More gyms adapt to ‘closure’

With the health of their communities at the fore, more Toowoomba gyms are going online.

The Fit Lab director Chris Hillman (front) and fitness manager and high performance coach Corey Wolski.

FITNESS : With the health of their communities at the fore, more Toowoomba gyms are going online.

In line with government regulations the Fitlab’s allied health team of physiotherapists, nutritionists and exercise physiologists remain at work, but the rest of the gym’s services are transitioning online.

“Obviously, like everyone else, it has had a significant impact on our entire structure,” Fitlab co-owner Chris Hillman said.

“One of the worst things is we only know as much as what was said the other night in the news – even Fitness Australia is at a loss when it comes to providing new info to its members.

“We’re doing our best to remain positive though – our focus is on helping our members take some control back and find a positive in their health and wellbeing during this time.”

As well as suspending payments, Fitlab has adapted its already available programs to suit people in isolation.

“We already have a number of programs in place for the teams and athletes we work with,” Hillman said.

“Now we have adapted them to suit people working out at home or in isolation.

“We all know the benefits of exercise for our physical and mental wellbeing, so it’s important to us we try to help people remain active.”

PLC Toowoomba have embraced the closure, setting up an online portal and live streaming workouts, accessible twice a day.

“Not only is my team offering streamed gym sessions to our members, but we will also be hosting mindset sessions and will be bringing a local dietitian on board,” owner Nicole Steffens said.

“We know through this time people will be struggling not just with their physical health but also their mental health, and we will be hosting weekly classes to offer support and guidance in these turbulent times.

“We are keeping the daily workouts focusing on the use of body weight but may even incorporate some random household items to not only add resistance but keep up the morale of our clients.”

F45 Toowoomba West has also joined the online movement.

“We’ve been quite positive about it all,” co-owner Raphael Carvignese said.

“We’re a franchise of F45 and, due to it being a global brand, they have already had to implement measures in America and the UK when they closed their studios.

“We’ve developed the at-home workouts and that will be available to members straight away and anyone that is isolated at home to use.

“We will also be running outdoor bootcamps for our members, as we are still allowed to under the guidelines and recognising the social distancing rule.

“In terms of fees our members will not be charged for a service they’re not able use.”

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