Getting Back Out There - Fitness 'Post Pandemic'
I was joking with a friend the other day, thinking back to the week the world shut down, and how I was ready to hit the gym that week. Nothing was going to stop me from getting my workout, including signs of the plague. Then the world stopped, my gym shut down to the public, and 18 months later, we are still navigating a pandemic-style world.
For the last several years, fitness studios have been my life. I’ve discovered new ones when I travelled, I’m dedicated to ones in my own city, and I am always on the lookout for new, fun places to try out. I now haven’t stepped foot into an indoor workout facility in over a year. My workouts are done from the comfort of my own home, or when I’m lucky, when an outdoor one pops up in my city. As someone who thrived working out in a group, it’s been a real shift during the last year. I’ve had to readjust my mindset, my goals and rethink my approach to fitness entirely.
As we near the end of the summer (yes, nearing the end of the summer is a crazy concept, too), I keep trying to figure out what my cold weather ‘post-pandemic’ fitness routine is going to look like. Gyms and studios are open, people are getting back into classes, so where does that leave me?
The truth is, I don’t know what my cold-weather fitness plan is yet. There is a part of me that so misses getting out and into a studio to workout, while there is another part of me still so scared by the pandemic that the thought of breathing the same sweaty workout air as other people gives me hives. And I know I’m not alone. And guess what? That’s ok.
Fitness is going to look different in the new ‘post-pandemic’ world. They key is figuring out what you’re comfortable with and building a routine around that. There are lots of fitness options, regardless of what you choose to do, so here are a few tips I’ve been living by when making my own post-pandemic choices:
Go virtual: Home workouts are here to stay. Trainers who have developed online platforms during the pandemic are going to continue to create content and build their businesses online. If you’re not quite ready to get back out into a studio, look into a virtual option. Many of the platforms also offer live class options hosted through Zoom, so you have more of an ability to interact with the instructor and even other members of the class.
Check studio policies: If you are ready to get back out there, but you’re still a little nervous, do your research. Studios have been very candid about what COVID precautions they are taking in order to make clients feel safe. Find a studio whose policies and health and safety measures resonate with you. That way, you can feel comfortable as you ease back into in-person workouts.
Small Group Classes: If a large group environment makes you nervous, check out smaller studios in your area. Smaller studios will naturally have smaller classes available and are often more cautious than larger gyms. It is still important to check studio policies to make sure you’re comfortable with the overall health measures, but generally, a small studio is a safe bet.
Be forgiving: If you’re not ready, then you’re not ready. Everyone is easing back into life at their own pace, and there is a lot of comfort-level shaming going on. Don’t let someone else’s opinion sway your gut. If you’re feeling nervous about a studio or class, don’t go. There will be plenty of time to re-introduce in-person studio or gym workouts into your life. The goal of fitness is not to stress you out, but to make you feel empowered, so choosing where you work out should leave you feeling the same way.
Remember, fitness should be fun! Anything you choose to add into your life should bring you joy and comfort, not stress and anxiety. Choose options that feel good for you, no matter what anyone else is doing.
Michelle Levine | Personal Trainer & Group Fitness, Holistic Health & Wellness Coach
Website & Member Space: www.michlwellness.com
IG @michlwellness