The repercussions of CODVID-19 have been far-reaching, but one local business is striving to achieve some sense of normalcy in Murray in the midst of a global pandemic.
After Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear forced all gyms to close on March 17, many have found their usual workout regimens interrupted. As experts urge Americans to practice social distancing and quarantine, Murray State students like Aaron Voshage have struggled to transition.
“I would say the most challenging part is the change in routine,” Voshage said. “I was going to the gym five days per week and using equipment I don’t have access to at home.”
While Voshage himself has taken to mostly body-weight and cardio exercises, one business owner has brought the gym to her clients.
Beth Podrovitz, owner of Jazzercise Murray and b U Yoga Studio, is one of many small business owners in Murray forced to adapt their business practices in response to COVID-19.
Podrovitz’s studio offers 11 yoga and barre-inspired classes a week along with 16 Jazzercise classes (which involve dance-based cardio and strength training) in the b U Yoga Studio – all of which have been put on hold in response to COVID-19.
“The hardest part about closing the studio is primarily the uncertainty,” Podrovitz said. “There is no precedent from which to work. We have no idea how long we will be closed or what kind of economic situation the community will be in when we reopen.”
However, Podrovitz has capitalized on that uncertainty by transforming her classes from in-person to online. A franchise owner of Jazzercise, Podrovitz said the company already offered an On Demand streaming service for customers to use away from the studio. The company also recently permitted franchise owners to live stream personal classes onto a private Facebook group.
As for Podrovitz’s yoga business, one of her instructors recommended recording classes and posting them online for customers.
“I was excited she took the initiative to offer this option,” Podrovitz said. “All of the instructors are independent contractors, so it speaks volumes about their commitment to our studio that they are willing to come up with new ways for us to service our customers.”
Last week, the company began using the popular video calling software, Zoom, in order to host classes. B u Yoga instructors will host classes, allowing customers to effortlessly join the classes remotely for a unique workout experience.
“This makes it very easy for our instructors and customers,” Podrovitz said. “Our instructors are able to login to our online program, go into their class, and just click a button. Similarly, our customers can register for the online class and are then sent a link automatically to join the class.”
Podrovitz said those online classes were free for the public during March, but in April she will charge a discounted rate for customers for unlimited classes during the month. Although the b U Yoga and Jazzercise online classes are still in their infant stages, Podrovitz has been encouraged with the community’s response.
“Our customers have been generally supportive and appreciative,” Podrovitz said. “They know everything is so uncertain right now. I think they understand we are trying to offer them some kind of service while our doors are closed, and they want to see us reopen when the quarantine is lifted. The only way any small business can survive this is to generate some kind of revenue while they are closed.”
While these remote classes won’t suit everyone, individuals like Voshage are glad the online option is available for the social gym-goers.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Voshage said. “Personally, I won’t be engaging in any online training, but if that is something that makes fitness fun I am all for it. I enjoy being alone or with a small group when I am training, but for those who particularly enjoy the social aspect of exercise the online sessions might be their best option.”
Whatever your fitness preference, Podrovitz is ensuring Murrayans can work out while staying in.