The fitness industry in 2020 has clearly been redefined by the Covid-19 virus both virtually and physically. While these new norms affect everyone around the world, they may not affect everyone equally. What's your experience been like? What did you learn personally? What do you miss about the old norm? Our team has come together to share with you their thoughts on the time behind us and their hopes for the times ahead.
“I’m looking forward to more deep and meaningful connections with my new clients.”
What has the 2020 fitness experience been like for you?
The 2020 fitness experience for me has been a roller coaster ride with unexpected twists and turns! I’m grateful for the highs and lows and cherish the beautiful and positive moments that strengthened my passion for fitness.
The momentum of barre fitness here was so strong at the beginning of this year. However, the shutdown gave me the time to take a break and focus on creating content for branding which I wouldn’t have time to do before. I got a chance to run a business online worldwide and will continue growing it!
I worked harder than I have in a long time, but I’ve tried my best to remain positive throughout it all. It reminded me of when I first started teaching on my own and I had to network and reach out to all of my family and friends to let them know that I was part of the health and wellness industry. This year I had to promote myself more than ever to let everyone know that I was still available and open for sessions and classes, even if it would only be through Zoom. The summer season was incredible as I taught most of my classes outside. I was nervous as we moved into the Fall as the weather started to cool down and uncertainty started to creep in. Now it is Winter and I’m more experienced and confident than ever. If the world ever shuts down again, I’ll be ready!
It’s been heavy and something that I never saw coming but has taught me a lot about myself. It forced me to be stronger than I thought I could. I’ve been through so many emotions since March and have learned that I cannot control everything. When the club that I have worked at for 20 years was forced to close I gave myself about a day to process the shock and heaviness of it all. After that day, I flipped my 'boss' switch back on and just started working and never looked back. Creating a way online for our members to stay as actively connected as possible while we were shut down gave me a new mission. Our club opened back up in May after being closed for 2 months. Today, I’m working with half of my team, with more classes on my plate, and juggling 3 different departments.
“I was left with no choice but to teach virtually- something I had never done before. It was scary.”
What was a negative and positive impact on your career, your experience as an instructor or as an employee in the fitness industry?
The negative impact was losing in-person connections with clients. I miss seeing my clients daily and the high energy of a packed class. However, the virtual classes had a positive effect on my instruction. I was pushed to be more creative and entertaining in my virtual classes than ever before. I realized that in a virtual setting, clients had many exercise options online. If I want to continue to draw them back, I have to push myself to create new choreography, introduce new props, and bring positive energy.
This year I experienced necessary changes as well as the importance of professional boundaries. A change in environment can be a blessing in disguise and even though this sudden shift was tough, I found myself more grateful than ever for the incredible fitness mentors who inspire me daily! It is such a blessing to find a humble community of women who support and encourage you to be your best!
2020 did have its positive moments, like when I figured out after much trial and error and frustration how to teach a Zoom class to music. Or when I taught my first Zoom Barre Intensity class and I was able to see all of the beautiful familiar faces and voices through the screen. I was literally brought to tears of joy. Partnering with Stephanie on our first Barre Intensity Live On-Line training was exciting and fun, and then having the opportunity to conduct my first Live On-Line training alone and meeting some incredible trainees ended my year off with a happy heart! The negative is what made me stronger and more resilient. I now have the confidence to make it through anything that comes my way.
Negatively it was a huge decrease in job security in a fitness club but now I have a new outlook and new skills to go with it. My tech skills have defintaltey advanced in 2020. One thing I am most thankful for was being able to work more with Barre Intensity and tapping more into my creative side and helping to launch our new “Tracks” program and BIIT Classes on Barre Now.
“Teaching online drained me more since I have to perform the whole class. However online classes and social media have helped me to get a chance to expand the Barre Intensity brand in more countries in South East Asia! ”
Did you learn anything new about yourself?
I'm more adaptable than I thought. Teaching virtually forced me to step out of my comfort zone and really focus on my instruction style.
I think it’s important to remember that change is necessary and most of the time vital to our growth. If your environment or workplace starts to hinder your growth, then maybe it’s time for some change! I learned so much about myself this past year and I’m grateful for the lessons. As long as your heart is in the right place personally and professionally, then the path before you will be made clear! Trust the magic of your work.
I was able to be innovative during the pandemic and not let this hold me or my clients back from achieving our fitness goals.
Elyssa
I learned that I need to continue to be a positive role model to those around me, especially my children. I’ve learned that when the times get tough you need to get tougher, but know it’s ok to back down if your mind and body need that break to reenergize. I’ve learned to share my passion, connect, and grow in new ways that I never thought I could or would.
I learned that I can ramble on in front of a camera about anything I also learned the impact I can have on others. My first virtual workout after shut down, I bawled on camera. I am normally the tough one and rarely show my softer side. I had people reach out to me saying how much they appreciated that emotion and being real. It felt good to get that out and then start moving forward.
“My first virtual workout after shut down, I bawled on camera. I am normally the tough one and rarely show my softer side. ”
Do you miss fitness classes the way they were or prefer the way they are now?
If you would have asked me in March or April, I would have said I missed the way it was. But now, I feel like I have devoted so much time to virtual instruction, I am actually happier! It has been a great opportunity to teach classes and Barre Intensity trainings from my home studio to a truly global audience.
I do miss dearly the way fitness classes used to be, but this new space of teaching has also brought unexpected connections of community. I’m able to teach fitness to friends near and far and it’s been awesome!
I have moved to Thailand and things are slowly back to normal. I still have class online which broadcasts to Indonesia, the US, and Singapore in addition to my live classes in Bangkok. I’m very happy that I now have two options to connect, virtually and in-person.
I miss the ease and energy of an in-person fitness class. We are back in the studio but it comes with 12 feet of spacing, signs up, limited equipment, fogging a room after a class, etc. I miss just rolling in and being able to lead a kick-butt class. Now part of my brain is always stressed about being the covid police and making sure all protocol is followed.
“I miss indoor fitness classes the way they were, but I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to build a live online clientele base from all over the world. ”
What do you see happening in 2021?
I am looking forward to continuing to offer virtual options to clients, whether they are taking a class or a Barre Intensity training. I love that we are able to offer more options than before and I think clients enjoy having the flexibility.
In 2021, I’m looking forward to reaching new heights personally and professionally. I’m excited to continue to learn and gain the wisdom to become better in my craft so that I may share that wisdom with others. There is growth in every season and 2021 will be a year of new heights!
My 2021 goals are still a work in progress, but I know that I’m definitely looking forward to exciting and creative opportunities to grow in my craft and business, to continue to learn, and to share my passion through my teaching. I’m looking forward to more deep and meaningful connections with my new clients that I have met this past year and with my clients who have been by my side for the past 10+ years. I’m excited to have a positive impact on those in my community and to work on more ways to give back.
I am looking forward to some type of relief from the heaviness at some point. I am hopeful we will get back to the fun, ease, and lightness of the old group fitness classes. More hugging and chatting in between classes and less fogging and policing in the new year!
“I see perseverance and creative vision excelling in the fitness industry more than ever! ”