Leading global fitness sharing platform ClassPass is launching live-streamed classes through its ClassPass app and website to help fitness and wellness partners during COVID-19.

Through to 1st June 2020, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the studios and fitness instructors who are unable to host in-person classes due to COVID-19. ClassPass has also created a Partner Relief Fund, giving people an easy way to donate to their favourite studios directly through the app. ClassPass will match all studio contributions up to US$1 million.

As millions of people across the world are being asked to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, fitness clubs and gyms worldwide are being forced to close. Many of these are run by small business owners who may not be able to afford rent or pay their employees while shutdown.

As reported in Forbes, ClassPass Founder and Executive Chairman Payal Kadakia advised:

“I founded ClassPass to connect people with their passions and to help them stay active. I also wanted to support the growth of the then-nascent boutique fitness industry. In our new Coronavirus-inflicted world, our industry is struggling as never before. We’re stepping up to help the industry at a time when it needs it most.”

ClassPass Chief Executive, Fritz Lanman also told Forbes “90% of our 30,000 partner studios have indefinitely closed their doors in the past two weeks, and many have already started to lay off their teams. It’s imperative that we act now to save these businesses that play such an important role in keeping our communities healthy”.

ClassPass will use its technology and database of over one million subscribers to bring much-needed revenue to studios and their employees. These new live workouts will help members interact in real-time with their favourite instructors, offering connection, stress relief and physical activities from the safety of their homes.

Kadakia enthused:

“It’s never been more important for people to stay active and healthy. We’re excited to work with master instructors from studio partners around the world in creating high-quality content that helps consumers build healthy self-care into their new study-at-home and work-at-home routines.”

Australasian Leisure Management e-news 30th March.