Get it done!

COVID-19 has created some unusual workout places

by Cameron Edmonds

This quarantine has been weird for everyone! Having to completely alter personal routines has made it easy for us to stray from healthy habits that took so long to develop.

My personal environment, as well as that of my clients, has drastically changed. I moved from coaching in an amazing facility wearing the best professional training gear to coaching from my laptop in a 10’x10’ living/dining room wearing hoodies, sweatpants, and baseball caps. I have seen some amazing resourcefulness from my clients, as well.

People are training in living rooms, garages, basements, outside, you name it I have seen it. It seems like my clients have adjusted their wardrobes for training at home as well, from wearing the newest Lululemon outfits to wearing their old high school t-shirts and some grass mowing shorts.

With all that being said, it has been difficult for most people to adjust. Finding structure and a new routine can be so difficult during this time. My suggestion to you is to find a coach to keep you accountable. In fact, even a coach isn’t necessary: a friend, colleague, or your family can be your accountability buddy.

It is so easy to talk yourself out of a workout, but having someone checking in with you will make you more likely do the work you had planned.

Along with an accountability coach, find workouts that are simple and utilize what you have readily available. It has been hard to find weights for homes during this pandemic, so use body weight movements, bands, and heavy household items like laundry jugs, water bottle cases, and your kids (be safe) to assist you in your workouts.

A great example of an exercise you can do with some home supplies would be a kettlebell swing using a heavy milk jug or laundry jug. Grab the handle with one or two hands and hinge away!

Another example is using a package of water bottles as a weight for squats. Grab either side of a pack of water bottles, safely lift it up to your chest and start squatting; it’s that simple. If a workout is just out of the question for you right now because of time restraints, concerns about safety, or lack of motivation (trust me, we are all feeling it), just be active. Go for a walk, a bike ride, play with your kids or your dog. It is unbelievable the health benefits a simple walk can do, physically and mentally.

Basically, just get on your feet and out the door, it’s that simple. Training during this quarantine is hard, but not impossible. Who knows how long this quarantine is going to last? That means it is time to pull yourself up and get back in the right direction. If you are reading this, today is your day to start back up with the healthy habits you once had!

Cameron Edmonds is the head trainer at State of Fitness in East Lansing. You can reach him at (517) 708-8828.