PUBLIC SPACE
GOT A
MINUTE? Working out and playing sports is a daily activity for many, and an active lifestyle helps people feel fitter and more comfortable in their skin. Physical exercise also has a proven ability to relax us and even reduce stress. So it was a rude awakening for many people when all the sports clubs and gyms shut their doors in mid-March. Exercising at home or outdoors were the only options left. We asked a few sporty types what recent months have been like for them.
MARY VAN DER ZEE (51) Manager at Evi Operations Likes to work out at Clubsportive ‘It was a nightmare for me when the gyms closed, because I work out five times a week. It was a tough adjustment. I have a personal trainer and we arranged to work out outdoors twice a week. With the lovely spring weather, it was great to train in Beatrixpark and around Zuidas. I found out that with creativity, natural obstacles like stairs and low walls, a pair of boxing gloves and a yoga matt, you can get a complete workout being outdoors. I started going back to the gym in the meantime, also because it motivates me to work out with other people around. But I’m still doing workouts outdoors, too, because I really enjoyed it.’
SHOROMBO MOOIJ (36) Life & health coach Likes to work out outdoors ‘I work out a lot, but when everything closed I didn’t mind it too much. I adapt easily and pretty soon had a new routine. In fact, I decided I’ve come out of this crisis stronger and fitter than ever. I ran with resistance bands and sometimes with boxing gloves in my rucksack. I used to do obstacle runs, so the whole city is a race course for me. Also, Boogieland hung up bags all over the city, so I planned my runs to be able to box a few rounds along the way. Now I’m attending favourite gyms again and feel totally safe there. I’ve been investing in my health for years, my immune system’s in peak form, and I’m strong and fit, so I don’t belong to a high-risk group.’
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