Fitness and COVID-19

Fitness and COVID-19

This month marks a year since we learned of the first cases of the COVID-19 pandemic. After one year of lockdown, our daily routines have been dramatically changed. As a friend described: “This is surreal—it’s like a movie playing over and over”.I find it interesting how we dealt with the anxiety of all the restrictions and the underlying fear of uncertainty. The things we took for granted were what we most wanted: hugs and kisses, going to a movie, talking a walk in the park or at the beach. Some of my friends and clients used the lockdown time to overeat and binge streaming series online. It is a great way to unwind, no doubt, but not healthy in the long run to stay inactive for so long! In the article “Hope for the Future” by Patricia Ryan, MS, she writes about the importance of physical activity and exercise for promoting physical function and mental health; something which is so important that the World Health Organization, the governments of many countries, and a host of organizations have issued guidelines recommending and stressing that regular activity is one of five lifestyle factors (WHO 2020a; HHS 2018b; HHS & USDA 2015; CSEP 2020)—along with healthy eating, normal body weight, no history of smoking, and low-risk (moderate) alcohol intake—that contributes to longer life expectancy and helps prevent or manage chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart problems (Li et al. 2018; Loef & Walach 2012

COVID -19 and a Fitness turn

When reality hit me around May 2020, I decided to keep my business going by teaching virtual classes so that I could continue to help my clients. Also, after lockdown, I moved into my new house and had more space to set up a workout room. I wasn’t the only one to have that idea, though! I was amazed to discover that there was a shortage of dumbbells, resistance bands, and other fitness props. This led to some businesses and unscrupulous vendors increasing the price of a dumbbell from $1.00 to $4.00 per pound. Two ten-pound dumbbells cost $80.00 plus tax and shipping! Props such as Bosu, resistance bands, and glides were out of stock for a few weeks. When they were back in stock, the price increased more due to product demand. Gyms and fitness centers suffered big losses by closing temporarily, some had to close permanently.

Working out at Home vs. at fitness facilities

The trend of using fitness props at home is growing. There are so many alternatives, like stationary bicycles with personalized routines, specialized workout music, and even time with a personal trainer! People are getting more comfortable with the idea of watching a video or following instructions through a virtual connection. According to the article “Industry Trends in a COVID-19 World” from Idea Fitness by Patricia Ryan, MS, the fitness industry has dramatically changed, and virtual training is here to stay. However, for those who have the space and want to set up a personal exercise room, please look at a list of ideas for setting one up in our next blog post. We will also offer goal-setting coaching soon as part of our classes. As pandemic restrictions are slowly relaxed and this crisis passes, why not join us and get a head start with a healthy and structured approach to regular exercise and fitness that you can easily and comfortably continue as things get back to normal?