There aren't face to face fitness classes or running clinics these days but fitness instructors are still helping people achieve their goals virtually. (Freepik)

By Dan Marshall

Fitness Goals

Nanaimo personal trainers move fitness instruction online during COVID-19 shutdown

Apr 17, 2020 | 7:00 AM

NANAIMO — Fitness routines have changed drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while personal trainers and fitness instructors have seen massive changes to the way they operate too.

Many people are still looking for one on one motivation and instruction even if that can’t be face to face.

Gillian Goerzen, owner of ‘Super You’ said she used to spend a lot of her time in the evenings teaching fitness classes and running clinics.

As the pandemic evolved, her clinics moved online and conversations with clients shifted towards keeping mental health intact.

“We’re looking at resiliency and how we’re connecting with others. That could be getting on Skype, having Zoom parties or Facetiming,” Goerzen said. “I’m talking about meditation and mindfulness a lot more and movement for mental health rather than movement for a physical outcome.”

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Heather Jacobson sees clients through her company ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Owning Your Inner Lady Boss’.

She wasn’t doing any fitness specific training online until the onset of the coronavirus pandemic however she’s operating that way exclusively.

“The training sessions are live, I still interact with my clients and provide coaching. I chat with them, encourage them, and demo all the moves,” Jacobsen said.

Jacobsen believes two main pillars make up a successful fitness plan. One is to make a decision about whether the live interaction with a trainer is the way to go, or if using an app will suffice. The other is find to find something enjoyable to do.

“Whether it’s strength or high intensity training, walks, hikes, cycling or yoga, Jacobsen said. “Tune out the white noise of the world and play around with what works for your body and your life.”

Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise in a week.

Goerzen said even though that may seem like a daunting number, even short stretches of activity have a positive impact on our health.

“If you’re having a hard time wrapping your head around going for a 30 minute walk or longer – 10 minutes counts, “Goerzen said. “Research tells us that bursts of 10 minutes or more added up over your week makes a difference.”

Establishing a COVID-era routine is a challenge for rookie and veteran exercises alike.

Popular spots around Nanaimo attract more people eager to get out of the house.

Jacobson stressed the importance of maintaining social distance and looking at different ways to still get those activities in.

“You might have run to your neighbourhood or a spot that maybe isn’t your favourite,” Jacobsen said. “If you have a favourite trail and you normally go at 5 p.m. but it’s packed right now maybe you can get up a little earlier and run at say 7 a.m.”

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77