Last weekend I saw a post from a commentator that said that it was over for the fitness industry and personal training.  He said that these services were only going to be a service for the wealthy and the elite and it was the end of the road for fitness.

He’s wrong for several reasons.  Fitness isn’t over and neither is personal training.  Sure, it may look different from here on out, but I think a pandemic will encourage people to see that their health is well worth investing in.  There will be changes to the industry no doubt, BUT fitness professionals who can adapt and are about serving THE PEOPLE will survive.

This week the theme of conversation has been: What’s next? How are we going to navigate this next normal?  What might it look like?

The truth is we’re all still figuring things out but one thing Is clear: We’re not going back to the way things were and that can cause a lot of anxiety and frustration for people.

These are some health tips I am PERSONALLY employing as we navigate this season of change.

This is a marathon and not a sprint so we need to strengthen ourselves so that we can endure to get through to the other side.

Health Tips for Navigating this time of upheaval

  • Get Connected: I’ve gotten involved in several small groups (both virtual and outside) and it’s really helpful to meet with others to talk about the changes that we’re all experiencing
  • Get involved with your community: If you find yourself becoming anxious about social issues, then do something to get involved with your community.  Sitting on the sidelines and worrying isn’t accomplishing much.  Even donating to food banks and organizations is super helpful.  So many organizations are hurting right now and if you have extra money to donate, then they would appreciate it.
  • Find a New Hobby or Mindless Activity: This week I found out a friend of mine likes to go to antiquing to relieve stress and I shared that I watch the Real Housewives and read silly romance books in order to destress and escape.
  • Exercise: Listen we’re all stressed to a certain degree and it’s normal.  We are in a pandemic!  Exercising is a great stress relief and the hormones it releases are so good for your mind!
  • Get outside when you can: Socially distanced of course but get outside.  We had a month of horrible air quality here in the Bay Area and the inability to get outside really made a difference in mental health.
  • Talk it out and write it out: Don’t pretend that everything is okay when we’re all concerned about what is next.  Talking it out and writing it out really does help.  AVOID THIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA THOUGH.  It’s a cesspool.

These next several weeks are going to be INTENSE.
Take care of yourself and your neighbors!