Everything You Need to Know About How to Start an Outdoor Fitness Class
Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced gyms to shut down, indoor group classes have given way to outdoor workout sessions. These classes are popular because they allow members to maintain their workout routines while sticking with social distancing rules and also enjoy the mood-boosting benefits of the outdoors. For trainers, outdoor fitness classes can be a great addition to their business offerings and provide a steady stream of income that helps offset other overhead costs.
But getting started with outdoor classes can be a bit more complex than simply setting up equipment in the park. It’s essential to consider the legalities involved, ensuring that you have the right insurance coverage for both the instructor and attendees. In addition, many parks have regulations regarding permits, licensing and insurance that need to be taken into account. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to help get your outdoor fitness class off the ground without much hassle.
First, talk to your members and the local community to find out what kind of outdoor classes they want to see. Doing so will help you decide how many participants to expect and what type of workout equipment to bring.
Once you have a good idea of what your clientele wants, then it’s time to plan out your outdoor fitness class schedule and look into the various locations where you could hold your classes. Many parks will have public spaces that you can use for free, but some may require a permit or have specific rules surrounding fitness classes.
Other options for outdoor fitness classes include school halls and other venues that can be rented for very affordable rates and often with short notice. These types of locations can work well for both indoor/outdoor classes and are an excellent alternative in the event of wet weather.
Lastly, consider setting up an email or text message journey to remind clients about your outdoor fitness classes. This is a low-cost and highly effective marketing tool that will ensure your clients don’t forget about the classes they’ve booked. You could even offer a downloadable outdoor workout plan to entice your clients to sign up for your email journeys!
The biggest challenge with running outdoor fitness classes is ensuring that you have the right type of insurance coverage for both yourself and your clients. Depending on where you plan to hold your classes, some parks may have regulations regarding insurance that needs to be met and other types of cover that need to be in place. For instance, some parks will require you to have public liability insurance, which is something that you should check with your local authority before starting any classes.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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