO ID: 121508) has delivered
its Master Trainer Online Program™ for many years, aimed at those
who want to study remotely and at their own pace. The Master Trainer
Online Plusᐩ Program™, introduced in 2020, replicates the face-toface
classroom experience, delivering livestreamed lessons as well
as group, student and coach interaction. fitness.edu.au
GYYMI is a free personal assistant app for personal trainers. You
can find out more and download it at gyymi.com
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