For a society that puts so much emphasis on staying in shape, the absence of gyms and fitness studios in this pandemic environment have left us virtually on our own.
But not totally. Whether it’s personal motivation, habit, the internet, creativity or just plain humor, people are doing their best to keep their bodies active and healthy to the best of their abilities.
“Me and my running ladies did a 30-mile live-time running relay on Saturday,” said Kathleen Walsh, CEO of MetroNorth YMCA, who lives in Lynnfield. “We texted the next leg when we finished, and we are doing this every weekend until we can run together.”
And that, says Jessica Lynch, who grew up in Marblehead and who founded WishRoute, a text message-based accountability service
that helps users build healthy exercise and eating habits, is ideal.
“If you have a workout buddy, that’s a perfect way not to feel isolated.”
Some people forced into this predicament are finding their way to creative conditioning, such as Jolene Kelly, who was the operations director for LynnArts when she lived in Lynn.
“Chair workouts on YouTube,” said Kelly, who moved two years ago to Wyoming. “Every time I pass through a doorway in my house I do 15 standing push-ups (against the wall) and five squats. When I walk across the room I do arm exercises.”
And that can be all it takes, says Lynn trainer Pam Sargent, who operates Limitless Fitness in Lynn.
“I’m kind of old school,” said Sargent, who has successfully converted her in-studio fitness classes to be streamed three times a day (6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m.) over the Internet. “I stress daily movement. The body was made to move.
“Historically, even before all this happened, a lot of people had office jobs, and they were sitting at desks all day.”
In other words, in her world, there’s more time to get in shape now than there was before.
And there are a lot of people trying.
St. Mary’s boys basketball coach Dave Brown bought a Peloton stationary bike.
“Best money I ever spent,” said Brown, of Lynn, who is also a Winthrop police officer.
“I’m walking five days a week about 6.5 miles a day. Good for my mental health as well as my immune system,” said Mark Brennan of Lynn.
These last two months have proven that there is so much out there for people even if they’re deprived from going to the gym or doing other structured activities to stay in shape.
“I walk every morning,” said Ken Perlow of Marblehead. “If it’s nice out I go again, even if just leisurely, in the afternoon.
“The best part is you only need sneakers and a sweatshirt, or hat based on weather. But there’s no excuse for me — simply walk out the door.”
Runners have continued to run.
I’m still running outside,” said Glen Harrington of Saugus. “I’m about to tentatively start training for the Chicago Marathon.”
Those with simpler goals can simply consult the internet. There they can find people like Sargent, who are willing to dispense their methods and advice online.
“When people come to me, I usually give them goals,” she said. “I tell them to get a step tracker, and then they find out it’s not that easy to get to those 5,000 or 10,000 steps a day.”
Access to her routine can be found on social media and on her website, and joining is easy. Taking her class may not be, however.
“It takes time,” she said, “and it takes motivation. I start with cardio, and then add (hand) weights. But you have to be consistent and you have to want it. I’m pretty straightforward about it.”
Lynch is a big advocate of exercising outdoors, even in the cold weather.
“Get out and take deep breaths,” she said. “This works especially if you’re anxious. Every three steps, breathe in, and then breathe out for six steps. It starts to relax the body. Do deep breathing. Focus on taking deep breaths. It doesn’t matter how long you’re out there.”
Even more important is to stay active.
“Even if you’re inside, stay active,” she said. “Walk around the room you’re in. Walk around the yard, or the block, if you’re talking on the phone. I have people tell me they hit (Fitbit) steps walking around. Walk around the edge of the market after you’ve put the groceries away.”
Even better, she said, “most towns still have all the walking trails open, and rail trails. You can walk along those.”
And if you’re looking for some online fitness training, WishRoute can link you up with one.
“We’ve located some of the top Boston-based gyms and studios that are hosting online workouts.”
Another component is meditation.
“It is an important part of a healthy, stress-free routine,” she said. “Even if it’s only two or three minutes. If you can, take up Yoga. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, and it allows you to breathe deeply.”
Humor may be another component.
“I skip the exercise,” said Lynn lawyer Judy Wayne, who lives in Marblehead, “and go right for the cookies.”