I read an article about how the pandemic has shown that gyms don’t need to reopen and we never needed them in the first place.

I disagreed with the article for Three Key reasons:

The first is because for many the gym is more than just working out. It’s a community of people coming together to invest in their health.

As someone who taught Group Fitness for years I can tell you that for many people, fitness classes are an escape from stressful every day lives. What better way to sweat it out to loud music with your friends.

I can personally testify to the fact that my clients are excited to get back to the physical gym not only for the exercise but social interaction we have with each other and for those who lack the motivation to train at home on their own, studios with trainers and classes provide the structure needed to be consistent with fitness programs.

Second: There are pieces of equipment that we may not have at home due to cost and/or space constraints. I like to use the Treadmill and for some of us pricey equipment may be out of our budgets for the moment.

Third: The Gym provides diverse workouts for people than just training on your own. Sometimes I like to do cardio, sometimes I like to lift heavier weights on weight machines, sometimes I like to lift lighter dumbbells. It changes so for many of us the gym provides diversity to keep our overall fitness levels high.

I will agree that with the gym closures many of us have learned that fitness does not have to exist solely at the gym. I have also learned that long workouts aren’t necessary and come up with more efficient ways to train.

Making it work without a Gym

While I have continued to train clients over Zoom, I have found myself without a gym for the first time since I have started seriously working out. I have to admit I was a little worried that I would fall off the map with my own training but I don’t believe in teaching something you are not doing so I began building my own fitness program while sheltering in place.

This is what I’ve been doing

Walking

At the beginning of the pandemic I will admit I was much more consistent about going for a daily walk around the neighborhood. I still try to get out there at least 3-4 days per week. My neighborhood is very hilly and I’ve even tried to run up several of the steeper ones…and yeah… I miss my treadmill hill intervals.

20-30 minute Strength Training routines featuring: Dumbbells and Resistance Bands

What kind of Fitness Professional would I be if I couldn’t make up my own routines? What I’ve taken to doing is setting my timer for 20-30 minutes, putting on the headphones, and going for it. I use the timer because let’s be real with an end goal in sight, I keep working. Great way to strength train and get conditioned at the same time.

Yoga: YouTube and Thriveability Yoga Studio

Back in January I discovered Sarah Beth Yoga and I do her 15-20 minute Yoga Videos most often in the Mornings.

My primary in person yoga practice is with Thriveability Yoga Studio in San Francisco and the studio went virtual at the start of the pandemic. I will admit that it is nice to practice right at my house without leaving.

Blogilates: YouTube

I wanted to try Barre this year and while this isn’t Barre. It has the same ideas of Barre and Pilates by working the stabilizing muscles and focusing on Core Strength. I also like that the instructor is upbeat and she plays great music in the classes. You can choose from 10-20 minute classes. I like to do these classes after a nice walk.

Peloton Classes

I reviewed these classes on the blog and I love them. There is so much variety: Bootcamps, Strength Training. Bodyweight Classes, and of course Bike/Treadmill classes for that equipment.

I have enjoyed all of the instructors I’ve taken so far: Robin, Jess, and Rebecca. Great music and as a Fitness professional I have to say that I love their programming: Activation, Strength Training Circuit Style (Best way to train for women I think), and a Burner Round to really work the cardio conditioning component.

Workout DVD’s

I’ve dusted off my old Workout DVD’s when I can’t come up with my own routine or I want something different. I have Beachbody 21 Day Fix and Hammer & Chisel DVD’s.

All I will say is that I put on my headphones when I do these workouts and I also will substitute exercises but sometimes it’s better than nothing.

What I have learned

  • 20-30 minutes is enough for an effective workout
  • There are plenty of good free resources on YouTube
  • Walking is excellent exercise
  • Fitness is about lifestyle and not the gym

I have learned that 20-30 minutes is enough for an effective workout and so when we return to the gym, I will do that instead of saying “Forget it. I don’t have an hour.”

Sarah Beth Yoga and Blogilates are both outstanding free resources that you don’t have need equipment for.

Walking outside for 20-30 minutes should be regular practice for all of us. I really enjoy getting out in the fresh air. More walking and it is excellent for your legs without much impact.

Fitness is about lifestyle and not the gym. That’s what fitness is truly about. It’s about making it pat of your life even where there is no gym. There is always a way.

We may not need the gym but we are privileged to have it as an option.

I hope to exercise that privilege again with my clients and community again really soon.