#TECH: Fitness in the new normal

REMEMBER what home fitness was like back in the ’90s? People exercised in front of the television copying the moves demonstrated by celebrity fitness instructors such as Richard Simmons, Jane Fonda and Kathy Smith, among others.

These days, despite the pandemic, nothing seems to have changed. Even though gymnasiums are closed, people are still able to join their favourite fitness instructors interactively from the comfort of their homes — this time via live streaming apps.

INTERNET AND THE AGE OF COVID-19

In the absence of social and human contact because of pandemic restrictions, what was once spandex-clad trainers in VHS tapes are now replaced with fitness influencers sharing workout routines on social media platforms.

These new online classes tap into something that didn’t exist in home fitness before, namely, interactive platforms.

There are now interactive home fitness apps that require fitness equipment like Zwift, Peloton and iFit.

Each has different membership and pricing structures in place of gym membership fees.

What these interactive platforms offer compared to your usual gym visits is the use of real-time personalised health data to encourage users to take a more active interest in their own health.

Users can connect (and compete) with friends and other users of the platform, so there is no compromise on social interactions.

This makes the exercise modalities enticing for those who need social motivation and accountability.

More importantly, the data provided by interactive home gym equipment can be combined with the latest wearables such as Apple watches, Garmin devices and Fitbits to track activities over time.

There is also an increase in the number of companies entering this space with a variety of activities that can be accomplished from home, including cycling, running, CrossFit, yoga and dance classes.

GOING ONLINE TO SURVIVE

More and more fitness studios are offering online classes now as a way to survive the pandemic.

For Tribe, a kickboxing studio, online classes allow it to keep its current students and attract new ones.

Its co-founder Mark Choo said that when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed last year, the studio had to figure out how to stay in business. Having online classes seemed the only solution.

“We were forced to look at our business model and pivot to an online platform to tide us over those months when gyms were not allowed to operate.

“We learnt to innovate and had integrated most of our classes with online streaming so that every lesson now generates revenue,” said Choo.

Seeing the challenging time as “an incredible learning experience”, he said it humbled the team.

“We learnt to embrace the pandemic situation with an open mind. It’s how we survive.”

The students at the studio range from as young as five to seniors above 60 years old.

Keeping them engaged and informed is important, said Choo.

“For them to want to continue to support you, they first need to trust you. Our brand is built on human connection. Our instructors are the heartbeat of our ‘tribe’. Community spirit is at the core of our brand experience and services.

“Our livestream classes are an opportunity for us to recreate the in-person experience. It’s the same engaging and interactive experience,” explained Choo.

The studio also offers various initiatives such as Instagram giveaways and festive-themed challenges.

Digital social interaction is given importance. For the kickboxing classes, for instance, Zoom shadow-boxing workout sessions are held.

As in physical classes, the instructors will work the classes with the appropriate music and camera shots to keep students engaged.

LIVESTREAM YOGA

Having the right amount of tech support is key to yoga studios providing a wholesome experience for clients.

Flow Studio, for instance, has invested in technology to ensure a seamless and quality experience.

With the aim of replicating the in-studio experience, clients are able to feel the music and the presence of the instructor, just like in a physical class.

This is done by having a live high-definition feed, which is important to clients as clarity of alignment and postures are crucial in yoga.

Flow Studio is the only yoga/pilates studio in Kuala Lumpur that offers a semi-on-demand option to clients. What this means is that replay links of the live session are emailed to those who are unable to attend the livestream classes.

“This is a feature we introduced in response to the pandemic. Many enjoy the engagement and energy of a live class, but work-from-home arrangements and changing commitments have upended all that. This feature provides clients with some flexibility,” said Michelle Ong, a spokesperson from Flow Studio.

Still, as nothing beats physical classes, instructors do find a lack of human connection or energy in the room with remote classes.

“During livestreams, instructors are alone in the space. It’s just them and the laptop/screen, which is why the two-way interaction during live streams is crucial.

“Being able to chat with clients before and after class, even if it’s just for a few minutes, reinforces that community bond,” said Ong.

“Many clients have also taken to social media to share pictures and videos of them in classes, tagging instructors and the studio. This increases online engagement within the community,” she added.

COMPLETE FITNESS SET-UP

For fitness guru Kevin Zahri, as much as the restrictions have affected the fitness industry, he is still “determined to make it work” as he feels many Malaysians rely on him to stay fit.

He recently concluded an eight-week fitness programme, Bukan Soal Kurus (BSK), and it was a hit. His fees range from as low as RM90.

Depending on the package, participants get an array of health-related materials, ranging from exercise routines to nutrition guides as well as personalised one-on-one attention.

According to Kevin, his goal is to get his clients to continue exercising once life returns to “normal”.

“To do this, we should aim to get them to carry out some form of daily exercise. By doing so, they will continue to exercise even after the programme ends.

“Having Zoom group fitness classes does not have the same impact as having an in-person group class, but the social aspect is still there and that’s crucial.

“Participants will not feel that they are the only person doing the workout. It gives them the extra push and a sense of community, which is missing during these pandemic times,” he said.

While nothing can fully take the place of in-person group fitness classes where you share a space with others who are doing something difficult right alongside you, Kevin believes that the online fitness movement offers many benefits.

They include the cultivation of self-motivation and discipline which are key factors for participants to continue their health and fitness journey beyond the programme.

“The beauty of connectivity is that participants have access to materials which they can either pre-download or/and re-watch.

“So they are able to work out at any time of their convenience and even perfect the workout in time,” said Kevin.

Source: NST