The rise and rise of local online fitness classes

THERE has been a rise in the prevalence and popularity of online fitness classes, during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Instigated by a number of local trainers, the classes are seen as a great way of maintaining fitness as well as morale, as gyms and leisure centres remain closed to the public. And the best thing about some of them is that they’re free.

“Initially I saw live online training sessions as a creative way of keeping the group I coach at Revolution Gym engaged and on track with their fitness,” local trainer, Paul Connolly explained. “I have since decided to push it out to the wider community to get everyone involved. The great thing about online classes is there are no space limitations.”

To date Paul has held several interactive classes through the Zoom platform and also Facebook Live.
“Coaching classes was the best hour of my day, this helps us all including me to maintain a little normality and routine in our lives,” he continued.

“Feedback has been really positive. Classes are interactive and social interaction is hugely important especially in the current climate.

“People enjoy them as it’s a chance to get moving and catch up with your friends or even make some new ones. I’m a big believer in focusing on what you can control and looking for the positive.

“Currently what I can control is staying indoors and keeping my mind and body healthy for whatever lies ahead. I expect these online classes to become more popular as time goes by.

“I think after this pandemic there will be a real shift in people’s mindset towards fitness and wellness.

“Whatever happens I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and everyone is welcome to join in. Times are tough but we are all in this together!”

Another local gym endeavouring to help people at this time of need is Hurtlocker Fitness, Strabane.

“We have created a free fat loss and fitness group,” explained Stephen Mills from Hurtlocker.

“This group has been created for the community to keep people motivated and healthier while gyms are closed and people are staying at home. This group will be updated with home workouts for the entire family to get involved, we will also be posting helpful nutrition tips to keep people on track.”

• For more information on Hurtlocker’s regimes or Paul Connolly’s Relentless Fitness – Live Online Training, check out their respective Facebook pages.