Sure, you could watch YouTube videos while doing Zumba. But an online fitness center now provides a more fun and interactive way to stay fit at home.
“YouTube videos are pre-recorded, and there is no interacting with the class. Because our classes are live and interactive, the energy of the class is felt, and also the connection among our members. It’s not as lonely as exercising alone,” Freedom Fitness Online Co-founder Michelle Lowe told Digital Life Asia.
Touted as the Philippines’ first online fitness center, Freedom Fitness Online’s classes offer direct interaction with professional, highly-skilled instructors. Just as in a real exercise class, participants can interact with each other. To express its gratitude to frontliners in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Freedom Fitness Online is giving all frontliners a three-month membership for free.
Staying fit while staying home
“Staying fit and healthy is so important, especially now during this COVID-19 crisis. Unfortunately, lockdowns, community quarantines, and social distancing have made it difficult for people to engage in sports, attend exercise classes, or go to the gym. Freedom Fitness Online allows people to work out from home or anywhere they’re located,” Michelle said.
Regular exercise during the quarantine is important not only because it keeps the immune system strong, but also because it substantially boosts endorphins. So working out helps us stay physically and mentally healthy.
Michelle shared that she and her husband Matt launched Freedom Fitness Online because they needed to pivot their business due to COVID-19.
“As co-owners in a 24/7 physical gym, we were forced to close and let go of staff. We sat and thought how we could take the fitness concept online. We decided on group fitness classes to keep the fun and interaction that many people crave. You won’t believe this, but we were live with our soft opening within 12 days of making the decisions,” Michelle said.
Working out in the new normal
Matt has built, owned, and managed gyms in Australia.
“I’ve been in the fitness industry for a very long time. Our goal is to inspire and guide people and help them care for their wellness in fun and engaging ways and in safe and secure environments like their homes,” Matt said in a press statement.
The online fitness center offers over 500 classes, which are available seven days a week. These include yoga, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), boxing, hip hop, Zumba, Pilates, and more. Customers can avail of a seven-day free trial. Afterwards, they can choose from among the following packages: PhpP500 (one-month access), Php750 (three-month access), and Php1,000 (six-month access). Each account can have multiple users, allowing entire families or households to join, bringing down the cost even more.
The Lowes see the online fitness center business growing even after the community quarantine is lifted.
“Sadly, COVID-19 has changed our lives for the foreseeable future. People are going to be more cautious about public spaces. “They’ll need online solutions like ours to stay fit,” Michelle said.
Physical fitness is going digital
Michelle said they had to overcome two main challenges to launch the site.
“Our challenge was two-fold: speed to market and explaining how an online fitness model actually works. We hired a great foundation team who brainstorms with us, gives us great feedback on class times, and so on. We also have live chat support to help first-time users if they are struggling with technology,” she said.
Freedom Fitness Online currently has five trainers.
“We wanted to have a great core team, and give them lots of classes to teach. As we get more members we will add more classes and trainers,” Michelle said.
The online fitness center is also proving to be a way for this couple to give back.
“Michelle and I love the Philippines. We’ve been here for many years. We love the people and the culture. We would like to express our gratitude to the brave Filipinos who are keeping us all safe in this fight against COVID-19, by giving all frontliners free, three-month memberships in Freedom Fitness Online. Maraming salamat po! Mabuhay!” Matt said.
So, looking to stay fit wherever you may be? This online fitness center might just be what the doctor ordered.
