Holyoke Fitness Club turns to Zoom to keep people moving during shutdown

For the past month, gyms across the state have been temporarily shuttered in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Since March 17, the lights have remained off, the weights racked and the treadmills powered down at Holyoke Fitness Club.

The local gym averages about 120 members, and that number is closer to 150 during peak seasons. That’s a lot of people suddenly without their usual workout facility and, by extension, routine. When it comes to staying fit, consistency is key, and simply pausing for the duration of the coronavirus shutdown isn’t an option.

Fitness club owner Trisha Herman said that immediately after she was forced to close the gym, she began fielding calls from people interested in renting equipment to use at home during the shutdown. Logistically that wasn’t a viable option. She also heard from members who had seen online spin classes offered elsewhere and were wondering if that was an option.

Again, Herman faced logistical challenges as online spin classes would require every participant to have their own stationary bike at home.

These inquiries, however, ultimately led to her offering several free classes on Zoom, a video conferencing platform. Yoga, high-intensity interval training, and 10 Rounds boxing are all workout options that can be done at home with no special equipment.

Right now, the classes are open to anyone, whether a member or not, and they’re free. They may not be doing anything to help the bottom line, but Herman wanted to offer these classes simply to help people stay active during this unique situation.

Nici Akey and Lynda Firme, who teach classes in person when the gym is open, are leading the online yoga and HIIT classes respectively.

Yoga meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:15-6 p.m. HIIT meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-6 p.m.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7-7:45 a.m., Herman leads the 10 Rounds boxing class.

To sign up, visit holyokefitnessclub.punchpass.com. A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed. When it’s time for the class, simply join the meeting via computer, smart phone or tablet.

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