The past year and a half has been especially difficult for the fitness industry, which has been built on the power of connection and coaching in real time. There is something about being together and moving together. The transition and relocation of many businesses and services online was an immense achievement which is a testament to the need to connect with one another, no matter what. Fitness professionals who pivoted became successful, despite the circumstances and restrictions, because they were the ones who found ways to stay and build connections and community. One lesson to be learned from the global events of 2020 and 2021 is that we are stronger together. This lesson is still important for us to remember as we consider what it means to be future ready in the world to re-ignite the fitness industry.

Through recent events we have come to realize just how multidimensional our health is. It is more than just the minutes of activity, the size of the weights we can lift or the number of reps that we log for our workouts. Not only must we consider our physical health, but we have to appreciate and factor in our levels of mental, emotional, and social health and how these different areas connect and interact with each other to create a total picture of overall health and wellness. The impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic has been so devasting for so many because it has hit all these levels. When we take a holistic approach to health and rebuild all dimensions together, we will be more successful and create greater impact. This is where the power of community and connection becomes vitally important. 

Our experiences through this pandemic jolted into critical consciousness the human need for connection and how this supports our overall health and wellbeing. Community creates connection; and if one thing is needed now more than ever, it is connection. Realize that connection is the thread that will guide us through the uncertain times and support and sustain us through the times ahead as we ramp up to reopen. It is our rocket fuel – the more we have the further our ship will go. Here are three ways connection will contribute to our success and why you need to focus on it. 

Connection creates resiliency. Resiliency is that ability to withstand adversity and improves the ability to make stronger comebacks. The depth of the quality of our connections through the relationships we establish and nurture is a key determining factor in our mental and emotional resiliency. Connection to ourselves and serving our personal needs, as well as connection with others, are both important in this sense. 

Connection creates determination. Having a network of friends, colleagues and allies creates determination and accountability to stick with your goals. Finding those who share your vision and appreciate the importance of your mission will help you reach your goals. 

Connection creates tenacity. Do you ever notice how when you are working out with your friends you somehow can go longer, harder, faster, or even lose track of time? Having community and others to stay the course, even through challenging times, with the support you need to pursue your goals to help re-ignite the fitness industry.. 

As the world begins to re-open, we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on, reconsider and renew our community relationships. How can you leverage your community involvement? What communities are you part of now? Which one(s) are you excited to return to or which one(s) should you let go of? How can you find the courage to become part of new communities that will help you reach your next level? Be real with yourself on where you are at and where you want to be. That is what will help you find communities and build the authentic relationships that will be most significant to your personal and professional development. 

In 2020, canfitpro’s August flagship event reminded us of the power of connection, whether near or far, there is a thread that connects us to each other as fitness professionals that cannot be cut—even by a global pandemic. This year, the canfitpro 2021 Online: Global Conference & Trade Show happening August 13 and 14. Two sessions you cannot miss are the Opening and Closing keynote sessions. In his Opening Keynote – “The Fitness Future: Rules of Engagement” – futurist Ian Mullane, will share an exhilarating vision of the fitness future and invaluable insights around how we can thrive. Leave the weekend feeling motivated and inspired to go for your dreams and next level by our Closing Keynote with Chantal Petitclerc – “Sharing My Story To Inspire The Best in You—Our Moment”. That is not all, with over 115 workshops, workouts, lectures, keynotes and networking and 125+ presenters from around the world, there are immense opportunities to learn, grow and connect. We invite you to join us! 

When you attend canfitpro 2021 Online you will realize that it is much more than just an online event. This is “our moment” to connect as an industry and stand for a reason that is so much greater than a single workout or fitness business or establishment could do on their own. What we hope to create through this global event is a space for fitness professionals and enthusiasts to unite, become energized and excited for the future.  Go to www.canfitpro2021.org/global to learn more. 

We are at a critical time and have an incredible opportunity to reflect on and remind ourselves why we do what we do and why it matters. “Our moment to re-ignite the fitness industry.” has come to rise with resiliency, determination, and tenacity to stick with our dream of keeping people fit and ready for reopening!