Following the great news that fitness facilities in England can reopen from the 25th July, it got us thinking about the vital role we play, as an industry in helping the country not only recover from the pandemic but also what we can do to minimise the effects of outbreaks in the future.
This article by Dr Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the UK, published in July, actively encourages Brits to ‘get fit and lose weight this summer, in preparation for the predicted return of COVID-19 in the winter months.’
There are some eye-opening statistics contained within this article including, ‘Research from the University of Liverpool has shown that being obese increases the risk of dying from SARS-CoV-2 by 38 percent’ and ‘Data from the NHS also indicates that 75 per cent of people who have been hospitalised with COVID-19 were overweight or obese’. What is clearer than ever, is the message to the public is ‘get healthy’ and what a great message that is for us in the fitness industry!
I have previously spoken about health over aesthetics becoming prevalent but now health over ‘fitness’ will be a priority for so many people. There is going to be an influx of gym going ‘newbies’ who need more help and support on their journey than many members have in the past. Have you considered how you can target this potential new membership group?
A question from many fitness facilities and professionals is ‘how’ do we support these ‘newbies’ and our existing members in becoming ‘healthier’ and not just ‘fitter’. The absolute best way to monitor people’s health for a fitness facility is to utilise FitSense My Body, which integrates Tanita body composition technology. By doing this you can show the clear impact you are having on members health including muscle mass, body fat, hydration, visceral fat and metabolic age. Looking beyond merely weight allows you to have a detailed conversation about health, demonstrating to members that their body fat is reducing, their muscle mass is increasing, they have a younger metabolic age is hugely motivating and a happy member stays a member, right?
The term ‘Covid Fit’ will get used a lot in the build up to the Winter months and for good reason, part of the fight against another outbreak will be reliant on the health of the nation and as a fitness industry we couldn’t have a bigger role to play! Recover from enforced closure by placing your focus on health, talk to and promote health and immunity to your members and prospective members, use FitSense My Body with Tanita Body Composition Technology to show them more information about their bodies than they’ll have ever seen before, what could add more value right now!?
To help you come back stronger, ClubWise have a great offer on FitSense My Body right now. For more information, get in touch on 01844 348300 or email [email protected]
Simon Wilkinson – Tanita Sport & Fitness Lead, UK.