#BusinessIdea: Running a Sports Center Online

Now, under quarantine, the first thing that creates discomfort is the restriction of freedom of movement. Around the world. Around the country. Within the city. Besides the mental discomfort, the muscles that require movement almost immediately begin to make themselves felt.

Many instructors from various sports fields are already offering online classes. The crisis is an ideal time to build an engaged audience and develop a full-fledged business after the quarantine, or to specialize in online sports in the future.

Please note: online classes will be available to categories of clients who, outside of quarantine, are not considered a target audience for fitness center advertising. Group classes can be conducted using Zoom or Skype. With Zoom, video conferencing allows instructors to see group members and monitor their progress. Participants can view the instructor or other exercisers of their choosing. If desired, clients can turn off their camera and have a one-way video call.

We suggest considering a women's fitness group as the starting point for this business. To start the business, you'll need:

• instructor with experience in conducting online classes
• This instructor's colleagues are ready to try a new format of work
• premises
• a laptop with a good webcam/computer and a stable connection

A client survey can help identify which additional activities are in demand specifically for this group. The most likely options for additional offerings to clients include:

• morning exercises
• Pilates or simple stretching
• face building
• yoga for beginners
• breathing exercises
• dancing or general physical training for children
• home delivery of sports nutrition
• sports equipment rental

The target audience for additional classes is members of the main group or their family members:

• the older generation of women (sisters/mothers/grandmothers) who don’t usually go to the gym, but in the current situation are experiencing a lack of movement and communication;
• men (hypokinesia acts regardless of gender);
• Children (both children and their parents need additional activities for children that involve physical activity. In addition, children will learn how to use gadgets effectively)

Since space rental is not paid at this stage, the price of classes can be kept low, even for small groups. This allows for experimentation with class topics. The pricing policy should include a flexible system of discounts for purchasing a family membership.

No additional investments are required at this stage.

Now the main thing: what do I need to do to make everything work?

There are two options.

The first is an easy start, where you have quarantine, a crisis, the idea from this article, and your group at your disposal.

In this case you need:

• your clients' contacts in any messenger (Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp);
• a group created in the same messenger to invite people to classes and conduct surveys;
• your fellow trainers from related fields who are ready to work in a new format.

And the second option. It is well suited for a start-up with a large number of clients, established management, and a willingness to put in the effort to promote your business online.

In this case, the optimal course of action would be:

• register a page on social networks and a website of the same namewith a suitable domain;
• create a website usingWordpress— the most convenient way to create a website;
• Set up an email subscription on your website—this is necessary for inviting people to classes, since social networks don't show your posts to everyone who subscribes;
• Create a list of events with the option to join for free or for a fee.

Even in the most difficult situations, you can find opportunities to implement great ideas - try it!