HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 8 January2021 - From young, the fact that exercise benefits us physically, emotionally,and mentally has been constantly reinforced. Even though we might notnecessarily live-in accordance to this truth, this belief is inherentlyembedded in us. However, due to the rocketing prices of personal training,tailored fitness regimes, hectic work schedules, most of us struggle to findtime for exercise.

COVID-19 brought about many unprecedentedchallenges and norms, among which was the rise of home workouts. On-site gymshave been shut for months, making physical exercise in fitness centres withothers impossible. Thus, more of us tuned in to fitness YouTubers and homeworkout videos to cope with the current situation.

Founded in 2010, Elite Personal Training ("EPT") is aHolistic Personal Training Studio that caters for the whole family. Unliketraditional fitness companies that may leave one more fatigued after a session,EPT aims to alleviate one's aches and pains, leave them feeling energized aftera workout. In the light of the recent COVID-19 situation, EPT is at theforefront of the market for tailored online training.

"We must all pivot,but it is difficult for small and big fitness business to accept that this thenew way to train is online. Yet, we remain committed to catering to your needseven during a pandemic. At EPT, we pride ourselves on being innovative andadaptable to keep up with the changing landscape."

Elite Personal Training's Managing Director,Nathan Solia, has been a CHEK (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology)Practitioner since 1999. As a firm believer in a balanced life throughnutrition, lifestyle, and movement, he practices what he preaches. He is anactive person himself and is a keen sport player who runs, hikes, liftsweights, plays touch rugby, tennis and meditates daily.

With the onslaught of the COVID-19 virus,on-site gyms have been asked to shut for over 19 weeks, resulting in EPT havingadopted 1-to-1 home visits and outdoor training in order to adhere togovernmental regulations. However, the mandatory wearing of masks not onlymakes it extremely difficult for communication between instructor and client,but also increases physical exhaustion due to laborious breathing.

Given that COVID-19 has significantlyimpacted the business industry, EPT, like other fitness studios, have turned toonline platforms to cope with the changing norms. Following the closure ofon-site gyms, there has been an increase in demand for online classes. EPThopes to cater to a variety of age groups and individual preferences throughoffering training sessions on different platforms including LIVE 1-on-1sessions, group classes and targeted training workouts through digital apps.

As a holistic personal training studio withthe aim to build a solid foundation in one's health and fitness, EPT alsoemphasises the importance of overall health and wellbeing. Naturally, tocomplement physical training classes, EPT has also sought to provide onlinenutrition and lifestyle, as well as mental coaching for all ages throughvirtual means as well. Though the present situation is far from ideal, EPT isamong the few that has pivoted to accommodate the increasing demand ofhealthier lifestyles. At EPT, technology is honed to facilitate theaccessibility of fitness to all in Hong Kong through virtual means.

"Technology may feel different to in-personclasses, but it does bring many advantages. We are better able to usestatistics to find out which classes are more popular, cater to different needssimultaneously and allow for people to join us through recorded sessions whichmay accommodate their schedules better."

Additionally, EPT has taken the mandatoryquarantine situation stipulated by the government into account. During the 2weeks of mandated quarantine at dedicated government appointed facilities, EPToffers a 14-day package with a complimentary rental of TRX set to cater to theneeds of residents in temporary Hong Kong quarantine facilities, which will bepicked up on the last day of quarantine. With the virulency of COVID-19, EPThas taken precautionary measures to ensure the sterilization and sanitisationof each TRX set for each rental, reducing the possibility of transmission. Suchmethods will enable those in quarantine to join zoom classes to continue theirfitness journey whilst in quarantine and continue training with EPT to be inthe best of shape.

Ultimately,EPT hopes to revert back to on-site training and coaching when the spread ofCOVID-19 pandemic subsides. However, it is clear that businesses have been hithard by the pandemic, and the slow disbursement of COVID-19 relief funds makethe upkeep of businesses even more difficult in these trying times. Somebusinesses have yet to receive subsidies following the second lockdown in July.This exacerbates the loss in revenues generated by fitness centres, which haveseen a 30-60% reduction even with online training. With the third lockdown andthe new restrictions introduced by the Hong Kong government with regards to theclosure of gyms, EPT encourages the public to participate in online training soas to effectively build up ones physical and mental health amidst these tryingtimes.

"Dueto increased social distancing and self-isolation measures, individuals' healthand mental wellbeing will inevitably be impacted. It is crucial to buildimmunity and prevent one's wellbeing from deteriorating so as to continue asense of normalcy, and to fight against COVID-19. EPT hopes to support you inthe ways we can, and join you in this journey."