Meet the people who are helping hundreds of people to get fit in a winter lockdown

Gyms are shut, fitness classes cancelled, and motivation is out the window.

Scales across the country are groaning. As are the people standing on them.

So how exactly do you find that inner spark and get up off the sofa and back into a fitness regime?

Luckily there are scores of personal trainers across the area eagerly waiting for your call.

The pandemic has changed the way we all look at health. And many of these personal trainers are capitalising on our need for a different approach with their businesses.

We take a look at a few of the people who are making a living from helping us get fit, lose weight and feel better.

BALM

WHEN lockdown hit, Jo Perkins took her business online and she hasn’t looked back.

Jo, from Waterlooville, runs BALM, a body and lifestyle management business that sees her offer support as a health and wellness coach and not just as a class instructor, working on Zoom and private Facebook groups.

Ex professional dancer Jo, who has been working in fitness for 20 years, said that the changes have seen her membership numbers increase as more people turn their attention to their health.

She said: ‘Providing a full package was key to the success of the group. The day lockdown was announced I set up ‘Jo Perkins online studio’ Facebook group which has nearly 500 members for free workouts and mini mindfulness sessions. For me it was about mental wellness as much as physical strength.

‘I was working as fitness manager in a gym previously to lockdown but felt this was the right time to make a huge change in my business.

‘I’ve created packages in strength training for women called Leanlife and Liftlean, back care courses and now a weekly membership of short strength-based exercise sessions online with additional masterclasses from pilates to HIIT training.

‘Personal training online has worked brilliantly with existing and new clients, making me a better coach.

‘There’s no travel time to a gym, no childcare required, you can work out at home when it suits you.

‘Many of my clients have tried sessions they would never have dreamt of booking into but now take those classes every week.

‘There is now a real community feel in the group. Many people feel this group has supported them through the last 11 months for their mind and body.’

Jo said she hopes to be able to start live pilates classes in Petersfield and Clanfield as soon as lockdown restrictions ease, and a HIIT/strength based workout synced to music called Strong in Clanfield.

Go to facebook.com/BALMuk.co.uk/

Michael Newman

GETTING fit is more than just working out.

According to fitness coach Michael Newman. it’s about a complete change of behaviour.

Michael, 37, from Cowplain, said that small changes, along with a better diet, exercise, support and friendship, is the best combination for better health, physically and mentally.

He set up his online business Michael Newman Coaching in 2019, before anybody had heard of Covid-19.

However since the pandemic, Michael has seen his membership grow and his business thrive – as more people switch on to online fitness programmes as a way to keep fit despite restrictions.

He said: ‘I got into online coaching as I felt like there was something missing from traditional classes. I realised that people need a lot more support outside of their exercise than what they were getting with gyms or fitness classes