Fitness professionals should use the coronavirus-induced lockdown – where possible – to enhance their knowledge and develop skills ready for when the gyms and leisure facilities eventually reopen.

That is the message from James Clack, head of digital learning at training provider Active IQ.

Writing in a blog post on the ukactive website, Clack says that as professionals are facing enforced breaks from their day-do-day work they should "take the opportunity to be proactive and learn new skills and broaden their knowledge".

"As we face an unprecedented global situation, we must harness all we know about motivation to make the most of this situation – and not let it dampen our enthusiasm," he writes.

"We are seeing some extraordinary efforts among fitness professionals, who are pivoting their business models and skills to maximise their time.

"Many of them are adapting to new ways to train clients online and through video streaming services, which is good for keeping their clients on track.

"But they also have an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and develop skills ready for when gyms and leisure facilities reopen.

"Now, more than ever, we need to keep stimulated and do our best where we can."

A number of fitness training providers are now offering CPD online courses, with some launching bespoke courses and content to help fitness professionals during the lockdown.

One of them is Active IQ, which has opened up its Skills Hub CPD and Medical Advisor training resource to all fitness professionals.

For more information on training providers and the courses they offer, click here for the Leisure Opportunities dedicated training news and information page.

To find out more about Active IQ's Skills hub, click here.