I hope this finds you well and safe.
Never have so many people expressed sentiments similar to mine and actually fervently meant them.
There have been so many changes and sacrifices necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic; of all of these, protecting one’s health has become the highest priority as well as an intensely personal and globally political statement. Uncertainties abound, and right now there are many more questions than answers. Among them:
1. How can the spread of a global virus be stopped?
2. How can one stay healthy in the midst of a pandemic?
3. What will fitness/health/wellbeing look like in the future?
The Good News
1.) This pandemic and the decisions concerning how to stop the spread of it have been galvanizing. For once, the entire world is looking together at action plans leading to solutions. Although tragic in its economic and health impacts, the pandemic has caused much of humanity to address the same issue, at the same time, individually and collectively. This likely has never happened in the history of mankind, and the potential for change is immense.
2.) The quiet time provided by the Covid-19 circumstances has created a giant pause, time to question what has worked and what and who have fallen through the cracks in our health systems, in our culture, and around the world.
3.) Each person is being asked to consider what keeps them free of the virus. The questions pertaining to the wearing of masks and social distancing are but two examples of troublesome choices we all have to make. Additionally, actions and practices that actually strengthen individuals’ immune system have become vital considerations. All of which is to say, personal responsibility for one’s health has never been more necessary.
4.) The holistic view of mind/body/ spirit is seen by greater numbers of people as an answer to one’s health, as opposed to a single perspective such as “I need to lose weight.” In this way, the overall concept of “fitness” is transforming to its essence: overall wellbeing and self-care, at least in the United States.
5.) Individuals are clearly attaching greater value to exercise and other health-promoting activities. During the pandemic, many folks are learning the hard way why fitness and good health practices matter.
6.) A more personalized approach to fitness and health is emerging, one that will pay more attention to the individual’s strength & weaknesses.
The Other News
1.) Fitness studios, gyms, and other kinds of group activities that have been support systems for so many have been required to serve fewer people or none at all. Group fitness has gone online for a great number of our population. Until things open up again, how do we provide support with meaning and purpose while being physically more apart?
2.) Food production in factory settings like meat packing plants creates inhumane conditions for human workers and animal alike and vastly increases the risk of the spread of disease.
3.) Buying food at local farmers markets helps the environment and the local economy.
4.) Food is being delivered by mail and other delivery services in greater and greater numbers (curbside pickup is still available at some local grocers).
5.) Never have so many layers of government, local, state and federal, had to work together to accomplish so much to protect its citizens. This has promoted more and better kinds of communications to benefit the health of the individual.
6.) Primary care physicians and other practitioners now more than ever are providing “tele- medicine” consultations, using a phone or online meetings like FaceTime and Zoom to discuss symptoms and medication options.
7.) With the transitions for many staying at home, for work or safety concerns, people will be creating their own “home gyms”. Or when buying a new home, they will want two separate offices, and a gym space.
Denise’s
2 Cents:
I think fitness will take a more personalized and less frenzied approach. Mindfulness is being forced upon us, & that’s not a bad thing! Think about what used to be your favorite fitness activity.
Now think about what’s changed, and how you are adjusting?
Ask yourself:
Was your activity something you did alone, or in a group?
Have you been continuing this activity during Covid-19?
Is it something that can still be done now, or do you need a new fitness replacement?
Have you asked friends and family what they are doing?
Can you work out at home?
Do you need support to get started again?
Where and how will you keep your fitness world alive? Keep in mind you may need to try some new things in order to decide if it any work for you.
So many questions! And yet this is a “rediscovery” time for us all, so make good use of it …
And last but not least…When in doubt, just take a walk, being outside is hugely helpful for many different reasons!
I am now training people online – using Zoom. Call to chat about it – 1-508-237-6560.