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Jul 2020

Last Updated: 02/07/2020

Health

Stray becomes new gym as personal trainers adapt

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 02 Jul, 2020

Personal trainers in Harrogate are having to find new ways to earn an income over lockdown. Online and outdoor classes have become imperative for them to continue working.

Personal trainers in Harrogate have had to adapt to new ways of training to continue earning an income during lockdown.

The pandemic has left many of them with fewer clients and needing to adapt to outdoor and online classes.

But with many people currently making their health a top priority, trainers are hoping this could encourage more people to seek their help following lockdown.

The current rules allow for five people to attend an outdoor class with one trainer meaning many are using the Stray as their new workout space. As well as this Harrogate's trainers are finding their online classes to be popular, with some deciding to continue them after gyms reopen due to public demand.

Gabby Glasby is a personal trainer in Harrogate, she said:

"I started sessions for five people doing three a week in park areas and I'm doing 1-2-1's in gardens and its just starting to get busier. Its working well, I've had to buy some new equipment to make sure its still a full body workout without the gym equipment. I've had a few new people start on zoom, some I worked with before and others from elsewhere such as London."

"I'd hope that many people will realise that your general health can improve your body's immunity so you need to look after it, that could be a positive for us as PTs."

Gym owners in Leeds have struggled financially over lockdown but continue to find ways to support their members.

Harrogate student runs 465 miles in 30 days for mental health charity MIND.

In the coming weeks a further easing of lockdown could mean personal trainers have more freedom to increase their groups or slowly return to indoor training.

Craig Heard another personal trainer in Harrogate is hopeful, he said:

"It has really pushed me to grow my business in a very quick and reactive manner, it is something I always wanted to do but was forced into a corner and with all the time at home and loss of some clients I had the time and urgency to be able to work on things I had only ever planned for in my head before.

"Currently I am delivering one to one online PT, zoom fitness classes and my Train 8 programme. I will remain hopeful, it's the best way to be. If PTs don't adapt in this time they will struggle."

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Stray becomes new gym as personal trainers adapt

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