Dear Fitness Community,
Though the word means something unique to each of us, in our own way, we all love “FITNESS.”
Whether an independent facility owner, Personal Trainer, client, Physiotherapist, customer, local partner, official supplier, attentive clinician or receptionist – we inseparably unite to naturally make people's lives better (our own and for those we serve). So, by now, we are agonizing over the potential loss of our economic livelihood, private studios, gyms, CrossFit boxes, clubs, weekly classes and people who drew us together – that ultimate reality might be frustrating, even disappointing. They were our THIRD SPACES. And if it was your source of earned income, the unwelcome interruption is scary.
In the private gym that I co-created, Balance Fitness, you dearly miss hearing “good morning” and “have a great day, Mary.” In your own studio, you miss arriving early to place your mat, just so – with the water bottle in the top right-hand corner.
For years, we typically took for granted being able to go to the gym during a slow time to get on “my treadmill” – putting on our headphones, pressing play – and getting lost in our own thoughts with each stride as our feet flew over the belt. And, with every exhilarating breath, the specific problems went away. If only until we showered, dressed and walked back to the office – we genuinely enjoyed that moment.
What about that client whom you only just started working with, that had made such great progress – what about her? And what about all that time that you’ve spent learning how to stabilize your spine by using your breath and your diaphragm. What now?
Our friends, families, and those who don’t understand, thought that it was frivolous. "Yes! I do need another pair of Aurum tights. And, no, I can’t just sleep in today." Our apps and Peleton subscriptions are great, but nothing can substitute for human connection. We were there for each other. #INEEDYOU.
And yet, while our fitness is important, deep down we know we can take it a little far, sometimes. We take it seriously because we cherish it. We moreover know it is essential to our physical, mental and emotional health. Still, the wellbeing of our clients, our team members and communities in general, however, is also.
The Fitness Community, must do all we can to keep each other safe and slow the spreading of the Coronavirus. We need to recognize and support the complex decisions conveyed by government and health officials. We can trust they will find the best answers for our community in the upcoming months.
All places we gather must shutdown for the foreseeable future. Until then, we must all make certain we look after ourselves and those we care for.
At its very best, FITNESS makes our lives better and brings us together. In the upcoming weeks, that unity is best expressed in our homes, online and away from our communities; not through physical contact, but instead through video conferencing or social media.
Looking forward, we must uniquely adapt to change and envision a new normal. But we must do so with similar enthusiasm and mutual support we showed before some of our community members became infected.
Innovative technologies through our smart devices have sufficiently proven to be incredible tools for showcasing positive voices in the fitness community. To you, our clients, team-members, partners, and competitors, we must row as one.
Be well, carefully follow expert advice, wash your hands, again – and keep practicing social distancing. #INEEDYOU.
Sincerely,
Devon