Why Personal Training Studios Must Be Allowed To Reopen
COVID-19 is here to stay for quite some time. I don’t like writing that. Unfortunately, that’s a part of our new reality. The mystery of the virus and its resulting health impacts has changed all of our daily lives. As I write, schools are starting with online schooling across the country, offices have been exchanged for computers, and a trip to the grocery store requires a mask for admittance.
Concern for contracting COVID-19 has resulted in widespread fear. I understand and I want to help.
Let’s talk about fear for a second. Fear is a human emotion that is triggered by a perceived threat. It excites a fight or flight response within us that is an essential part of keeping us safe, unless it doesn’t shut off. When we feel a constant state of fear and anxiety, a common occurrence these days, what’s meant to protect can actually detract. The results are horrific.
• Weakened Immune System
• Impaired Memory
• Degraded Mental Health
• Hopelessness and Depression
Guess what continues to be the gold standard for reducing feelings of depression and anxiety? You guessed it! Research on depression, anxiety and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help improve mood and reduce anxiety. The links between depression, anxiety and exercise aren’t entirely clear — but working out and other forms of physical activity can definitely ease symptoms of depression or anxiety and make you feel better.
Here’s the thing though. When someone is in a state of prolonged fear, thus fight or flight, they tend toward flight. This means it’s nearly impossible to get started when fear has lingered for a long time. That’s where personal training studios come in. They are communities within which people are cared for, motivated and encouraged. Clients and members of personal training studios know they can vent their stresses in a manner that supports their health and fitness. They know they will walk out feeling invigorated, more likely to deal with stressors healthfully.
Understand first, I expect any personal training studio to respond just as ours has, with the utmost concern for their studio community’s health and well-being. This means doing everything necessary to reduce exposure risk. Schedule sessions by appointment only to reduce numbers per hour, upgrade cleaning protocols, wear masks until we’re told differently and continue to provide a hybrid of both virtual training and in studio training to reduce total numbers exercising inside at one time.
With these elements understood and implemented, personal training studios must be allowed to reopen. Otherwise, growing fear, isolation and stress are going to continue to escalate. As isolation persists and social distancing reduces interaction with others, depression will continue to climb. As I write suicide rates, a clear indicator of the state of our country, are sadly on the rise state by state.
Let’s replace death and dying with life instead. Exercise is a proven mood enhancer. It is an antidote for every bulleted item I shared today. Let personal training studios open once again. Let us help our country by contributing to the mental health of all who walk through our doors, after a temperature check of course.
And When We’re Able and You’re Ready…
Client Spotlight – Alice Callison
- How did you hear about BodyBasics?
Mid February of 2020, I heard about BodyBasics from two sources. Jon Davison, a physical therapist at Borden Physical Therapy, highly recommended BodyBasics. A long-time BodyBasics client, who I know, also spoke highly to me of her experience.
2. Did you evaluate other gyms or trainers before deciding on coming to us? If yes, what were other places missing that BodyBasics was able to provide?
I first visited BodyBasics Chris around the end of February 2020. Although I had only had a few sessions with Chris before gyms were closed because of COVID-19, Chris’s ability to quickly pivot and provide on-line training kept me motivated to continue working with him.
3. Ultimately, why did you choose BodyBasics over other options?
Jon Davison PT, who I have known for a number of years, highly recommended Chris.
4. What goals did you have when you started at BodyBasics?
I wanted to feel better. I wanted to have a more positive attitude about aging. The week before Thanksgiving 2019, I had lost my balance and fell stepping down a step that I had stepped down a thousand times. I broke the fifth metatarsal on my right foot. I really had not moved much for eight weeks. I had completed physical therapy with Jon Davison and wanted to keep working out in order to improve my balance and strength. Also, over the past few years, I had gained weight and had been struggling for a year to lose the weight.
5. How long have you been training at BodyBasics? What are some personal successes you have achieved so far?
I have been training at BodyBasics since the first of March. I have lost over 20 pounds. I am about ready to turn 65, and I feel like I am in the best shape of my life. I also believe that my balance has significantly improved.
6. To someone reading who may be uncertain still about investing in themselves, and with us at BodyBasics, what would you say to them?
As we get older, I think we need to pay more attention to our health and well being. At a regular gym, I was constantly injuring myself because of the lack of personal attention—what I could and could not do. Chris’s attention to detail—what I personally need to be strong and fit—is amazing.
Working out with Chris on-line is getting me through the pandemic. I work out with Chris twice a week. I am also able to work out doing the exercises Chris has taught me on the days that I do not see him. Working out on-line has really helped me manage my feelings about being isolated as a result of COVID-19. Working out with Chris is the true meaning of “taking care of yourself.”
My son is 28 and lives in New York. He went to the gym almost every day prior to the pandemic. He also is now working out with Chris remotely, and says he may never go back to the gym.
“Shout Outs”
Shout outs are about us voicing victories we witness you all having at BodyBasics. This month’s are extra special because all of these shout outs were personally penned by your trainers. Enjoy!
- From the X-man – Shout out to Patti Lane for her dedication to attending the Noon fitness classes. She’s always the first one there and really gives it her best effort every single time!
- From Kristian – Shout out to Bette Neigut for her most recent accomplishment, a zero anchor bridge on a physio ball for an entire set!
- From Amanda – Shout out to Laura Haines for her growing ability to self-correct her form even before I can say anything!
- From Vadim – Shout out to Virginia Piper who has been doing a great job and, even though she doesn’t like to sweat, has embraced doing so as she’s stepped up her intensity, progressing in her exercises. Way to go Virginia! Keep it up!
- From Chris – Shout out to Nancy Andrew for giving her absolute best during every online session! Her stamina, balance and coordination and overall athleticism continue to show improvement!
Recipe – Breakfast Salad with Fried Eggs and Sweet Potato
This tasty Breakfast Salad is a great way to jump-start your day with a tasty, veggie-packed breakfast!
- Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
- 2-3 tsp oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 2 cups kale
- 2-4 Free Range eggs
- salt and pepper to taste
- Homemade Pico De Gallo:
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 2-4 TBSP diced red onion
- 2-4 TBSP finely diced jalapeño pepper
- 1 TBSP fresh chopped cilantro plus extra to taste
- a squirt of lime juice (if you have it!)
- a pinch of salt to season
- Plus choose all your favorite extras from the list below!
- Toppings and Optional Extras:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Chopped green onion or chives
- Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Avocado Toast on Sweet Potato (paleo) or bread (vegetarian)
- Instructions:
- Peel and dice your sweet potato into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your oil or butter to the pan. Once hot, sauté sweet potato cubes until golden and tender, stirring every few minutes for even browning, approx. 15 minutes depending on size. Lastly season with chili powder and salt and pepper, to taste.
- While the sweet potatoes cook you’ll be able to whip up the rest of your breakfast!
- Chop your kale into bite sized pieces, then massage with a drizzle of olive oil and a teeny pinch of sea salt. If using spinach/arugula in place of the kale, simply dress with a little oil. Set aside.
- For the pico de gallo, simply combine the ingredients above. You may also use your favorite salsa in its place!
- Lastly cook eggs via your favorite method. I went with fried eggs but hard boiled, soft boiled, and scrambled are all tasty options!
- Toss it all together on a plate and dive in with your choice of topping and extras! I added a side of avocado toast with cilantro and sprinkled a little everything bagel seasoning, green onion, salt and pepper on my eggs. Perfecto!
Recipe Notes: Cook time will vary if hard/soft boiled eggs are desired and depending on how many eggs you’d like fry up.
Paleo/Whole30/Gluten-Free: skip optional toppings sides that don’t apply and you’re good to go!
Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed based on toppings and extras chosen and enjoy!NUTRITION FACTS
AMOUNT PER SERVINGCALORIES 211 CALORIES FROM FAT 90% DAILY VALUE*FAT 10G15%SATURATED FAT 2G13%CHOLESTEROL 164MG55%SODIUM 139MG6%POTASSIUM 759MG22%CARBOHYDRATES 24G8%FIBER 3G13%SUGAR 5G6%PROTEIN 10G20%VITAMIN A 16533IU331%VITAMIN C 106MG128%CALCIUM 163MG16%IRON 3MG17%
Recipe Credit from Peas and Crayons, www.peasandcrayons.com
Team BodyBasics
Chris, Kris, Kristian, Amanda, Dustin, Xavier, and Vadim
