Online training comes with its own set of challenges. To make sure your clients and your online business are well taken care of - we recommend the following 10 tips.
You can follow these 10 steps and equip your training platform as a fitness instructor. Within you will learn how to better accomodate your remote clients and give them the digital workout they deserve!
- Make Sure You Are Set up with Insurance
- Issue a Disclaimer at the Beginning of Each Class
- Collect a Waiver
- Limit the Class Size
- Create 1:1 Videos for Existing Clients
- Delete Instagram Live and Public Workouts After 24 Hours
- Do Zoom Workout Classes
- Host a Giveaway
- Collaborate with a Local Small Business
- Provide Alternative Weight Options
Let's get to it!
#1 Check with Your Insurance Provider to Make Sure You Are Covered for Online Training
Not all insurance providers cover remote training. However, please note that even when remote training is covered, your Instagram/YouTube content may not be!
It's important to know where liability lies in all aspects of your group exercise business, so make sure you are asking the right questions and getting the right answers with your insurance provider. It can be a confusing space to navigate!
#2 Issue a Disclaimer at the Beginning of Each Class
Disclaimers at the beginning of a class can go a long way to avoid having one of your participants get injured at home. These are good and proactive in a studio, but even more important when you’re not able to control the environment or offer hands-on adjustments over video.
For covering yourself from a preventable liability, a disclaimer can go a long way in protecting you and your clients.
#3 Collect a Waiver
Most insurance companies will require that you collect a waiver for your client, so this is always a good practice - even with in-person training. However, this is even more important when you’re training remotely, as you’ll have less control over the environment for your clients.
It's just the name of the game with remote training: you won't be able to control the environment the same way you would doing in-person group exercise training. Waivers are your best friend!
#4 Limit the Class Size
You might be used to teaching classes of 20 - 30 in person, but it’s harder to keep track of everyone over video. Start with a group of 10, to make sure everyone’s form is still on point, and you can offer personalized guidance and adjustments to anyone in need.
Overall, it's a good idea to start smaller with your group classes and then build them out once things are solidified.
#5 Create 1:1 Videos for Existing Clients
Keep your current clients motivated and engaged by recording personalized workouts that they can do ‘with you’ remotely. This will also allow you to make sure your clients stay on track with their fitness goals!
There are a lot of different fitness apps and client management software out there that can help you create customizable dashboards and templates for tracking fitness progress. Utilizing them can take your remote training dynamic to the next level!
#6 Delete Instagram Lives and Public Workouts After 24 Hours
Try and avoid public dissemination of workout videos or workout plans. You don’t want to give your workout secrets away for free, and clients may be more likely to get hurt without your supervision.
This will help protect you from liability - and your client from injuring themselves without your supervision.
#7 Host Your Group Workout Classes on Zoom
Our fitness professionals have been hosting group classes via Zoom. You can create a registration form, limit class sizes, and schedule times with Zoom classes.
It's a great platform for convenient streaming, and it's really easy to use!
#8 Plan a Giveaway!
Everyone lacks workout equipment while stuck at home, and Amazon isn’t delivering like they used to! Our trainers have been asking for $5 donations to enter into a raffle for some dumbbells or other workout equipment. This is an excellent way for your clients to support you while getting their hands on some workout gear.
#9 Collaborate with a Local Small Business
Our trainers have been collaborating with other small businesses that have had to move remotely. Examples include - hosting an online workout with a DJ or partnering with a local restaurant to set up a meal plan and delivery for your clients.
Now, more than ever, small businesses need to rely on each other while the economy sorts itself out. Collaborating with a local business not only adds some variety to your workouts but strengthens the ties of the fitness community.
#10 Provide Alternative Weight Options
Not everyone has access to a fully functional gym, and so our trainers have come up with fun alternatives. Duffle bags can be filled up with different objects and work as a hand weight. Gallons of water can serve as an alternative to a kettlebell. It’s time to start getting creative!
Remote Training Concluding Thoughts
While everyone is stuck at home, it’s an excellent opportunity to work on fitness goals! Just because we’re apart, doesn’t mean we can’t get our training in. Additionally, we rely even more on our fitness professionals to help us keep healthy and maintain some sanity in our lives!
I hope these tips are helpful as you set up your remote training programs!
These tips were provided by our partner, Next Insurance. Next provides NASM certified personal trainers, fitness instructors, and nutritionists with business insurance at a discounted price. Their insurance covers remote online training at no additional cost.
