The social element of exercise is something that all group fitness instructors thrive on. But with Covid-19 forcing gyms to close, highly-sociable exercisers suddenly find they're unable to get their fitness fix.
A group of Les Mills instructors discuss how they're staying fit, healthy and connected in isolation. One lockdown, four different approaches – which one will work best for you?
#1 TAKING TIME OUT
Many believe this forced isolation is the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and enjoy a slower pace of life. Of course you don’t want to ditch the physical activity altogether, you need at least some light exercise to keep your mental health in check.
Gigi Varela West is an instructor who's using this downtime to "get to know her bed a bit better” and she’s not alone.
“I have been so burned out that I’ve been ready to quit the gym altogether,” said Susan Fisher, “I’m now taking this time to do something that I haven’t done in 7.5 years: rest. I am hoping that when we come out of this I will be recharged and ready to get back to it.”
Lisa Erhart says she’s also taking time for herself “I’m being forced to sit back and relax. I’m picking up some new hobbies like drawing and cooking while also spending more time outdoors, away from technology. This is a reality check for me. It’s a reset button. I’m giving myself time to find balance between mind and body.”
#2: KEEPING UP THE ROUTINE
If you’ve got few commitments and nowhere to go, it can be a slippery slope to Slothville, so it’s a good idea to stick to some sort of routine. This means getting up at the same time each day and making physical activity a regular occurrence.
Instructor Carie Steinkamp has her classes on hold and is doing her day job from home, but she’s still sticking to her normal schedule. “I start work at the same time, take lunch at the same time and stop at the same time. Tonight I jumped around my kitchen doing a BODYCOMBAT class at the normal time I would be teaching. I think no matter where you're at, if you keep your general routine the same it helps bring a sense of normalcy.”
Michelle Reynolds plans to do her usual BODYPUMP three times a week, alternate her upper and lower body training and try some new options too. “I did BODYPUMP at the park behind my house and then did my upper body workout with bodyweight and the plates I had. Tomorrow I might try BODYFLOW.” “I’m exercising every morning at home and setting a daily schedule with my family. This way there is some routine in our lives,“ says Katy Carver Rees.
#3: EXPLORING ON DEMAND
If you’ve been thinking about jumping on the at-home exercise bandwagon now’s a great time to set up your own home gym or simply clear a space in the lounge. It’s easy to set yourself up for at-home exercise success.
Andrea Eid is a BODYCOMBAT™ and BODYPUMP™ instructor who’s always wanted to try different programs from those she teaches but she never has time. Since being in isolation she’s logged on to LES MILLS™ On Demand and given LES MILLS BARRE™ and LES MILLS GRIT™ Cardio a go.
Monica Martini has started using LES MILLS On Demand to perfect her technique and get better at her regular live classes. “I use the On Demand workout to focus on my form since I rarely get to see how I am doing”.
“LES MILLS On Demand is a true sanity saver!” says instructor and mother Lissa Doyle Bing. Lissa has been mixing up the at-home workouts (there are kids sessions too!) with regular nature walks with the kids.
Get your free 60 day trial of Les Mills premium-level on demand, featuring over 800 workouts to try at home! Plus, Village Gym members can enjoy an exclusive discount on the monthly rate afterwards!
#4: SAVVY SOCIAL MEDIA
With isolation the new norm, not only is social media playing an important part in keeping us informed and connected, but it's also proving to be a great way to fuel fitness. Our Village Gym YouTube channel has clocked up almost 3000 subscribers since lockdown began three weeks ago, and our members are loving our online workouts.
Since being in lockdown, Kristin Hart has joined a couple of Facebook groups that are doing challenges every day. “A good example is the 300 reps per day challenge (you pick your poison: squats, lunges, push-ups, crunches, mix it up, high and low impact).”
Brenna Comee has been making the most of her gym’s Facebook groups. “We’ve been posting live videos to help members stay motivated, giving them creative ideas on how to move their bodies and get sweaty, and technique and form information.”
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Thanks to Les Mills for sharing their inspiration via lesmills.com.
