1Rebel, the London-based boutique studio operator, has announced a new initiative to help support its freelance instructors through the current period of COVID-19 uncertainty.

Speaking to Health Club Management, 1Rebel co-founder James Balfour explained: “As is the case with so many businesses in our sector, and particularly among those operating a ‘pay per class’ boutique model, the temporary closure of our seven studios means we have zero income.

“In these challenging times, we are particularly worried about our freelance instructors, who will have to wait until June to benefit from any financial support from the government. In the meantime, they have rent to pay, bills to cover, food to buy.

“1Rebel customers are already being supported with online workouts while they’re stuck at home, delivered via the newly launched 1Rebel TV. This went live a week ago and is already being viewed from 32 different countries.

“Access to the platform costs £15.99 a month after a five-day free trial, or £29.99 for three months – and we wanted to find a way to put some of this money into our trainers’ pockets.

“We have therefore been encouraging people to support their favourite instructor by signing up and entering the instructor’s name, followed by the number 20, into the promo code section. This entitles the customer to a 20 per cent discount, with the profits going directly to their chosen instructor.”

He added: “On top of the ongoing support we are already giving self-employed instructors, we hope this extra income will help them keep going during these times of economic uncertainty. And of course, the more people who sign up, the more we can support them.”

1Rebel TV already includes over 100 on-demand workouts, with more being added all the time. Additional resources include cooking worksheets, stretch and meditation sessions and, coming soon, inspirational talks and Q&A sessions with 1Rebel trainers.

For more information visit 1Rebel TV.