Success Story: How an Online Training Session Made a Believer Out of Me
I live in a small condo in the middle of a big city, with no room for workout equipment inside.
After the coronavirus hit a few weeks ago, I wanted to keep working out. I’m 56, and I’ve never gone two weeks without going to the gym. I was skeptical when I first heard about gyms, studios, and trainers offering online workouts. I like weights, room to stretch, and cardio equipment.
Luckily, my city has miles of paths and plenty of beautiful parks right outside my door. And a friend in the fitness industry showed me how easy and effective at-home workouts can be.
Move Your Feet
Instead of driving almost every day to the gym, I started walking in the afternoons. I quickly got up to 4 miles at a pop, every other day.
It was good exercise, of course, and it felt wonderful to be outside and among people.
Seriously – birds were chirping, children were laughing, and the sunshine warmed my soul.
I remembered the physical and psychological benefits of walking. It doesn’t just make us feel good – it’s good for our bodies and it stimulates our minds.
Henry David Thoreau knew this: “The moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.”
Science agrees. In one study, experts found that participants who walked more experienced an 81 percent increase on a key scale measuring divergent and convergent thinking, the two primary components of creative thinking.
Bloom Where You’re Planted
I pushed the coffee table into the corner for my first tentative attempt at a home workout. It was OK, but I needed someone to help me make the most of it.
That’s when I got an email from Drew, a local trainer I’ve known for years but never used. He’s a nice guy with a sterling reputation and a cover-model physique. Plus, he was giving a free week, so I had nothing to lose.
On Monday morning, I placed my laptop next to the TV, cleared my floor again, and logged on for the session, along with about 10 other people. (Zoom is a snap!) Drew told us to find a couple of cans of food, a heavy book or a bottle of detergent, and a small bench or ottoman.
He then led us through a challenging full-body workout. My heart rate was up. I was sweating. At a few points, I struggled to keep up.
Drew was there with gentle encouragement for me and the others, and I stuck with it – glad at the end that I did.
More Than Enough for Now
I didn’t go for a walk that day, but I’m still going to incorporate it into my routine, along with online workouts at home.
Walking is a great exercise, particularly for older adults over 50 and especially now, since we’re all facing challenges to exercise or even just to move our bodies.
Meet the challenge. Between simple walking and the magic of the Internet, I did – and I’m so glad.
As difficult as life can be right now, we all have to take care of ourselves.
We got this, y’all. Stay strong.
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