The lack of any consistency or normalcy has put us all on edge.
I think one thing we can all agree on is that life is very different. We are missing so many everyday interactions that we took for granted, and wanting to connect in ways that are somewhat familiar.
But, what amazes me is how some businesses are adapting to the new normal. In a way, they have created safe ways to keep their businesses going and are able to survive (and some even thrive) by pivoting to an alternative way to reach people.
Restaurants offering curbside pickup or delivery, stores doing online product showings, singalongs, cooking tutorials, and Zoom talk shows all help us maintain a sense of what we had before. I'm grateful for those, but for me, it's the online workout classes.
I don't have the stress of working from home, nor do I have the responsibility of home-schooling my kids. However, I do feel anxious and working out has always helped me cope. When I was a working mom and my kids were little, my one workout video saved me when I couldn't make it to a class.
The explosion of online workouts, and the caring and concern from the the instructors has been a gift through all of the uncertainty. I've tried classes from my gym that I might never have done, been able to do workouts from clubs and instructors from all over the country, and felt more empowered, because I can do the workouts on my own time. (Even though I have ALL the time now).
It's my home, my equipment, and I know that no one has been near anything so it's safe.
I know not all workouts lend themselves to the home video format. If you don't have a spin bike or treadmill at home, cycle studio and machine workouts wouldn't work. But if you're open to a new way to sweat, give an online class a try.
Don't get me wrong. I really miss the camaraderie and energy of the people in class, and the motivation from the instructors, so when it's safe, I'd like to do both.
But in the meantime, if you can swing it , try to continue paying your memberships to keep the studios going, and send your instructors a little extra love ( cards, gifts, Venmo a thank you tip, encouraging posts on their pages) to help them through all of this too. Unfortunately, some of the best studios have had to close their doors permanently because of the pandemic.
Add some of your favorites in the comments or email me with your pick.
TruFusion-stl CTF Chicago
Barrys at home Peleton App (they have more than just spin)
DoYouRumble-Boxing HIIT Club B
ARC Body Solutions (Facebook) Zumba Strong
Quarantine Bod with Karyn (Facebook) HIIT314
Lifetime Fitness Linsanely Fit
