When I think about the different hats I wear-“personal trainer,” “group fitness instructor” – building relationships is what I really do. Connecting with clients is what has made me successful. Yes, of course, I have to be good at my job and know what I’m talking about, but establishing connections with my clients matters.

When the world went virtual, I wondered how that part of my job would be affected…how could I maintain those personal connections in a virtual world? I quickly realized the key -be available and be interested. I made sure all my clients knew I was available to them to continue their workouts, to motivate & challenge them and to listen if they just needed a friend to talk to. This last part has become a really nice part of the virtual classes at homeBodies Fitness.

I started opening up the zoom link about 10 minutes before class begins. Initially, I did this to make sure that everything worked properly and there were no glitches on my end. But it soon morphed into something so special and unique…members started logging on early just to say hi and catch up with their friends, just like they would do at the gym. This made them all still feel connected to each other, to me and to some sense of normalcy. I’m now calling this time “Ten to Talk!”

The other day, this “Ten to Talk” was made even more special by a mother/daughter moment (see attached picture). One of our members Eileen had invited her daughter Almarie (who lives in another state) to try a free class. Almarie did and their “reunion” via zoom was so sweet to witness! It is moments like this that inspire me and remind me that my job is about more than squats and lunges! My job is about connecting with people.