8 things fitness has given me, but more importantly what it can give you, during this time of isolation
So here we are in the most unprecedented time we as human kind have ever encountered. The entire world is literally forced to stay home due to circumstance we have no control of. Our lives have been put on pause and changed drastically.
For myself and many in the fitness and wellness space, this means gyms and where we teach classes has closed. Many of us, myself included are self employed and so have no income, struggle to have routine and some have been relieved of any form of classes due to gyms financial struggle. To say this time is terrifying from a mental well-being perspective, emotional perspective and a financial perspective is putting it mildly. However, what I know and continue to live my life by is that fitness and exercise is a fantastic method by which to cope.
So I thought I’d summarise below 8 reasons I find fitness helps me and why it can help you:
Movement is therapy- moving your body and stretching and mobilising can help to release tension and reduce stress.
It forces us to check in with ourselves- you want to work out but don’t feel motivated? Exercise allows us to find a reason why we don’t want to do something, forced us to ask ourselves the question and help us address what’s truly going on.
Its fun! Need I say more?
The mental challenge- this is a huge one for me. I like programming challenging workouts to force myself to prove I can still achieve something. I am still in control of my body and how far I can push it-even if I’m not in control of the world around me!
It connects you with friends-in my friendship group we have done a workout whilst FaceTiming one another. We’ve shared workouts between us and celebrated our at home successes. It really can help you feel supported by friends you miss or community you miss too.
Breaks up the day-for those still working from home, it helps to stop you from drowning into that laptop screen and get the endorphins flowing and boost your day. No matter how intense or how long movement helps to reset your working mind!
Mental Health-specifically escapism. For me when I go for a run just regulating my breathing, putting one foot in front of another and getting lost in the run is powerful. That headspace movement gives you is next to none and I am so thankful for it.
Give my days purpose- now not in a morbid way, but exercise gives me a reason for my day. To better myself; to make content that can help others; to offer my advice and knowledge through videos and posts.
For me exercise is the key thing getting me through this crazy time. It doesn’t have to be wild like taking up CrossFit indoors or running a marathon tomorrow. It can simply be doing breathwork, yoga, taking a walk for 30mins, barre work, shadow boxing or even callisthenics work. Just move your body during this time, most importantly, move it because you want to and do it how you want to also.
Stay safe and well friends
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