Training a Client With COVID-19
A dedicated trainer supports her client through his post-COVID recovery.
With the COVID-19 pandemic came an onslaught of challenges for fitness professionals. It shifted how we operate our businesses and even impacted training strategies—especially for training a client with COVID-19 firsthand. This was the case for trainer and kinesiologist Joanne Livolsi. In August 2022, Livolsi met 59-year-old client, Angel, who had spent months in the hospital fighting the virus. Together, they helped reclaim his wellness.
Finding Strength After COVID-19
Angel’s health emergency began in January 2022 when he contracted COVID-19. He spent 2 months on a ventilator with an estimated 1% chance of survival, his lungs had collapsed and he was induced into a coma. Fortunately, he pulled through and was finally discharged in June 2022—but this was just the beginning of a new health journey.
“Angel went into the hospital at 300 pounds—along with three comorbidities—and lost 80 pounds while he was in the hospital,” says Livolsi. “He lost overall strength and was atrophied in his arms and legs.”
With his physical and aerobic ability severely reduced, Angel’s goals post-COVID were to walk without a wheelchair; get stronger; increase his aerobic capacity; and improve his balance.
A Recovery Program for a Client With COVID-19
Like many fitness professionals during the pandemic, Livolsi had to adapt and learn the best
training protocols along the way.
“I’ve been a trainer for 25 years, and I didn’t have any previous experience with how to train a client with COVID-19,” she says.
Livolsi cautiously leaned on emerging research about aerobic and resistance training for COVID-19 patients. “I had to trust the data in the journals and, luckily, the protocols I used were successful,” she says.
She focused first on helping Angel transfer his weight from wheelchair to machine, while using blood pressure and oxygen saturation data pre- and post-workout to safely track Angel’s progress. Her program consisted of resistance training (on machines) and a minimum of 10 minutes on a stationary bike, twice per week. “Three weeks into the program, Angel was no longer using a wheelchair and walked into the gym with a cane,” shares Livolsi excitedly.
Now, about 2 months into the program, Angel is continuing to build his physical and aerobic capacity with promising success. “Angel is thrilled with his progress!” says Livolsi. “He’s super-focused and wants to get back to riding his mountain bike.”
Bringing Fitness to Health Care
Livolsi’s training with Angel is a shining example of the meaningful role fitness plays in the healthcare continuum. Her health club now has a post-COVID exercise program and collaborates with local hospitals to train discharged patients. For other fit pros on this path, Livolsi stresses the importance of collaboration between fit pro and healthcare team.
“Make sure you get a release of liability from the doctor before you begin working with your client,” she says. “Also find out what surgeries, comorbidities and injuries your client has.”
While Livolsi’s training with Angel improved her skills as a fit pro and enhanced the services at her health club, it also gifted her an inspiring and memorable experience. “One month into the exercise program, Angel was no longer using a cane and walked into the gym,” she recalls fondly. “It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
See also: 4 Legal Essentials Every Studio Owner Must Know in the Post-COVID Era
What’s Your Story?
Do you have a client who has overcome the odds to achieve new heights in health and fitness? Send your story to [email protected], and you and your client may be featured in an upcoming issue of Fitness Journal.
