FITREC's Dennis Hosking slams 'cavalier and irresponsible approach' of Fitness Australia in promoting continuation of outdoor training services

FITREC Managing Director, Dennis Hosking has slammed Fitness Australia for its promotion of outdoor training services in the wake of the Federal Government's announcement that gyms and fitness centres should close.

In a communication to FITREC stakeholders about resources being made available to aid fitness businesses with remote training options, Hosking stated "we understand that Fitness Australia, since the announcement of gym closures, has been promoting the continuation of all outdoor training services. We are disappointed by this cavalier and irresponsible approach.

"This directive suggests a failure to grasp the enormity of the problem facing the world's population.

"It's putting a short term gain ahead of potentially fatal consequences for clients and their families."

FITREC, which was created as a privately-owned alternative to Fitness Australia and Physical Activity Australia for registration by personal trainers and fitness instructor, has long been critical of Fitness Australia's activities.

With Government forcing the lock-down of all gyms and studios in the fight to contain the spread of Coronavirus, to assist clubs and studios through this difficult period, FITREC is bringing together a suite of experienced online and remote training service providers to help encourage the continuation of membership income.

FITREC Managing Director, Dennis Hosking advised "we're working to provide fitness businesses a means to justify the continuation of fitness memberships via the provision of alternative services. These services could include the provision of group sessions, nutritional advice, home strength workouts, home cardio sessions, mindfulness sessions (and the like).

"Our aim is to make these services available to participating businesses for only a fraction of their normal membership dues. Fees charged will go directly to the service provider (with) no financial benefit to FITREC.

"We see this as a win for the members - they have access to programs that suit their needs, a win for the club - memberships and the resulting income are maintained, and a win for the industry's professionals that have set up and run these programs.

"There are challenging times ahead for our industry and we must begin thinking differently. We need to focus on solutions that help move the industry forward. It's to the advantage of all fitness businesses, large and small to put aside what was and look to what is and what could be.

"We strongly advise all outdoor trainers to join us in the provision of alternative training solutions. Let clients know that you want them and their families to stay safe, to be fit and to remain healthy. At this time, this means encouraging them to stay home and avoid any unnecessary contact with others.

"As to whether outdoor group sessions should continue, FITREC would like to clarify for all professionals and fitness businesses that we are facing a pandemic that is unprecedented in our times. Make no mistake, the government is taking dramatic action to prevent person to person transmission. Their use of the word 'gym' should be taken as general in nature. Do not assume that boot-camps and other outdoor training training formats are immune from transmission - irrespective of cleaning and distancing protocols.

"Now, more than ever, we need to flex our creative muscles to find solutions to the current challenge. We encourage all fitness businesses to get in touch with FITREC to begin the process of delivering new remote training opportunities for members. Similarly, we would like to hear from any professionals that have experience, and an established platform for delivering remote training and coaching programs."

For more information go to fitrec.org