Anti Wave Global
Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…
read moreMelbourne-based fitness registration organisation FITREC has advised that Victoria’s current Coronavirus lockdown is proving “heartbreaking” for fitness professionals, explaining that “many fitness professionals and businesses in Victoria are having to cope with a loss of, in many cases, 100% of income”.
In a communication to fitness professionals and industry stakeholders, FITREC Managing Director, Dennis Hosking also advised “beyond the financial strain, the lockdown is taking a toll on the mental health of us all”, noting “based in Victoria, I and the FITREC team are acutely aware of the impact these restrictions are having on both our local communities and the state’s fitness industry.
“Indeed, the impact of the current restriction is testing the resilience of industries across the board.”
Going on to address current issues impacting the fitness industry and, in particular, operations in Victoria, Hosking addresses a series of key issues in his communication.
Addressing the calls for lockdown exemptions for fitness professionals filming in their studios, Hosking advises “last week we received a call suggesting that we campaign for an exemption for fitness professionals.
“While we remain strong advocates for the industry and for the rights of fitness professionals, the reality is that any short term gain that concessions for our industry might provide puts us at risk of further and repeated lockdowns.”
“Following are key considerations when considering any challenge to the existing lockdown (as)
Victoria is officially in (a) 'State of Disaster'.
“Without question, the single goal of everyone in Victoria is to stop this secondary infection. The ease with which COVID-19 spreads means that any exemption could become a window of opportunity for transmission. Until this virus is under control, we are not going to see any return to normal in our industry.”
Pointing out that “clients and members take their lead from fitness professionals”, Hosking (pictured below) explains how clients value advice not only in relation to diet and exercise but also in “observing how we conduct ourselves in our daily lives.
“We have a duty to exemplify best practice (which) in the current environment means showing that we understand the importance of social isolation.
“Filming workout sessions, for example, in the confines of your home/yard not only demonstrates best practice, it shows empathy for the situation your clients and members are currently in.”
Noting that “if we want more respect as an industry, we need to show we are team players”, Hosking emphasises “the fitness industry has always desired a closer connection to allied health and medical services (and), under normal circumstances, we are a key part of preventative health and rehabilitation.
“At this time, the greatest thing we can offer is solidarity. With many in our healthcare system giving so much of themselves, at great personal risk, now is not the time to be inadvertently adding to their load. Now is the time for us to say to the wider health community, ‘We’ve got your back’.”
Explaining that “there is no fitness business until this is under control”, Hosking points to Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews’ comments on 3rd August that ‘if (the current restrictions) don’t work, we’ll need a much longer list of complete shutdowns”.
Endorsing this, Hosking adds “again, now is not the time for any industry to be pushing for exceptions. We need to work together to get this under control. The longer we’re in lockdown, the more fitness businesses and professionals are going to suffer.
“For these reasons, FITREC will continue to support the government’s strict short-term lockdown in the hope of avoiding any further extension of these restrictions.
“During this time, we will continue to support all members as much as possible.”
Member Support
Beyond its usual support, FITREC has introduced additional initiatives for members that include:
Extending all Victorian registrations by four months.
With FITREC’s initial extension provided for all Australian registered professionals ending in September, this additional four-month extension is, as Hosking explains “obviously longer than we are expecting to be in lockdown, but we wanted to be sure that no Victorian professional had the added expense of a renewal that coincided with Christmas.”
Panel Q&A Sessions and income generation ideas
Beginning soon, FITREC will host a panel of presenters with the skills and experience to answer any questions as well as provide examples of how others have broadened their earning potential during this time.
Details will be posted on the FITREC home page.
Hosking concludes “in addition to the above, we’ve been actively working on and investing in projects to benefit our members in the years to come.
“We’ll provide more on these projects in the near future.”
For more information go to www.fitrec.org
19th August 2020 - Victorian Chief Health Officer lifts restrictions on Melbourne residents driving to exercise
14th August 2020 - ISPO identifies health orientation as key fitness trend in post Coronavirus-world
13th August 2020 - Les Mills plans to activate fitness industry’s COVID-19 recovery with global campaign
11th August 2020 - Fitness facilities at the crossroads and demanding new approaches
7th August 2020 - Federal Government adds $15 billion to JobKeeper scheme to aid Victorian businesses
2nd August 2020 - Activities halted and facilities closed as Victorian Government introduces Stage four Coronavirus lockdown in Melbourne
29th July 2020 - OneMusic introduces fee relief for customers in the fitness and wellbeing sector
19th July 2020 - Without JobKeeper 60% of Australian fitness businesses will close in less than a month
10th July 2020 - Victorian Government announces $534 million support package for Coronavirus impacted businesses
7th July 2020 - Industry impacted by new Victorian Coronavirus lockdown
20th June 2020 - Victorian Government tightens Coronavirus restrictions after second wave of infections
15th June 2020 - Survey suggests Australian gyms facing massive membership decline
14th June 2020 - Australian Institute of Fitness’ Steve Pettit says industry ‘will never look the same as it did pre COVID-19’
7th April 2020 - Two-thirds of the world’s fitness clubs are currently closed
24th March 2020 - FITREC’s Dennis Hosking slams ‘cavalier and irresponsible approach’ of Fitness Australia in promoting continuation of outdoor training services
13th December 2019 - Healthy Ageing Institute and FITREC partner to expand opportunities for professionals
7th October 2019 - FITREC eases path to fitness employment for exercise and sport students
15th May 2019 - FITREC announces Foundation Registration for Singapore fitness professionals
29th March 2019 - FITREC announces new registration options
27th September 2018 - FITREC names Mel Tempest as Global Ambassador
13th August 2018 - FITREC introduces transparency and accountability feature for registered professionals
11th July 2018 - FITREC launches business registration services with recruitment benefits
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…
read moreOriginally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…
read moreWhether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…
read moreGianni Mattoli Director 0412 360 378 E: gianni@mattoli.com.au E: marketing@mattioli.com.au Tony Aloi National Operations Manager 0425 762 864 E: tony@mattoli.com.au MEL · SYD · ADE…
read moreSince 2019, Active World's development team has been delivering a comprehensive single solution that caters to the diverse requirements of successfully operated and managed leisure centres. The…
read moreAt easyemployer we've come up with a software solution that manages one of your most important, and often most costly, business resources - your staff. We are helping 100s of clients to…
read moreDigonex is a leading provider of customised dynamic pricing solutions to clients in arts and entertainment, sport, attractions, cultural institutions and retail sectors. Digonex’s technology is…
read moreAIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!