What You See Is What You Get
Fitness professionals use online videos to share training tips, demonstrate exercises and showcase their choreography. Since sites like YouTube revolutionized the way people view, create and share videos online, use of the medium has skyrocketed. Today hundreds of millions of videos are being watched daily via mobile devices and video players embedded across websites (YouTube 2011). And now, via IDEA FitnessConnect.
IDEA FitnessConnect makes it easy for you, as a trainer or fitness instructor, to share videos directly on your profile. Provided each video is less than 1 gigabyte in size, you can upload an unlimited number in a wide variety of formats, including high-definition content. Click on the “Video” tab on your private profile page, select “Upload a New Video” and follow the prompts (you can add YouTube videos without re-uploading them).
The video feature encourages fitness professionals to create more dynamic, comprehensive profiles, making these feel more like professional portfolios than contact pages. The following four types of videos could be exactly what your profile needs to pique the interests of prospective clients.
1. Sample Exercises or Choreography
Provide insight into your coaching style and skill set by posting demonstration videos. Prospective clients will gather more information about your training services, while your fellow fitness professionals can benefit from the additional resources (just as you can learn from your colleagues). All videos on IDEA FitnessConnect are classified by exercise category, type, difficulty, body region and/or part, muscle group and equipment. Featured profile: Lawrence Biscontini, fitness instructor and personal trainer, New York City (www.ideafit.com/profile/lawrence-biscontini).
2. Educational Training Tips
Showcase your expertise by posting various exercise tips or training techniques. Visuals often clarify movements and help you explain specific practices. In this way video acts as a resource for clients and professional colleagues who look to you for educational information. Featured profile: Eric Beard, personal trainer, Natick, Massachusetts (www.ideafit.com/profile/eric-beard-2).
3. Promotional Materials
Do you have upcoming boot camps, workshops, events or classes? Capture the attention of your audience with a short promotional video. It will set the tone for what participants can expect and will build excitement about your programs. Featured profile: Hayley Hollander, personal trainer, Las Vegas (www.ideafit.com/profile/hayley-hollander).
4. General Introduction or Overview
Create a welcome message or an overview of your programs in a video. A montage of your training staff, classes, events and facilities can be a great introduction to your services! Featured profile: Dawn Celapino, personal trainer, San Diego (www.ideafit.com/profile/Dawn-Celapino).
Video Tips
Keep your videos 2–5 minutes long—that length tends to work best. Use effective lighting, speak articulately and, if appropriate, shoot from multiple points of view to gain full coverage. Encourage clients and members to add comments to your videos, as feedback generates word-of-mouth about your programs.