The pandemic has given us an opportunity, with the help of internet technology, to help spread positivity, develop healthier habits and holistic development through physical activities for children as well as adults.
By Jenson Rajkumar
Three months after its rollout, Sports Plus started gaining momentum with our children’s multi-activities and athlete’s fitness programme. We were able to bring some positive change in the local community. The children were having fun every session, friendships being formed and getting more fit physically as well as mentally.
We were starting to find our feet when the second wave of COVID-19 hit the brakes so hard making us grind to a complete halt. Outdoor recreational spaces were shut, public gathering was a big no-no and our gym became a home gym, with our athletes unable to come.
With the programmes suspended indefinitely, it was either time for adversity or an opportunity for creative ideas. We went for the latter and in mid-June our Children’s Fitness Classes on Zoom started. 11 children signed up within two weeks and a week after that, some of the parents requested a class for adults as well.
Fast forward six months, we now have five programmes (Children’s Fitness 6-10 years, 11-16 years, Adult’s Fitness Class, One on One Training and Sports Strength & Conditioning) all being done online via Zoom.
Here are some of the positives that our participants have said happened because of the Online classes:
Convenience
Our Zoom classes has enabled participants to get the benefits of personal and group fitness training without having to go to classes physically or to the gym, which according to majority was hard to be consistent because of various factors such as time, weather, covid pandemic etc.
Minimal Space Requirement
All our sessions are exercises which can be done in a small space. Be it Jumping Jacks, squats or push-ups, everything can be done in your bedroom, TV room or in your backyard while enjoying some sun.
Saves Time
Going to classes or gyms takes time for preparation and commuting. With the Zoom classes, you can participate from your bedroom eliminating the time taken for commuting and cutting down preparation time.
Programmes for All
Whether you are 6 years or 55, whether you’re a beginner or an elite athlete, we have programmes and exercises that can be customized for everyone, with and/or without any equipment.
Wider Reach
Using the medium of internet, our participants are now joining us from various parts of India. How awesome is that? Not only that, I have been able to take the sessions even while I am traveling with the cricket team.
The pandemic has given us an opportunity, with the help of internet technology, to help spread positivity, develop healthier habits and holistic development through physical activities for children as well as adults.
(The writer is the founder of Sports Plus and a Fitness Trainer with the Manipur Cricket Team)