Get fit & give back to support your favourite fitness instructors

A new not-for-profit initiative Give Fit Back​ launched this week to support independent fitness instructors who are keeping New Zealanders fit and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founders Georgia Taylor and Talia Richardson noticed the rapid change to the fitness industry as the world entered physical distancing. With studios forced to close in Levels Three and Four, many gyms and instructors quickly innovated and adapted by offering virtual classes through platforms like Instagram, YouTube and Zoom.

“With people confined to their homes, many – including ourselves – are making the most of online classes by instructors around the world. ” says Georgia. “We wanted to launch Give Fit Back to support trainers who are generously making their services available for free at a time when they don’t have access to a studio and might be without work.”

From yoga and meditation, through to strength and High Intensity Interval Training, Give Fit Back features a range of New Zealand based instructors offering live and on-demand virtual classes. Instructors can register with Give Fit Back, then share the link with their clients who are asked to donate what they can towards classes.

For Rebekkah Farrell, an Auckland-based trainer on Give Fit Back, the platform has already had a positive impact. “The closure of gyms in Levels 3 and 4 has not only taken away financial stability, but the enjoyment of emotionally connecting and coaching in my classes” says Rebekkah. “Give Fit Back has allowed me to share my profile in a non invasive way and ask people to donate what they could. This, in turn, has fed support and positivity on both ends. The response has been amazing”.

Give Fit Back relies on honesty and goodwill. Each instructor makes their virtual classes available through their platform of choice, and with the help of Give Fit Back, their supporters are able to donate towards the class. Give Fit Back regularly posts a schedule of upcoming classes, so it’s a great way to find new instructors or classes to try.

Support your favourite instructors, encourage them to sign up to the platform, and Give Fit Back by visiting the website here.