Week 6-- Are you moving?

It’s Week 6 and it never fails that people ask, “how are you spending your time?” as we #stayathome and practice #physicaldistancing. One way that I spend my days is by moving. It’s very important for me to manage my energy well. Before COVID-19, I attended indoor cycling classes a few times a week and also enjoy Barre3 classes and have even started sneaking back in boxing, HIIT, and yoga to my routine. And now, that all of my beloved studios are closed, I’ve had to set up my extremely basic at-home fitness experience and invite instructors, virutally, into my home. I’ve accepted the adventure of trying out different workouts and even having fun working out with instructors who mainly work with the rich and famous.


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If you believe in science, then you’ll know that movement produces endorphins and releases cortisol in essence relieving you of stress and filling you with happiness. Physical activity is also great for your immune system which is important, especially during a pandemic. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus and the better in shape your lungs, the better it could be for you should you fall ill.

No one is saying that you need to go hard 2 hours a day for 7 days a week. There are many effective workouts that last for 20-30 minutes. You can do a targeted workout for 10-15 minutes and that will have an impact on your body and mind. In fact, most of the IG Live workouts are between 10-30 minutes. It’s okay to take workout nuggets or combine nuggets together throughout the day.

It’s so easy to sink into your couch or stay slumped over at your WFH station AND IF THAT’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO THEN DO IT! I spend time doing all of the above each day. Take what you need people. I don’t workout for my look— this isn’t about not gaining the Quarantine 15. This is all about my mental health.

If you want to move, I want to make sure that you’re equipped with information.

Below are some of my finds:

Dance 

Local (Support Nashville Studios)

People can get hung up about not having equipment, which in some cases could matter a great deal. I can’t do a cycling workout becuase I don’t have a bike. So, there’s that. I do have a pair of 3lb and 5lb weights, ankle and wrist weights, a set of resistance bands, a Barre3 ball, sneaker, and a yoga mat. I’ve also used my kitchen counter, my couch, and towels as equipment. I’ve seen people use canned goods and bottles of wine for weights. Most trainers online offer modications not just for movement but also equipment. Often, your bodyweight is all you need.

For ZOOM workouts, you can keep your camera off if you’d like, but it has been a form of community and connection for me to keep my camera on and interact with the instructor or other classmates through the chat feature at appropriate times. It allows your instructor to see you and encourage you. This is especially the case for local studio classes when I actually get to see instructors and attendees that I know in Nashville. Most IG Live workouts are saved for 24 hours and so if you miss a workout, you can always go back and complete it later in the day. If you’re watching it live, there is a chat feature that you can use to ask the instructor questions or share your feelings about the session. Most instructors do take time to have a little chat with folks before, during, or after the workout. They will also encourage you to take a sweaty selfie and tag them :).

Also, if you’re able to, please PAY your instructors. Remember, this is their profession. It’s okay to ask for VENMO information and pay them for their work even if they offer it for free. We want our studios to be open when we’re able to return and they can only stay in business if we support them during this time period.

I still put my workouts on my calender on Sundays and work hard to commit to my plan. This time is not easy and movement is one thing that I know keeps me in a better place. I’m looking forward to this week of classes and I hope that you find something that moves you and gets you excited to get up off the couch or out of the bed as we #staysaferathome.

Wishing you health and happiness.

Krystal Clark