The new normal: personal fitness training

Gyms had to shut down as part of precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa.
International studies, at the time, showed gyms could be a hot spot for spreading the virus.
For Lesego Motlhanke, a personal trainer from Kwa-Thema, this was a difficult period.
“It was really tough not being able to work at all during this time and also because I had to halt my own fitness goals,” he said.

Also read: Ladies-only gym a safe haven for women

After the official lockdown, Lesego knew he had to come up with a new way to reach his clients.
“Virtual classes seemed to be the best way, since we could not have any physical contact. It changed the way I saw my job. It made things more flexible for me and the client, and honestly it created more opportunities to reach more people,” he said.
In August, the fitness industry and exercise enthusiasts breathed a sigh of relief when gyms were permitted to operate under level two regulations.
Lesego said although gyms had opened, some of his clients were still hesitant.
“A lot of people still had fears of contracting the virus. The fact that we share equipment in the gym makes it high risk. Just getting used to sanitising everything we touched was challenging,” he said.

Also read: Mila experiences the gym

He admits the excitement of pumping iron initially distracted some from adhering to the regulations.
“We just wanted to get in and start working out. But then the new reality sets in and you realise how different things have to be in order to protect ourselves and others,” he said.
For Lesego, the past nine months have been an eye opener.
“As a young entrepreneur, you have to keep reinventing yourself and Covid-19 showed us how quickly things can change. It also, however, showed that we have what it takes to adjust to the new normal,” he added.
Lesego continues to run fitness classes both virtually and in person.
Follow him on Instagram @Targetfitness_2

Follow us on our social media platforms: