Planning For Post-COVID Reality

GALLAGHER WORKS TO HELP KEEP INSTRUCTORS AND TRAINERS ONLINE, AND FITNESS FACILITIES PREPARED FOR REOPENING

By Murray Mackenzie

IN OUR CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES, WE ARE ALL TRYING TO DO OUR PART TO STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE SO WE CAN GET BACK TO WHATEVER THE NEW “NORMAL” WILL BE.

With many Canadians still getting their vaccinations, it is still difficult to picture what that “normal” looks like. This has taken a toll on all of us, not only physically, but mentally. When we talk about upcoming conditioning for this fall and winter, it must include both elements. In addition, following all cleaning and procedural practices to ensure clients feel comfortable and safe while on their fitness journey will be pertinent once facilities reopen and we continue to plan for a post-COVID reality.

The pandemic has no doubt made it incredibly difficult to hold group workouts and Gallagher has worked to evolve our programs to make things easier for trainers to earn revenue remotely. We realize many trainers have had to resort to online training as a key revenue stream, which is why in the spring of 2020 we added coverage for “online training” for fitness instructors. We also removed the requirement that trainers earn only 50% of training revenue from “online training” so that instructors could continue to work while face-to-face appointments were not possible and fitness facilities were closed.

We realize that with government shutdowns and stay-at-home orders it has been challenging to operate or even open fitness facilities. Once we know all restrictions are lifted, we anticipate people will return to gyms and fitness facilities. It is important that facility owners are prepared to facilitate all cleaning and procedural practices that will be required to maintain a safe, healthy workout environment. This is especially important given the standard COVID-19 exclusions in insurance policies.

As the only endorsed broker by canfitpro, we take immense pride in our program and offer these comprehensive coverage programs and exclusive rates only to canfitpro members. Whether you work as an instructor on your own, operate an athome studio, or own a fitness facility, we have a solution for you.

Please visit our website at ajg.com/ca/canfitpro. The website can be accessed either directly or through the canfitpro website. We look forward to a time when we can attend in-person canfitpro events and tradeshows and meet face-to-face to talk about your insurance concerns.

We would also like to recognize and celebrate our 14th year as the exclusive canfitpro insurance provider. We are proud of our long-term relationship and n, wish everyone good health in the days to come.

Murray Mackenzie, C.I.P., B.Comm., is Senior Vice President of Commercial Insurance at Gallagher. Murray has been working in the insurance industry for over 30 years. He is a graduate of McMaster University. Contact him at murray_mackenzie@ajg.com or visit ajgcanada.com/canfitpro.