It’s almost unbelievable to think that this March, we’re celebrating our first anniversary of taking Gemma Pearce Fitness online! Talk about ‘necessity being the mother of invention’ – it’s amazing what you can do when you are faced with few other choices.
I honestly doubted whether I could manage the technology and the absence of faces to look at while I taught, not to mention whether anyone would sign up to do their exercise online.
But many classmates supported me and took the plunge to give it a go – I know it wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea but many people embraced the new normal and have actually come to enjoy the flexibility and variety they get from the online way of working out.
Raising a glass to our achievements in the past year, I feel so grateful and proud of where we’ve come and there are so many things I love about running Gemma Pearce Fitness on Facebook and the website. In no particular order, here are my top 5:
1. I love my conservatory
What an inspired choice of house I bought back in 2015! Who’d have thought that I had a ready-made exercise studio with lots of natural light and a view that changes with the seasons. Despite the creaky (I think it’s really broken!) floor and shifting furniture, I feel so lucky to have my conservatory to share all the fun with you!
2. I’m stronger than I think
This is one for all of us. We’ve come through some very stressful and challenging times in the last year. For me, facing financial difficulties, understanding the different restrictions and trying to manage my business with a very active toddler at home with me has made for some really tense times. But we’ve got through the worst with strength and resilience.
3. I have an awesome team
Unfortunately the changes in our lives have led to changes in my team but all have been a huge support to me and the business. My fellow instructor Claire and administrator Nikki have kept me on track. They never flinch at my new ideas (they do laugh sometimes though!) and they have worked tirelessly to keep us ALL going through the pandemic.
4. I can overcome IT hurdles
From lighting and sound issues to interruptions and forgetting to press record, I’ve faced it all this year, but with your understanding and encouragement and sheer dogged determination, I’ve got to grips with the various tech platforms and now can take pride in a great workout filmed and uploaded.
5. I love freestyle aerobics
With the laws around music, licencing agreements and copyright, we’ve had to be really creative with our classes and LOVED mixing up our workouts. I’ve also been able to bring my first love of dance into our workouts which I know makes you feel as good as me!
So, despite the difficulties, it’s clear that we have a lot to be proud of since March 2020. Who knows what the future holds, but based on the past year, I think we’ll be OK! Keep going and keep trying all the new classes that Claire and I have for you, it’s so good to know you’re getting as much out of it as we are.
Keep an eye on our social media and email newsletter this week - we've got a special party class on Tuesday evening plus I'll have some special offers to celebrate all things online fitness!
Tues 16th March 7.30pm (you'll get a recording if you can't make it live)