Covid-19 Update March 2021

I hope you are all well and have been enjoying the glimmers of sunshine that keep appearing?

Things are slowly beginning to feel as though they are returning to normal, however indoor fitness classes will be one of the later services permitted to return.

According to the governments "roadmap out of lockdown" published on the 22nd February, the earliest we would be able to return to group fitness will be the 17th May 2021. As yet, there is no guidance as to what social distancing measures will be required and as always, I will also need permission from my venues.

I know it is not the update you are all hoping for but I wanted to update you all, especially as schools are re-opening on Monday 8th March and gyms (for individual exercise) are due to open on the 12th April.

I will update you all again when I know more but until then, here is an update on continuing services during this time:

Personal Training

Personal training can continue either online, or from the 29th March 2021, personal training sessions may take place in private outdoor gardens. I will only be training individual clients, or members from the same household at one time for now. Where possible, sessions should remain virtual to continue the effort in reducing social contact. I will be updating the Fitness Quest Covid-19 Policies before the 29th March 2021. This date is subject to change by the UK Government.

Virtual Classes

Virtual classes will continue as long as they are needed and financially viable for me to run. Currently I am offering the following:

• Two live, 40 minute classes on Wednesdays (6:15pm Full Body Blast, 7pm Boxercise HIIT)
• Catch up available for the above two classes for 7 days
• Library of on demand content from PiYo, M1ND, short stretch routines, SH1FT, L1FT
• Workout of the Week (WOW) - A challenge you can modify and complete in your own time

The virtual blocks are £25 for 4 weeks and if enough people wish to continue the remaining proposed dates are:

• 22nd March - 18th April 2021
• 19th April - 16th May 2021

I hope to film more on demand content over the coming months as the weather begins to brighten up (I need to film outside due to lack of indoor space). These extra sessions will include glute strengthening for a strong back and mini Pilates sessions.

If you would like to sign up to either/both of the above virtual blocks please email info@fitnessquest.co.uk

Can't wait to see you all again soon!

Vicki

Class Update for January 2021 - Tier 4

 

Firstly I want to wish you all a happy New Year and I hope you all managed to find some time to relax and reflect over Christmas. It seems that 2021 will be a tough start for many of us but we can remain hopeful that by the Spring the situation may be looking better. With the recent government announcements in mind, with no timescale to work towards other than the fortnightly government updates, please can I request that you all read the following thoroughly and if you have any questions please email me.

Return to classes

Bournemouth has been placed into tier 4 as of 31st December 2020, with no timescale announced as to how long the restrictions may last. Therefore all Fitness Quest in person classes will NOT be permitted to continue until further notice. All courses that were due to continue w/c 4th January 2021 will be frozen and will continue in person once classes are allowed to return.

Virtual classes

I have taken the decision not to start a new virtual block of fitness classes on the 4th January 2021. 

• I will re-assess the demand for a virtual block after the next government announcement due on the 13th January 2021 when we may know more about the duration of restrictions required and the ongoing situation.
• Since March 2020, virtual memberships helped to keep Fitness Quest running, however, demand did inevitably drop off and January-April has a lot of annual business bills so I've taken the decision to find temporary work to help pay for both business and personal expenses.
• I also have a 3 day university exam on the 18th January (another perk of Covid-19), so not teaching for a few weeks will really help me to concentrate on revision. 

Member motivation

I do want to ensure that you all stay as motivated as possible over the next few weeks whilst I'm not running any virtual live classes, therefore I will be allowing any member who is booked onto an in person course FREE ACCESS to the Facebook group which contains workout challenges (WOW's), pre-recorded PiYo and stretch routines and on demand SH1FT and L1FT. I will also try to pre-record some M1ND classes to mix it up a bit. It would be great for those of you who are active in the group to post your workouts and help to motivate each other (and me, I love seeing what you're all doing). I know for some people virtual classes aren't their cup of tea but right now it's the best we have and unless you are happy doing your own thing to keep fit I do really encourage you to join the group as it provides you with a great resource for home workouts. Keeping active now is so important, not just for our physical health but our mental health too. I'll be re-posting the WOW's from the previous two lockdowns on a weekly basis (although you can view them all), if you've done them before, doing them again is a great fitness test. If you would like to join the Facebook group please email me.

Contacting me

If you need to contact me, please do so via email or by phone (07791 605150) as I am not currently using my personal Facebook account (you can still message Fitness Quest on Facebook but I may not reply too quickly). Please note that whilst I have alternative employment my replies may not be very fast, hence why I am streamlining the contact methods I need to check. Hopefully most of the questions you have can either be found on the class pages on this website or by viewing the Fitness Quest Covid-19 Policies.

Personal training

Personal training sessions will still continue virtually until further notice.

Finally...

Thank you all for your continued support, hopefully by the end of January we will either be going back to in person classes or starting up another block of virtual classes (once I've done my exam and am trained in my new job). I will update all of the class pages and the Covid-19 policy shortly and I will email each of you who are booked onto a course over the weekend. I wanted to get this post out now to keep you all updated. To ensure you get the updates as soon as I post them please subscribe to this blog (top right hand corner of this page) and like the Facebook page. 

Please do use the online library of fitness content I've created this year and I'll be asking in the Facebook group in a couple of weeks how many of you would like to continue virtually, if needed. Please take care of yourselves and send me an email if you need anything.

See you all soon

Vicki

November Lockdown Update and Return to Virtual

Arghhhhh... I guess we all knew it was inevitable at some point but it is still sad to be bringing you this update. Please read all of the information below fully and if I has missed anything or you are unsure of anything please email me. 

What has happened?

On Saturday 31st October 2020, Boris Johnson announced that England will be entering a four week national lockdown from Thursday 5th November 2020. You can read more about the restrictions here. It is hoped the lockdown restrictions can be eased from Wednesday 2nd December 2020. This unfortunately means that between these dates, all in person classes will be cancelled.

What happens until we enter lockdown on the 5th November? 

As it stands, all classes on Monday 2nd November and Wednesday 4th November will go ahead, unless the venue cancels our booking. I will contact anyone signed in to the classes should they need to be cancelled, so please ensure you sign in with the correct phone number and email listed. Cancellations will also be posted on the Facebook page.

Please continue to adhere to the Covid-19 policy in the meantime.

What happens to any outstanding classes?

If you are booked onto a current course, any remaining sessions will continue as soon as we are allowed back. If you are booked on to a future course which has not yet started, your payment has secured your place and the course will start as soon as we are allowed back.

Current course dates are:

Kettlercise - Monday 21st September - Monday 2nd November (completed in full)

HIIT - Six week, continuous block from your start date, this varies per participant.

PiYo - Wednesday 23rd September - 11th November (one week to be carried over to post lockdown, estimated to be 9th December 2020)

Sculpt & Burn - Wednesday 23rd September - 11th November (one week to be carried over to post lockdown, estimated to be 9th December 2020)

Future course dates are:

Kettlercise - Was due to start on Monday 9th November, new estimated start date is Monday 7th December (no classes on 21st or 28th December).

HIIT - Classes due to resume on 7th December (no classes on 21st or 28th December)

PiYo - Was due to start on Wednesday 18th November, new estimated start date is Wednesday 16th December (no classes on 23rd or 30th December)

Sculpt & Burn - Was due to start on Wednesday 18th November, new estimated start date is Wednesday 16th December (no classes on 23rd or 30th December)

How to book a place on a future course

Please be aware that estimated start dates may change and may be in 2021. If you have already paid for a future course, your place on the course is secure. 

If you would like to guarantee your place on the next course please email me to book and arrange payment. Places cannot be held without payment.

What is the plan to returning to Virtual Classes during lockdown?

Here is the exciting bit, I have been preparing for the likelihood of returning to our virtual class room and have therefore invested in some new programmes. Teaching virtually is fantastic for keeping in touch with you all and motivating you to stay fit and healthy, however it's difficult to make it financially viable. I am hopeful that we'll only need a four week block, even if we're not back to in person classes before Christmas, hopefully we'll be back as usual early January, without the need for a second block. 

Four Week Lockdown Fitness Blitz - Starts Monday 9th November 2020

All of the following is included in membership:

• Monday L1FT (weighted workout) - 6:30pm-7pm
• Monday SH1FT (HIIT) - 7:15pm-7:45pm
• Wednesday M1ND (mobility, stability, flexibility) - 6:30pm-7pm
• Wednesday Sculpt & Burn (functional fitness) - 7:15pm-7:45pm
• Catch up access to SH1FT, L1FT and M1ND for 7 days
• Access to SH1FT & L1FT on demand
• Access to on demand PiYo
• Weekly workout to attempt in your own time
• Block challenge (to be announced)
• Access to Fitness Quest Virtual Classes Facebook Group

Further to the above, a Thursday class (or two) may be added, should there be enough membership sign ups, this will likely be Boxing HIIT. Some class times may also be extended to 40-45 minutes.

Cost

Full access to the membership benefits listed above will cost £30 for the four week period between 9th November and 6th December 2020. 

The cost of membership factors in my business overheads such as Zoom account, professional fees such as insurance and licence fees for the course formats I teach (whether actively teaching or not) and unfortunately doesn't begin to cover a wage but it does keep the business running until we can get back to normal.

I don't like begging, but I am giving some members who would like to donate an extra £10 the option of becoming a FQ Super Star, in return I will be giving the first 6 people to donate the extra £10 (taking membership to £40 for the four weeks) a special edition Kettlercise DVD:

Members shouldn't feel pressured to donate the extra but for those that do, please note that I will be forever thankful for your kindness! Some of you may already have this DVD so please do check before donating the £10.

Lockdown Party!

Finally... Let's try to flip the situation and celebrate what we do have! I'm planning to celebrate with a day of fitness and catch ups with you all (virtually of course) to launch this next block of virtual classes.

Please let me know if you would like to book a place on the Fitness Party, here's your invite:

When - Saturday 7th November 2020, 10am-1:30pm, Zoom

What - Try out all of the fitness formats from SH1FT, L1FT, M1ND, Sculpt & Burn and Boxing HIIT. We will also put some time aside to catch up and have a good old chat! You can do all of the classes or just the ones you want to try.

Who can join the party? Anyone - Past members, current members or people thinking about becoming members. You only need internet access and a safe space to exercise so you can join in from any location. 

Cost - £7 for the day pass.

How to book? Email info@fitnessquest.co.uk

Please share this information far and wide, let get lots of people to the party next Saturday and maybe even some sign ups for the four week lockdown fitness blitz. 

Thanks again for your continued support and understanding. Supporting a small business is so much more than just buying a product or service, it gives hope and happiness.

Vicki

Covid-19 Updates - Plan of Action

I hope you are all keeping well and you are slowly finding some aspects of your life are returning to normal.

When we closed classes there were murmurs of lockdown lasting two, maybe three months, but we're now heading into the FIFTH block of four week virtual memberships (starts Monday 20th July). My lovely members have adapted really well and are enjoying the virtual classes, but we're all chomping at the bit to return to in person classes.

Whilst the government announced that gyms are allowed to reopen on the 25th July, unfortunately the easing of restrictions doesn't simply translate to community halls such as schools and churches. There's a lot of guidelines to adhere to which currently are not possible in smaller venues (ventilation, one way systems, maximum capacity). Further to this, both of my schools have confirmed that a return to classes will not be possible until September, provided the Covid-19 situation does not worsen and restrictions have eased to allow us all a safe return (the schools priority is quite rightly the children).

Considering the above information, along with recent government advice I will be working with a date of return to classes for the week commencing 21st September 2020. This is by no means set in stone but it does give us all a date to work towards. I have outlined a return to classes policy, which I would encourage you to read regularly as it will be updated as the situation changes. Once we return, all members will be required to adhere to the Covid-19 policy. All payments/bookings will resume from the first confirmed date we are allowed back.

The good news for those of you who are currently virtual members, is that this means we will have another four week block running between 17th August and 13th September 2020.

For those of you who have not yet joined us online, I really would encourage you to give it a go. I now have a combination of pre-recorded and live classes, as well as some catch up classes for HIIT and Boxercise HIIT which are available for 7 days after the live class for you to complete whenever your schedule allows. Please discuss giving the classes a go with me as I'd really love you to use the next eight weeks as a way of phasing yourself back into classes. You can read more about the virtual membership here.

If you have not yet completed the RETURN TO FITNESS SURVEY please do so as soon as possible as it really helps me to plan our return based on what the majority of members want.

I have found the transition from teaching in person to online a challenge but enjoyable at the same time. I've had regular emotional breakdowns about the uncertainty of what the future holds for Fitness Quest and my fellow community fitness instructors. I've missed the interactivity and naughty corners a real class offers up each and every week. I have also worked hard to adapt what I can offer based on member feedback, at times not knowing if it would work. I therefore believe wholeheartedly that by working together, we CAN get back to achieving amazing community fitness classes.

I'm beyond grateful for all of the support you've all shown me so far, but the journey to recovery is far from over. I appreciate your patience over the next couple of months, as plans are bound to change. Even once we make it back we can't guarantee that there won't be any further local lockdowns. Therefore I would ask that you all remain open minded to giving online options a go in case of a "plan B" scenario. Fingers crossed it's smooth sailing once we're back!

If anyone would like to discuss anything, from barriers to joining us online, worries about returning to in person classes or just to touch base please send me an email. I'll get back to you as soon as I can, I may be a little slow to reply as I've taken on some hours with the uni to help pay some bills!

Thanks again and I can't wait to see you all really soon!

Vicki

Fitness Quest Membership - Four weeks begin 20th July

When?

The next four week Fitness Quest Membership starts on Monday 20th July and ends on Sunday 16th August.

How much?

It's £25 for the four weeks, no commitment to sign up again after it ends.

What is it?

I've been adapting the membership slightly since we began lockdown, taking member feedback into consideration. Along with a support network, and priority access to in person classes (when they are allowed to return), the membership provides the following:

• Unlimited access to the live class timetable, brought to you via Zoom (see timetable below).
• Catch up with HIIT and Boxercise HIIT for up to 7 days after the live class, at a time convenient to you.
• On demand access to a 40-45 minute PiYo session, one routine added to the library per week starting 6th July, these sessions can be accessed as often as you want, to do whenever you can.
• On demand access to short stretch routines. As with PiYo, these are added to a library, you can choose which session to do, whenever you wish. These are simple yet effective stretches which focus on the most common stiff areas such as hips, lower back and shoulders.
• Workout of the week (WOW). This is a weekly workout for those who fancy an extra challenge and something to do in their own time. You can adapt and modify the workout depending on your fitness level and available equipment.
• Access to a private Facebook group where other tips and challenges are provided, also forming the main platform for our support network.
• Potential for small in person fitness groups on private, outside land only (such as gardens). Social distancing must be maintained and the member who wishes to host the session must arrange with the other members and agree a suitable time with myself. If social distancing rules are broken, these sessions will no longer be offered.
• A 20% discount on any further virtual Fitness Quest services such as exercise programming.

If you would like to book a place for the block starting on 20th July, please email info@fitnessquest.co.uk

Thanks again for all of your continued support, it's very much appreciated during these tough times!

Vicki

Keeping in touch - Lockdown updates

Hi everyone, unfortunately I don't have much to update you on, apart from a couple of minor changes and to remind you of some really important topics which you may or may not already be aware of.

Returning to Fitness

I hope you're all managing ok and that you are slowly able to make that transition into the new normal. There are a few industries still waiting on clearance from the government to reopen, sadly Fitness Quest falls into that bracket. I've had a few members ask about running outdoor classes as they've seen others being held... Government guidance only allows for a maximum of six people, including the instructor to take part in fitness classes, even outside whilst adhering to social distancing. BCP council also requires trainers to have a license to operate classes on their land, most instructors don't have this. Without this license or if classes are being held in groups larger than 6, the instructors insurance is not valid. Finally, we all know how temperamental the British weather is, unless I'm able to run classes in all weather, it's not viable for me to replace the virtual classes at this stage. This is one of the reasons I asked members to complete a return to fitness survey, as it really helps me to plan how I can cater for as many people as possible. If you haven't yet filled this in I would really appreciate you doing so.

I have also outlined some Return to Fitness Policies of which I would be grateful for you to read, I don't know how much these will change before we return but these would be valid and put into place should we be allowed back tomorrow. The policies include government guidelines, Fitness Quest rules and consideration for venue providers (although I'm still waiting to receive their full T&C's).

Personal Training

1-2-1 and 1-2-2 personal training in person has now restarted. This can be on private outdoor land (such as a garden) with up to two clients from the same or different households, or inside a private residence with up to two clients from the same household. Full conditions are outlined in the Return to Fitness Policies. Virtual personal training is still offered and will now be a permanent Fitness Quest service.

Virtual Memberships

I was really hoping that our fourth online block would be the final one before we were allowed to start back with some in person classes, however, with no relaxation on gatherings (maximum of 6 from different households) and no communication from my venue hire providers, I'm going ahead with offering a fifth block of virtual membership, commencing on Monday 20th July and ending on Sunday 16th August. It may be that within that block some face to face classes are offered, but this depends on various factors all falling in our favour.

You can read about everything that's included in the Fitness Quest Virtual Membership here. As a quick recap though, this is what's on offer:

• Six live classes each week (Kettlercise, HIIT, Stretch and Strength, Sculpt and Burn, Boxercise HIIT and Flexi Friday)
• Catch up if you miss HIIT, Boxercise HIIT or Flexi Friday classes. These are available for you to do anytime you want, for up to 7 days after the live class
• On demand stretch routines - I've recorded lots of routines for you to do and repeat whenever you need them, there is no time limit on these
• Access to two brilliant formats on demand called SH1FT (HIIT based) and L1FT (weights based) for you to complete whenever you want
• Workout of the Week - A tough exercise challenge for you to do in your own time
• Technique challenges
• Support network

Thank You

I know I keep saying it, but I really do appreciate all the support I've received over the past few months and going forward.Whilst the virtual memberships have helped to keep the business costs covered, I've now reached the point where I need to accept work elsewhere. Most of you know I also work for the University, now they are phasing a return to the office I have accepted some shifts just to help with my personal finances. Please be patient with me if I take a little longer than usual to reply to any messages. Please also be assured that running Fitness Quest is my priority and I will maintain high standards of service.

Finally, I'd like to say that we're still on this strange journey together. Some of you have already returned to the office, some of you have been key workers throughout, others are still shielding whilst some have apprehensively sent their kids back to school. Whatever your situation at present, it's completely normal to be lacking motivation. Some of you have been absent from classes and I just wanted to reach out, often we just need a gentle kick up the bum to get things moving, but sometimes the reasons run deeper. Please remember that I'm here to help, if you are struggling financially or need more than a kick up the bum please reach out to me and I'll do my best to help.

Stay safe.

Vicki

Virtual Fitness Classes - Covid-19 update

I can't quite believe we're now heading into the second half of 2020! Whilst for me I've found the weeks have been passing really quickly, I'm really missing being at classes and can't wait to be back teaching you all face to face.

In terms of when that'll be... We're still waiting to hear, however, with shops reopening today and hairdressers and gyms set to open next month I am hopeful we are getting closer to a return. I really appreciate your patience and support, especially those of you who have already paid for the next block of classes (whenever that may be). I don't want to hound people by emailing you all individually but I would love to hear from those of you who didn't join us online, just to see how you are doing.

Speaking of online, the next online block begins on the 22nd June - I know some of you felt online training wouldn't work for you, but I really do urge you (especially now we're getting closer to a return) to give it a go. Most of the members, and myself were all skeptical to begin with. We all thought it wouldn't work or wouldn't be as effective, but it's been amazing and even those self confessed technophobes have said they've found joining the classes nice and simple. You can now join any of the classes on a pay as you go basis or you can join us for the next four week block for just £25.

The virtual membership not only includes unlimited access to the class timetable, but it also offers on demand access to two class formats (SH1FT & L1FT), catch up with HIIT and Boxercise HIIT for up to 7 days after the live class, weekly short stretch routines, weekly workout challenges and technique challenges.

Return to classes

In terms of how I plan to return to face to face classes, I'm trying to work on this and would appreciate your feedback. Currently the government allows for fitness classes to be held outside for up to 5 people (6 including me), maintaining 2m distance. Presently, I cannot run classes for 5 people, and once the numbers I'm allowed increases I also need to consider where, and what happens if it rains! Some classes cannot be taught in the rain for safety reasons, so as a back up I would suggest a virtual class - However, I need to know everyone is happy with outside as plan A and virtual as plan B, which I know may not be the case (this is where it becomes very difficult for me to plan and keep everyone happy and fit). I've also taught outside in public places in the past, and this is not something I'm happy to do again (too many problems), therefore I'm hoping the schools will soon allow the use of their playgrounds/fields. Currently, neither of the schools I hire are allowing community bookings.

It is very likely that I will be sending out a questionnaire within the next couple of weeks, with the view of finding out how the majority of members intend to return in line with the government easing restrictions. Please understand that I'm trying my best to get back to "normal" but the business I grew and have loved since 2005 will be healing for many months to come.

With that in mind, I would like to open up the ability to purchase class credits, I won't be putting an expiry on these, but it would help me massively over the coming months if anyone not already booked onto an upcoming course would like to buy what is essentially a voucher, which you could exchange for a course once the dates are released (the next course of sculpt and burn is fully booked). As an example, earlybird six week courses are £30 and earlybird eight week courses are £40. Those of you who have already booked onto a course or were mid course when we had to close - Your classes will continue as soon as it is safe and viable to do so.

Personal Training

I can now take bookings for 1-2-1 or 1-2-2 personal training as long as you have private access to outside space (such as a garden), which can be accessed without me entering your house. Other Covid-19 regulations apply such as maintaining 2m distance, for full details of this please get in touch.

Thank you for reading, I post more frequently on Facebook, so please give the page a like for the most up to date announcements.

  

Please get in touch if we haven't spoken in a while. Once again, thank you all for keeping Fitness Quest alive during this difficult time.

Vicki

Virtual Fitness Classes - June Memberships

Wow! We're heading into the 3rd four week block of virtual fitness classes and it seems they'll be the home of group fitness for the foreseeable future. However, I'm loving teaching online (although I miss seeing everyone in person), and I've had endless messages from members saying how the classes have helped them; from actually losing weight and getting fitter to the importance of the routines keeping them sane during lockdown.

There's so much to update you on and I could write another essay, but I'll try to keep it to the point...

1. The Fitness Quest Virtual Studio includes unlimited access to all of the live classes (Kettlercise is only available if you've done Kettlercise with me before, although a 1:2:1 Zoom session can be scheduled).

2. You have on demand access to the amazing SH1FT (HIIT based) and L1FT (weights based) formats, you can do these whenever you want and they are only 30 minutes long but you'll certainly feel them.

3. I'm also adding to a stretch routine library on a weekly basis, which you can access whenever you need it.

4. If you miss the live classes, you will have access to HIIT and Boxercise HIIT for 7 days after the live class. Perfect to catch up, repeat or just try it out.

5. I'll be adding technique challenges, the focus is on improving your form and showing you where you should be feeling each exercise and how to spot common bad habits.

6.  There will also be a workout of the week (WOW) it'll be different each week and the idea is you submit your score (or just comment "done" if you don't fancy sharing). The idea is to create some accountability and bring some friendly competition.

7. If you need it, you'll get 20% off any other virtual extras (online PT or bespoke programming).

8. You'll be added to a private Facebook group (optional), which acts as your membership hub where you can easily find everything above but also chat with other members, which provides a much needed community at the moment.

The next four block begins on 25th May, it's £25 to join. You'll also be locked in at this price for as long as you'd like to be a member and as long as we need our virtual studio!

Finally, there's two final things you need to be aware of... 1. There's a competition on FB - Enter to win four weeks free (can be June or July if you've already paid for June) 2. If you sign up a friend you get June HALF PRICE!

But be quick - I only have 5 new membership places opening up for this block.

To book, please email info@fitnessquest.co.uk 

Fitness Quest Virtual Classes - How to sign up!

These past few weeks have been a really difficult time for all of us and I've been racking my brain to find a solution that I feel will be of the benefit to all of us over the coming weeks/months.

My first clarification is to remind you all that any course bookings you have made have been automatically frozen and will continue when it is safe to return. I appreciate that online classes may not be for everyone which is why I am not offering the virtual package as a replacement for courses already paid for. If you would like to try what I have on offer below please let me know, even if you just want to see how it could work (it's surprised me how much I'm enjoying it). If any of you reading this are struggling financially, please talk to me, I do not want you missing out on joining our online classes and I'm sure we can uncover some solutions.

My second point is to say that the situation we currently find ourselves in is incredibly tough, we will all have different reasons for feeling the strain, whether that is job loss or being a key worker rushed off your feet, learning to home school children and work from home, fighting illness yourself or supporting family. It is likely that many of us will find our mental health compromised and for that reason I feel it is incredibly important for us not only to exercise but to try to retain some of our regular routine. For that reason, I intend to keep the virtual class times similar to the in person classes. We have a fabulous community and I want you all to stay in contact and support one another.

My third part, and the information you came here for is below. I encourage you to read all of this post thoroughly, I cannot wait to continue bringing these classes to you!

What is the plan?

This update is long, and I apologise for that (I will try to film a video). I wanted to talk you all through my thought process and the issues I encountered coming up with this solution. Honestly, I never envisioned a time where I would have closed my business with immediate effect and I just wasn't prepared for the heartache it created. I do hope what I suggest seems exciting for you and provides you with a little glimmer of hope (or sweat).

Four week unlimited* class package

• £20 per person for up to 5 x 30 minute classes per week (*Kettlercise is only available if you have done one of my Kettlercise courses before). Works out to £1 per class/£1.25 per class if not including Kettlercise.
• £30 per household for up to 5 x 30 minute classes each per week (*Kettlercise is only available if you have done one of my Kettlercise courses before. All household members must be previous/existing customers).
• These are introductory prices and will end Friday 3rd April 2020.

The Timetable

The class timetable will remain as representative of the in person timetable as possible, offering the same benefits you've come to love about each class.

Monday's (including Easter Monday although times may vary with demand):

• 6:30pm - 7pm - Kettlercise
• 7:30pm - 8pm - HiiT

Wednesday's:

• 6:30pm - 7pm - Stretch & Strength
• 7:30pm - 8pm - Sculpt & Burn

Thursday's:

• 7pm - 7:30pm - Boxercise HIIT

I may add classes to the timetable depending on the demand, I may also need to reassess the timetable slots in a couple of weeks but I'm hoping the above times are convenient for most current attendees and closest to their regular routines.

I intend to leave the meetings open for 10-15 minutes after each class to allow you all to have a catch up and chat (you can leave if you want to) as I think this is an important part of our community network.

How will it work?

Many of you have helped me trial the classes this week. Yes we have had some teething issues but I have ruled them out my end, helped problem solve for a few of you (mainly internet strength or device) but please do bear in mind that the internet is under increased demand at the moment so we may need to have a plan B, reschedule (one attempt) or cancel the class (last resort), so with full transparency I encourage you to consider this before signing up. Even with teething issues members could follow along, had a good workout and felt those all important endorphins kick in! The last two sessions I ran have been AMAZING! So I do believe the package will offer you fantastic value for money.

You will need access to the internet and a device with a camera (smartphone/tablet/laptop etc) and either download the Zoom app or be able to open the meeting link in your web browser. It's so simple - I was so scared starting it but it is beginning to feel normal. I will happily arrange to test a meeting with anyone not sure of how it'll work.

Most of you have already completed the waiver form which is compulsory before attending a virtual class. If you have not yet completed it please do so. You only need to complete it once but if your circumstances change please inform me. 

Why a four week package?

Two reasons. Simplicity and commitment. 

One package for all means less admin for all, including me. You will not need to book onto each class, you will be given a link to the meeting room which will remain the same for each class for four weeks. This means that you can decide at short notice whether or not you can jump into the virtual class, perfect with many of you juggling everything from home at the moment.

Commitment is also vital right now... Motivation will begin to fade as the weeks go by and I need you guys to stay determined and strong so that when we can get back to classes you are raring to go. Remember that mental health affects people in different ways, it's important to feel committed to your routine to give your mental wellbeing a boost too.

It also allows me to plan financially. Having closed the business I have lost all my income and I still have business overheads to cover, which I cannot cancel if I wish to return to teaching when this ends. I have two options, try to make an online income to cover these costs or find alternative employment during the weeks/months I cannot teach you in person. I have thought long and hard about the fairest way to run this. I dismissed class passes because of admin and needing you to book each session. I decided against pay as you go as I would need to charge more to allow for the uncertainty of booking numbers. I thought about discounts for block booking but this became too complicated with 5 different classes on offer. In the end I decided four weeks to be the ideal combination (even once a week is just £5 per class). That being said, as I've already mentioned above, if you have been financially impacted by COVID-19, please get in touch, I know how hard it is. 

Will virtual classes continue?

I will reassess the situation continuously and extend the virtual class packages for as long as they remain viable and required. I have already had interest from those who have tried the classes this week in keeping them going once we return to in person classes - Let's see! I may add some virtual classes to the permanent timetable!

I know that was a VERY long post, I could have simply stated the package but feel you all deserve to understand the reasoning behind how it'll work. The package is only available to current or previous members and Fitness Quest would not have survived this far if it were not for all your amazing faces turning up over the years.

I promise you all when we are back, it's going to be amazing, but in the meantime, let's not stop the party.

To book your place at the introductory offer price available until Friday 3rd April please email info@fitnessquest.co.uk 

Prices as of 4th April expected to be £25 individual/£35 household but this is subject to change.

If you've read this far, give yourself a round of applause. See you next week.

Thank you so much.

Vicki