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Virtual fitness classes are more susceptible to distraction as compared to the usual, physical classes. The human attention span has dropped to 8 seconds in the last 25 years. So, if you are an instructor holding virtual fitness classes, you need to do a little more than “your best” to hold your client’s attention.
The new normal, the virtual aspect of life is here to stay. The coronavirus pandemic has simply acted as a catalyst in speeding up the process. Humans were slowly getting on the virtual learning bandwagon but the pandemic simply accelerated its engine. Hence, now we are dependent on remote working and remote learning more than ever before. And, it only seems to grow as with passing time.
As a fitness instructor, you are running your entire business online. And considering the rapidly shortening human attention span and the plethora of distractions available to your clients, it is important for you to understand how to manage the situation.
Running an online fitness business means you are more possibly holding your classes on video conferencing platforms like zoom. While there is a lot of information on the web about how to conduct these classes, I am here to share how not to conduct them.
You must already be familiar with the Do’s, it’s time for us to talk about the Don’ts.
But before we begin, let me share that the 360Wellness web app will be live soon for fitness instructors like you to elevate your business with us. The new web app will help you to revamp your fitness/wellness coaching business by bringing you in direct connection with your ideal clients. Go ahead and sign up for the waitlist now.
We’ll talk more about it as we cover the dont’s of virtual fitness coaching. So, let’s begin:
First things first, you cannot be late for your fitness session. This is something very basic yet highly significant in online coaching. As the host or coach of the session, you must log in to the session at least 10 minutes before the class. People are too impatient to wait for long, especially virtually.
Remember, you should be there to welcome and greet your client/s whether it’s a one on one session or a group class. Your clients should not have to wait for you to show up.
You must ensure all the tools for your sessions are working properly. Any technical disparity from your side, during the session, doesn’t only causes a delay but it brings the wrong impression too.
To save time and get straight into the content for the class, make sure to recheck all the tools and equipment before you get into the class. Also, do not forget to take care of the gadgets. Your camera, your lights, your microphone, etc. should function optimally during the class.
As your client’s fitness coach, your client’s workout setup is as important as your setup. Because what good are your gadgets and equipment if your client’s tools don’t function properly?
Have a fitness coaching checklist emailed to your clients a day before your session with them. This can include information regarding the outfit, the setup, the environment, the tools and the equipment they need, etc.
Even though you have shared a checklist already, take a few moments to notice their designated workout room. Before you begin the class be sure to take inventory of your client’s surroundings.
Be sure about the light in the room, the internet connectivity, and most importantly the space they have for workouts. Even if it’s virtual, you ought to make references to your client’s environment to enhance the spacious workout experience.
As a fitness coach, you deal with different types of people. Some would be as enthusiastic about fitness as you and some would have just stepped into it. You have to make it work for all of them.
Your clients already have their rest days. So don’t go too easy on them to have more time to “relax” during the session. If it’s a group session do not be lenient about turning the cameras off. Track everyone’s performance during the session. Perform the physical activity with them, if necessary, but don’t allow them to be lazy while in the session.
Running your fitness coaching business online is different from doing it in a physical environment. But, the grounded rules stay the same.
Stay on track with the decided exercising plan for your clients. Don’t jump around the schedule during the week. You can have a day dedicated to exploring different exercises for your client. But, be predictable when it comes to the weekly routine. Stand up to your client’s expectations as their fitness coach.
Working out virtually doesn’t mean your clients have to perform like a machine or function as a key toy. Without the help of on-hands learning and the luxury of a physical environment, you have to excel both as a fitness coach and as a great communicator.
This is especially important while working with new clients. They may hesitate and have an unfamiliar sensation. To make the virtual workout smooth and feasible for them, you must keep checking in and establish evocative communication during the session. Don’t just be their fitness instructor, be a friend who teaches them to be expressive about their body pains and muscle movements. Remember, they signed up to work out with you.
Yes, you are a fitness instructor. But, broadening the horizon with your clients and indulging in some day-to-day, light-hearted conversation goes a long way in building a healthy relationship.
When you take some rest breaks in between the sessions, use that time to know your clients beyond the coach-client relationship. Or, include some non-workout sessions with your clients to know them better as a person. Build friendships along with your business. Be more human with them.
I hope these don’ts will help you to conduct your fitness coaching sessions as effectively as the dos.
Are you a fitness instructor looking forward to scaling your fitness coaching business?
I highly recommend you to join our waitlist and become one of the first 1000 fitness coaches to have a free lifetime subscription access to 360Wellness, as it launches very soon.
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