We can work this out: Huge industry boost on the horizon as gyms and leisure facilities open up.

30 July 2020

Stringent measures introduced since Covid-19 have forced the public to invent new ways of keeping entertained. When facilities of all natures shut their doors to the world, daily exercise took hold of the nation and became the new staple routine.

From jogging and cycling through the streets and local parks, to creating home workout spaces and setups, people have used health as a shoulder to lean on from the very beginning.

In light of the newly fitness-focused nation, the leisure industry has had a much-needed boost as the sports facilities reopened in England last month.

Keeping fit during the coronavirus pandemic really does have its benefits. Individuals who have diabetes or a BMI of 30 or above are known to be more vulnerable to the virus, and for those categorised as obese, infection mounts pressure on the immune and respiratory systems.

Strong immunity, good metabolic health and a healthy lifestyle are all vital in helping fight infection, and personal trainers have made themselves available at a distance through video streaming to help people stay on top of their game mentally and physically. As gyms begin to reopen, they will have the chance to intervene on an even higher level.

CEO of PT Academy Adam Kiani firmly believes in the impact fitness professionals have had and will continue to have in fighting the pandemic. Speaking to Leaders Council of Great Britain & Northern Ireland interviewer, Scott Challinor, in the early weeks of the UK lockdown in April, Adam said: “I authorised my staff to work from home even before lockdown, firstly to minimise risk but secondly because it was something we had been planning to do for some time before: expanding our offering in new ways.

We had spent a couple of years before 2020 looking at scaling internationally and expanding our offering online and through other avenues. One such way was by increasing our qualification portfolio.

During the lockdown, we have been given the approval to offer 65 new qualifications, meaning we can progress with making our offering more comprehensive. We can offer more than before which will help tap us tap into a new market.

“I’ve encouraged my staff to take advantage of their right to exercise and train and help others during this lockdown period. As fitness professionals, we play a vital role in helping the nation fight back against this terrible virus.”