Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Much of their clientele falling into the ‘at risk’ category of COVID-19, Zeal Holistic Health owners Tricia and Jeff Cammarrt had to get creative to continue to offer their service.
Unable to gather as a class inside a studio, they’ve moved to a virtual format to offer valuable exercise training and socialization that is just as important to staying healthy as is self-isolating.
Prior to the pandemic, the husband and wife team taught regular classes through Senior Outreach Services’ 55 Plus program, as well as clients of all ages in their studio.
When the need for social distance was put into place, it presented a challenge to their many regular clients who relied on their yoga, strength training, stretching, relaxation and healthy eating classes.
“We continued with our classes but we moved them online,” said Tricia. “We encouraged people to participate with us online for our classes and we offer a new class every day and we go live at 8 a.m. and teach the class. For those that want to join us at 8 a.m., we usually have 10-15 that would join us for the class. If they couldn’t be there at 8 a.m., some people are still going into work and they’re starting their work day, the class is left up for 48 hours so they can do the class at their own convenience.”
The classes are made available through their Zeal Holistic Health Facebook page.
Since making the move to online, they’ve seen a steady increase from week to week in the amount of participants. The format also allows for some individualization for each member.
“I think we get a lot of people joining in because the class we do is not pre-recorded, it’s a live class,” said Tricia. “We can see who has joined the class and we can say ‘hey, how’s it going today? And I hope you like those squats today or I hope you like those lunges.’ We can get feedback. We’re trying to get a bit of socialization happening in the class, as much as we can, anyway.”
They’re also able to customize the workouts by posting a general class and then adding videos that highlight modifications that can be made throughout the week for those looking for something a bit more challenging.
Classes are $6 per class, though they are striving to make them as affordable as possible for everyone as they know there’s a lot of uncertainty around some people’s finances.
“We have some people that don’t pay anything that are joining in for classes each week,” said Jeff. “The flip side of that, we have a couple of other people who are paying more than the $6 for their class and telling us when they make their payment, put this towards someone else who maybe can’t make their payments.”
Jeff says they’re also developing a new membership program for June that will include weekly classes, a Q&A session for any health related questions, meal plan advice and more. Given that about 70 per cent of their clients are from the Baby Boomer generation, Jeff says they may not feel comfortable gathering even after the lock down measures are lifted. Offering classes online may become a new long term normal.
“We know exercise boosts your energy,” added Tricia, noting the importance of staying active even for those who are encouraged to stay indoors. “It makes you feel better. It’s one of the number one recommendations for mental health. Being able to provide the exercise itself is really important.”
Along with their facebook page, their website is www.zealhealthandfitness.com/.