Here is the fifth of our series of insights during COVID-19 from the very talented and knowledgeable James Kennedy from Get Focused Studio. The incredible depth of information that James has for his industry enables him to help individuals and corporate clients with their fitness and lifestyle goals. Thanks for taking part and helping others James.

Industry Insights from: James Kennedy
Company: Get Focused Studio
Position: Director and Fitness Expert

Q1. Are you still operational as a business and is this currently normal in your sector?

On a very small scale.

Q2. If still working how have you had to adapt your business to keep working?

Moving a small minority of my clients to a virtual training platform.

Q3. What’s the biggest negative impact COVID-19 has had on your industry so far?

Ceasing operation of my private fitness studio.

Q4. Have you found any new business opportunities during COVID-19 for your industry or any positives that have come from this situation?

Yes. Strengthening my current business model in preparation for reopening. This includes a stronger platform for exercise prescription and my private studio to safely operate without the need for a PT at certain times.

Q5. How are you supporting your clients out of the ordinary during COVID-19?

In any way I can. This includes virtual home workouts to phone calls to clients.

Q6. What’s the most important thing that COVID-19 has taught you so far in your industry?

Be adaptable. Never take current business status for granted and be ready and able to quickly facilitate change.

Q7. Would you say that currently during COVID-19 your industry is on a decline, plateau or incline and what makes you think this?

Decline in some areas incline in others. Virtual concepts are rapidly increasing whereas we may see a decline in commercial gyms medium to long term. The future for main gym models as we know them is incredibly uncertain.

Q8. If anything, what more do you think the government can do to support your industry?

Provide fast, accurate and up to date information of how they see the fitness Industry reopening.

Q9. If you are not already when do you think you will be back working from your office, will you have to adapt the way you work initially and if so how?

It’s hard to say exactly but my current business model checks all the government guidelines with social distancing and hygiene. I’m confident my business will be back in operation by the end of May.

Q10. When do you think it will be “business as usual” again for your industry and what makes you think this?

Business in the fitness industry may not return exactly to usual. However this may be a positive in some if not many respects. The only way the industry can return to normal in the near future is if gyms can demonstrate social distancing and strict hygiene protocols.

Lots of gyms have based their models on cheap affordable memberships. This has not only affected the standard of cleanliness in gyms but also the standard of teaching. I hope the industry tightens its regulations in lots of ways as a biproduct of Covid-19.

Q11. What do you miss most during lockdown?

My work is my passion. Changing peoples body’s and lives is the reason I go to work each day and it never feels like work.

I miss the people and I certainly miss being able to help individuals that rely on my services for the mental health aspect.

Q12. What’s the best tip you can give to others to help them cope with life in lockdown, both in business and personal life?

It’s not the end. It’s a chance to stop reflect and strengthen areas of your business. Don’t shoot from the hip and make short term knee jerk reactions. Think long term when this is over. You want a reputable name and business at the end of this. Last thing… don’t be seen to be capitalising on this crisis. Help others, be supportive and maintain your ethics.

Thank you to James Kennedy from Get Focused Studio for taking part in this survey. If you would like to give insights into your industry during COVID-19 to help other businesses please get in touch.