Veronica King: people are desperate for connection and eager to be back
Clubs: 1
Reopened: 18 May
“Our community is so excited to be back and we’ve had a really great return rate. At 12 people per class we’ve had a full house in almost every class. I think people are desperate for connection.”
“Reopening with distancing has been the most difficult. Fortunately overheads were reduced while we were closed, but once we reopened they went back to normal even though our capacity had reduced by half.”
“Our biggest liability at the time of closing was the thousands of dollars we’d collected in pre-paid passes, which are still being honoured. So we decided not to offer any more passes for three months.
The model has shifted to a much more manageable monthly membership, which is easier to pause and part-refund if needed.”
“We got permission from our landlord for free use of a bigger space on the premises to accommodate more than 12 people in our peak classes, which was brilliant. People want to collaborate and help – you just have to ask.”
“As a result of a significant price increase by Mindbody, we made a full software switch to the New Zealand-based Gymmaster. In the long-term this is much more affordable and will make life easier, thanks to their integrated Zoom platform, which we use for online classes. We are using the yoga studio option called Serenity.”
"Ask for help, accept help; you’re not meant to do this alone. We got permission from our landlord for free use of a bigger space on the premises. People want to collaborate and support"
“I reduced the team of contractors, reopening with seven teachers versus the 11 we had prior to lockdown.”
“Going forward, we’re planning to get things automated and running efficiently as possible, to keep a model that can easily adapt to the change in restriction levels. My instinct is that we will be dealing with changes back and forth for some time.”
“If in doubt about whether something compromises people’s health, don’t do it. Implement the highest standards you can, so people feel safe; don’t cut corners rushing to get back to how you were. Ask for help, accept help; you’re not meant to do this alone.”