Now more than ever, having the ability to workout in an outdoor space can be the key to keeping your ï¬tness business going. The versatility of the TRX Suspension Trainer and Rip Trainer, when it comes to anchoring and exercise options, makes these tools invaluable to any owner or trainer - and even more so during this pandemic. If you're taking your classes outdoors, parks can be an especially great option given their accessibility, versatility and natural anchoring options. Here's our guide to delivering an effective, enjoyable and safe experience for your clients outside.
1. Choosing An Appropriate & Available Space
Depending on how many attendees you're planning on having, you'll need a space big enough to accommodate them, your equipment, and the types of workouts you want. Keep in mind the footprint needed for each participant and decide whether you want people staying in one spot, or moving from place to place. Ensuring there are bathrooms and water fountains nearby will also make your clients feel more comfortable.
Take into consideration the time of day, available parking, temperature, lighting/visibility, ground surface, and other people in the area. Finding an area away from other businesses or park-goers will give you more freedom and also provide privacy for your clients.
If it's a shared public space, like a public park, do your best to not disturb everybody in the vicinity. If you're going to be playing music from a speaker, make sure it's tasteful and at an appropriate level.
Note: Other businesses, their parking lots, and private property are not legal options, unless you have written consent and waivers from the owners.
2. Natural / Available Anchoring
Anchoring your Suspension Trainers and Rip Trainers is quick and easy, but you'll want to make sure you can do this safely and without disturbing any natural or private structures. Suspension Trainers anchor really well to tree trunks & branches, but having enough nearby so each of your participants can see & hear you is important. Before you commit to a location, make sure your Straps ï¬t around the tree trunks (you may need your X-Tenders) and there are enough anchors for everybody. As a side note, Rip Trainers anchor really well to park benches, around stable fences and light posts, and can also be used in Partner Mode by clipping the resistance cords of two separate Rip Trainers around each other when you want to mix things up.
Bonus: If you teach your attendees how to anchor their own straps and Rips at the beginning of the session (make it part of the warm-up), it'll speed up set-up & break-down, and also empower your clients to know how to do it if they've got their own TRX equipment at home.
3. Accessibility & Creature Comforts
Getting to your location needs to be easy. Having a centralised location with plenty of nearby parking is important, especially if they have to carry their things to the space. Having shade and/or shelter from sun and rain are bonuses so you can keep going in inclement weather.
4. Getting the Word Out
Marketing your classes and new location can be tough but you've got lots of options. Posting photos/videos of you working out in that space (using your Suspension Trainer or Rip Trainer) on all your social media channels is a good start. Keep in mind the level of the participants you're trying to attract. For instance, we don't suggest posting TRX Handstand videos if you're trying to attract beginners or seniors.
5. Covering Your Legal Bases - Permits & Paperwork
If you're looking at using a public park make sure you apply for a permit. Even if your clients all signed waivers at your previous space, you'll need to update your forms to reflect the new location. Make sure to get emergency contact information and also see if anybody has allergies that may be negatively affected by the environment - bee allergies may require an emergency epi-pen, grass/air/pollen allergies may require masks, inhalers, or mats on hand.
6. Safety
Keeping everybody safe during your workout should be your ï¬rst priority. Here are some things to have on hand for outdoor classes:
- Touchless Thermometer & Hand Sanitiser
- Sunscreen
- First Aid Kit
- Health Proï¬les (of each attendee and their emergency contact information) on your phone.
- Extra Water
Remember to thank your participants for their patience and understanding while you adapt your offerings, and remember to continue to offer patience and understanding of your own as everybody's dealing with excess stress this year. We'll all get through this if we stay focused on our health and take things one day at a time!
Become a qualified TRX instructor today with our TRX Suspension Training Course: Virtual Edition, the only official and authentic TRX Suspension Training trainer qualification offered in the UK.
