When Are Things Going Back To “Normal?”

It’s been amazing to see so many familiar faces coming back into the gym this summer. With the mask mandate lifted and vaccines widely available, everyone is feeling comfortable getting back into their workout routine.

For those who’ve been away for a while, I’ve enjoyed showing and explaining to them how we do things now. And while I certainly didn’t enjoy having a global pandemic shut down my gym for seven months last year, I’m grateful for what it taught me … and for the changes and improvements I made in my programs.

In a nutshell, our workouts are so much more personal than ever before. I’m able to coach people I really enjoy working with so much more effectively. I’m able to use technology to give those people more convenient workout options. You can train in-person, at home, or both. We literally have workout options that you can access 24/7.

As I was explaining our new program to a former client who’s coming back into the gym, she asked, “But when are you going to put things back the way they were before COVID?”

It was a great question, and caused me to do a little thinking.

The answer came to me quickly and clearly.

“Probably never,” I said.

Don’t get me wrong … there are some things about the pandemic that I’m happy are going away … like masks! :-) And I look forward to the day -- very soon, I think -- when we’ll go back to sharing equipment within a group class. I really miss the energy of those partner workouts :-)

But if I could snap my fingers and put everything back the way it was in the gym before the pandemic, would I do it? 

No way.

I like that our training sessions are more personal, and that our clients are seeing better results from working not only harder, but smarter. I love that I can coach people I really enjoy working with more closely and effectively. I beam with pride when one of my clients comments about how convenient it is to do one of my workouts at home on a busy day when they don’t have time to make it to the gym. And for those who are taking full advantage of everything we offer, their results speak for themselves.

So my advice to you today is to enjoy the things that are coming back into your life, but don’t fall into the trap of wanting things to go completely back to the way they were before.

It was a tough time, and we’re glad it all seems to be behind us. But let’s also use what we’ve learned and not lose track of the things that are better than they were before.