From FB: FREE vs FEE
(Kerry Anne) I know this is a huge ask but… I would love for the major brands to not offer free workouts… It makes it really hard for a small scale fitness professional to get paid when they can get workouts for free. I am heartbroken for all of the trainers that work in gyms that no longer have a home and are saturated with big budget franchises who are offering everything For free. It’s like telling people to help local restaurants and then a major franchise restaurant like Chick-Fil-A coming in and offering to feed everyone for free.
So many industries are hurting but I don’t want people to forget about the fitness industry.
P.S. I don’t have a problem with major brands offering free workouts to the people who have already subscribed…
Hi Kerry Anne, The whole industry is trying to make sense of a terrible situation while continuing to serve clients. Whether fit pros are independent contractors or employed by large chains/major brands, EVERYONE has been turned upside down by the first ripples of COVID-19. IDEA feels your pain. Free virtual classes may well be the first reaction of leaders in an industry that’s all about supporting and caring for people. Clubs see their members displaced and they want to help–and somehow maintain those relationships. When this crisis is over, those who have a viable business model will be those who pivoted quickly, innovated and maintained those sacred relationships with their customers. At the end of the day, there really is nothing more special than the bond fitness pros have with clients. A few free online classes from an outside source will not shake those bonds–unless those bonds are frayed by lack of communication. It’s IMPERATIVE that all instructors, trainers and coaches nurture those client relationships with a ton of communication and support until we can be back moving and grooving together in person. Consumers are simply looking for content–they just want (and NEED) to keep moving during this overwhelm. They’re not out shopping for another club or trainer–they want it from YOU first. Please know that IDEA has been gathering intelligence and building solutions, content and resources for you–and for all of the fitness community. Hang in there and stay tuned to IDEA’s social media channels for updates and rollouts, including easy solutions for individuals to offer virtual training. Together, we will keep inpsiring the world to fitness! –Sandy Todd Webster, Editor in Chief, IDEA Publications
I am in agreement about maintaining relationships via communication. I work at a golf club, they closed the fitness center, I didn’t have enough people to support me with virtual training and am forced to file for unemployment. I am offering some videos I made and 1 day a week of virtual training complimentary for anyone interested. Although they have the money to pay, not enough jumping on board. I can’t ethically collect money and file for unemployment.