Fitness On Your Own Time

by Nancy Kelley

How has your fitness routine evolved over the last two years? With most gyms, small fitness studios, local YMCAs and other recreation centers now fully open for in-person workouts, it may feel like pre-pandemic times. You might think it natural or necessary to go back to your pre-pandemic schedule. But some of us ended up changing our routines for the better. Personally, I fell madly in love with my new hybrid schedule and have no intention of ever giving it up.

When the pandemic hit, I was lucky to be able to keep up my Pilates workouts, because the folks at MOVE Wellness were quick to pivot to live online classes. Let me be clear, I was not excited at the thought of online classes, but because it was my only option at the time, I played along. Little did I know that online classes would become a lifeline socially, emotionally, and physically for the next 10+ months.

Like everyone else who missed their old routines, I was super excited to return to my in-person workouts when the studio reopened. But here’s what surprised me: as much as I absolutely wanted to return to the Pilates studio, I did not want to give up my at-home online classes. Could I do both? Yes!

What slowly came into focus for me as gyms and studios reopened was the opportunity to adapt my fitness routine to include both virtual and in-studio training. As a result, I was able to build a more robust, flexible, and sustainable fitness routine. For the first time ever, my fitness routine fit my life, on my terms, instead of the other way around. I was working out more than I had in a decade. More classes and more consistency led to more results. What’s next? A hybrid fitness routine? I have learned so much by being forced out of my

For the first normal fitness routine and experimenting time ever, my with live online classes. It’s something I would never have tried, had it not been fitness routine fit my for COVID-19 shutting down all the gyms, tennis clubs, and fitness studios life, on my terms, in Ann Arbor. It’s easy to point to these instead of the other online classes as a silver lining in a very difficult time. way around. I have often heard MOVE Wellness owner Elaine Economou say, “the consistency and frequency of your routine builds positive outcomes,” and I have to say, she is right. I was able to increase my workout frequency while still receiving quality instruction, all from the comfort of my own home. And I am definitely seeing the benefits. At a time when most people were moving less, I was actually moving more and both my physical and mental health benefited. Truth: If I could only choose one form of exercise, it would not be online fitness. I’d choose tennis! I’m so grateful to be back on the courts and taking in-person fitness classes. But thankfully, I don’t have to choose. It’s extremely clear that online classes have a very important place in my routine, adding significant value, flexibility, and very real positive outcomes. I also know how much Pilates improves my tennis game and keeps me injuryfree. Since I don’t have to choose, I plan to continue with a mix of virtual and in-person training. This hybrid fitness routine keeps me moving more and stressing less and reminds me of another Elaine Economou mantra: “the more you move the better you feel.”

What I love about my online classes: • Seeing who shows up for class (a little like happy hour)!

I do feel like part of a community. Sometimes we chat, sometimes we don’t; either way it’s okay. • The flexibility of changing my clothes (or not) five minutes before logging on for class. • The ease of adding on extra classes when my schedule allows it—avoiding the pressure of an early commitment to something I’m not sure I will be able to do. • Occasionally doing class in my pajamas with the camera off. • The ease of working out while traveling or on vacation.

I spend a lot of time in northern Michigan and can take my online routine with me. • The travel time I’m able to save by taking virtual classes;

I can be in and out of an online class in 50 minutes! I’m a contract employee paid hourly, so every minute counts. • The overall value—I am getting live, professional instruction at an affordable price. What I love about my in-person classes: • The 1:1 in-person connection with my trainer, who can correct my form with more nuance or encourage me to push a bit harder. • The equipment—jumping on the Pilates reformer, chair, or Cadillac keeps things interesting. • In-person interactions with friends and instructors. • Occasionally leaving my house to both physically and emotionally immerse myself in the fitness environment.

Nancy Kelley