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Rise of independent virtual trainers and coaches in Western New York

Posted at 3:47 AM, Jul 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-23 06:52:23-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — While many people are waiting for gyms to reopen in New York state, others are taking matters into their own hands.

We've seen people running, and gyms having outdoor classes, but there's also been a rise of independent virtual trainers and coaches.

Stefanie Martinelli, from Buffalo, is a fitness instructor who has created what she calls "girl gang."

It's an accountability group with written and recorded video workouts giving people an opportunity to work out in the privacy of their own homes.

It's women supporting each other, without fad diets all via social media.

"A lot of the women that are coming to me are terrified of the gym," Martinelli said. "It's reaching a whole different category for the people that won't go to the gym because they're introverted, don't want to go out and make those connections, or have a fear, so I think this is definitely a way of the future."

Martinelli says she plans to continue with her virtual girl gangs, post-quarantine.

You can find her on Instagram here.