Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Have you stopped exercising since the pandemic began? We have all been sheltering in place for months now, but don’t let that stop you from keeping physically active in your home or outside. Since shelter-in-place orders were put into effect, many fitness instructors and trainers, including myself, have been teaching virtual classes through Zoom or other livestream platforms. While livestream and pre-recorded video workouts aren’t the same as taking a class in person, they’re the next best thing. Taking virtual classes from home is an excellent way to stay connected with your instructor, personal trainer or co-workers, even if you can’t be in the studio or gym together. They’re also a great way to mitigate feelings of isolation and anxiety by sticking to your regular workout schedule. Consistently participating in livestream classes through your fitness center or gym will help keep you on a regular schedule, and will provide a comforting sense of normalcy during unpredictable times.
Livestream classes also give the novice student a confident start to their exercise journey in the comfort of their own home while still getting the opportunity to be part of a community. In-person classes with individuals at all fitness levels can be intimidating for newbies. Livestream classes allow newcomers to observe classes and take breaks as needed. You can find fitness classes for every level on YouTube, Facebook Live or Instagram. Additionally, many gyms doing virtual and outdoor classes in the Bay Area, so you will find many options for your level.
What you will need to get started with virtual or livestream classes:
- A space inside or outside, with a smooth surface, that is approximately 8 x 8 for dance classes or smaller for Yoga, core or Pilates classes.
- A towel and a mat.
- If the class is “livestream,” such as Zoom or other conferencing platforms, make sure you have a strong Internet connection. You won’t have to worry too much about internet speed for YouTube, Instagram or Facebook.
- Make sure to hydrate before, during and after the class. Working out inside can get very warm, so having a fan is helpful.
- If a livestream class is utilizing weights, and you do not have dumbbells, you can improvise by filling up water bottles or gallon jugs with water, gravel or sand. Other objects that can be used as weights are cans, a bag of pet food, a large bottle of laundry detergent, a bag of potatoes, heavy books, or paint cans. You can also order workout equipment such as weights, resistance bands, and Bosu balls through Amazon or other websites.
The bottom line is that exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, boost your health and have fun. Exercising will help manage certain health issues and chronic diseases including diabetes, depression, anxiety, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Stay safe and healthy during the pandemic, and consider joining a livestream class in the comfort of your home.
About the Author:
Judy Gadbois is the Program Manager at NVIDIA in Santa Clara. Judy has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years teaching group fitness classes in both athletic clubs and at corporate sites. Judy’s passion lies in leading group fitness, building strong teams of employees, and providing clients with an exceptional experience.
