OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Kansas City-area gyms are working to promote an active, healthy lifestyle for kids and adults during the coronavirus pandemic.
Many are also trying to stay afloat.
Andrew Stimson owns Front Door Fitness, which is a mobile personal training company in Prairie Village and Overland Park. Since stay-at-home orders took effect, his trainers are meeting clients at a public place. They are staying at least six feet apart, disinfecting equipment and making sure there is no contact.
"It just gives an opportunity to create a little more structure but also just to give a little bit of joy and peace," Stimson said.
Stimson said health and fitness is more important than ever right now.
"It's such a great immune booster to exercise, to get outside and get some good vitamin D from the sun," Stimson said.
Stimson is also offering virtual training via Zoom, FaceTime or Google Duo. His business, like many others, is feeling the effects of the pandemic, but he said it's a chance to think outside of the box.
"You can roll over and just let it steamroll you, or you can get really creative and figure out, 'hey how can we meet our clients where they are?'" Stimson said.
Across town, kids at Eagles Gymnastics and Dance Center in Kansas City, Missouri, are getting their practice in too.
Owner Kim Fuchs said the gym started doing virtual training and lessons this week.
"We're excited about the fact that we can connect with the kids this way, but it is a different learning curve, and so we're learning as they're learning," Fuchs said.
Fuchs worries about the effects of social distancing on her students' mental health.
"Children are so used to interacting with other children, we hug our kids all the time, we have all kinds of games where they get together and play," Fuchs said. "I think kids are losing a very big part of their lives when they're not in school with other children, not interacting with other children."
Both gym owners said virtual lessons come with a learning curve, but seeing their clients and students making strides makes it all worth it.
"I just think it's important for all kids to continue to stay active during this time period and that they find a way to connect with their friends," Fuchs said.
