Local fitness businesses are doing their part to maintain a sense of community and normalcy during the COVID-19 outbreak after Gov. Andy Beshear required all gyms to close. Many are live-streaming their workouts and working with clients to keep spirits and motivation up during these possibly months-long closures.
Kim Montgomery has created a private Facebook group for her clients at Balance Health + Body, offering live workouts and tips for those hunkering down but still wanting to get workouts in.
Montgomery said she has 75 clients in the private group who have shown a major appreciation for the efforts taken to maintain a sense of normalcy during this pandemic.
“I wanted to make it come across more personal, and it’s really been awesome,” she said. “I’ve asked everyone to share tips because we all have a little more time on our hands right now. When we workout at the studio — for the most part, you only see those 10-15 people in the studio and you may not realize who they really are.”
This online platform has given those clients a chance to get to know each other, even without seeing each other in person, Montgomery said. All of the comments have been positive, uplifting and helpful, she added.
“This is about an escape from what we’re seeing constantly [on the news and social media],” she said.
Montgomery said she’s offering six-day rentals for fitness equipment and that she’s continuing to run her filling station, which offers eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner including hand soap, shampoo, bath salts and soap, as well as eco-friendly straws and other products.
At Pure Barre, Annie McCrary is offering live-streaming from their own teachers in addition to clients’ option to do Pure Barre Corporate On-Demand classes.
“Join us in the comfort of your own home for a live Pure Barre class taking place in our Owensboro Studio,” McCrary said. “These classes count toward your class count, as well as the #barrestronger and #blackbarre challenges, and will feature some of your favorite local teachers.”
All members with current packages will be approved to join the live-stream classes within 24 hours, she said. From there, clients can watch classes live-streamed or watch classes previously recorded and saved.
McCrary asks those joining the live-stream to say “Hi” in the chat so they can be marked present for each class.
“Our live classes will not require equipment — just a countertop or chair for balance,” she said. “If you have weights you are welcome to use them, but they will not be necessary. Cans or water bottles are great weight options from home.”
It costs $49 to access Pure Barre’s Facebook Live classes until the end of the month. Those who join will receive two weeks of unlimited classes upon reopening.
At Soul Sanctuary, Kathy Fisher and Jan Alvey are offering free yoga classes to anyone in the community who’d like to join their private Facebook group, Yoga2You, by requesting an invite.
Classes are held online on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week, Fisher said. Right now, the group has 62 members who’ve joined.
“Jan and I alternate days — sometimes it’s a long practice and sometimes it’s a short breath practice,” Fisher said. “I think the situation [with COVID-19] has an impact on the body with fear and anxiety. With yoga, you’re able to open your body, and it gives people a sense of control about themselves and their health.”
Fisher said classes will be free during the coronavirus pandemic.
“At this point, it’s our service to the community,” she said.
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