While many fitness professionals rushed quickly into teaching & training virtually in 2020, this concept was not new. The industry had been expecting this trend for years but had been dragging its feet. 2020 just forced the pace to pick up.
And now? Virtual training is not an exception – it’s an expectation. However, you may be experiencing screen fatigue from trying to offer everything in all the locations. The good news is that you don’t have to keep barely surviving and you can start thriving.
“A little action often spurs a lot of momentum.”― Noah Scalin
I have moved often in my adult life, causing me to rebuild my business of personal training clients, small group bootcamps, and group fitness classes each time. However, for most of the moves, I brought some clients along for the ride thanks to different technology.
When I left Tennessee for California in 2009, some of my clients trusted me to train them virtually with Excel spreadsheets & links to video tutorials of me demonstrating the moves. When I left California for Utah a year later, I kept a virtual boot camp going with YouTube links and emails. While in Utah, I partnered with fitness professionals nationwide to lead online small group challenges (hey Wisconsin ladies, hey!) like STEPS & ThankFLOW. When I moved to Asheville, NC, I started FIT4MOM Asheville, which evolved into virtual training as the pandemic hit. In Florida, I joined FIT4MOM ON Demand while co-creating the Move Mentors with Mindy Mylrea.
I am guessing you have a similar story thanks to the pandemic. However, maybe you are experiencing screen fatigue and you aren’t sure how to keep an online component running while thriving in a live setting. Totally understandable! Let’s chat about 5 ways to revitalize your online business offerings.
Teach In Person. Coach Virtually
Remember, clients are only with you in the gym for one hour a day. Wellness is a 24-hour journey, so how can you stay connected and influential in your clients’ lives outside of the gym?
It’s time to blend teaching in person, but coaching virtually.
Integrating in-person sessions with virtual support allows you to cater to a wider audience and provide continuous guidance regardless of location. For instance, you can conduct live group classes or one-on-one sessions to establish a personal connection and then supplement these with online coaching through video tutorials, personalized workout plans, and regular virtual check-ins. This hybrid approach ensures clients receive the benefits of direct interaction and real-time feedback during live sessions while enjoying the convenience and accessibility of online resources. This blended model enhances client engagement and satisfaction and creates a more resilient and adaptable business.
Are you unsure how to build a blended program like this? Let us do it for you. MyFIIT provides online content so you can focus on the connection.
Recycle & Reuse Your Content
If you are exhausted from the Zoom classes of the past 4 years, maybe it’s time to consolidate your library of recordings to create an on-demand offering. OTT (over-the-top) apps like Uscreen, websites like Wix, and media publishers like Podia may be your next step. Just because it was something you were doing before doesn’t mean it’s what you should be offering any more. You are not trapped by “it’s what I have always done…” This content can then help fuel your blended programming, which is discussed above.
Set Up Your Tech
You know what you are going to offer! Great! Now, you need to figure out your tech pieces such as:
- Streaming Platform
- Client & Trainer Apps for Communication
- Royalty-Free Music Service
While it seems like a lot to figure out, it’s not. Just take it step-by-step and tackle one thing at a time. You can choose to be scrappy and build it all yourself or choose a service that does it all for you. Can’t decide? Message me for my suggestions!
Ask For Help
This is not the time to be an island. This is the time to ask others for help. Building a successful virtual fitness business requires collaboration, feedback, and support from your peers and network. Start by finding someone who can help you test your new business offering from sign-up to delivery. This could be a trusted friend, family member, or a loyal client who can provide honest feedback on the user experience. Their insights will help you identify any technical glitches, improve the ease of navigation, and ensure that your service is seamless and user-friendly.
By seeking help and feedback from others, you are improving your business offering and building a supportive community around your venture. Collaboration and shared knowledge can significantly enhance the quality of your services and ensure your success in the competitive world of virtual fitness.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends
The fitness industry is constantly evolving, especially in the digital space. Stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and techniques to ensure your virtual offerings remain relevant and engaging. Join professional networks, attend education conferences, and participate in webinars to learn from industry leaders. Subscribe to fitness journals and online publications to stay ahead of the curve. You can offer cutting-edge services that meet your clients’ changing needs by continuously educating yourself.
Speaking of which, check out this DCAC webinar featuring Mindy Mylrea and me. We share thoughts on how to utilize both live classes and online training.
Maintaining a virtual fitness business may seem daunting, but it offers immense opportunities for growth and flexibility. You can survive and thrive in this dynamic environment by re-evaluating your offerings and staying updated with industry trends. Embrace the digital shift with confidence, and you’ll be well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s fitness enthusiasts while expanding your reach beyond geographical boundaries. Remember, the key to success lies in adapting and innovating.