Page 17 - Kwasind July 2020 issue

JULY 2020
Fitness: Get Outside! Leigh Gavarkovs, Fitness Manager
“Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body.” ~Arnold Schwarzenegger
We have now been in lockdown for thee months. That is three months of being locked out of our normal routines and adjusting to temporary and new routines. That is three months of wondering when this might end, and when we will go back to “normal”. This takes a toll. I don’t know about you, but I feel a bit sluggish and unmotivated to workout right now. It is absolutely time to shake up the routine!
Luckily, it is getting warmer and some rules for COVID-19 are starting to loosen up a bit. We can get outside now. There are a lot of studies out there that look at the benefits of exercise outside, and the bottom line is that it is believed that “green workouts” can help reduce anger and anxiety and help improve your over all mood.
Outdoor workouts can help you to connect with Mother Nature, giving you an overall sense of well-being. As we know, sun exposure can help bump up your levels of Vitamin D, which contributes to a feeling of calm as well as boosted immunity.
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Even though we are social distancing right now, an outdoor workout can feel social, and yet still be safer than working out in a crowded gym for some time to come.
Below are a couple of great ways to make this happen:
1. Take your online fitness outside! As you know, we have been offering online classes for our all our Members here at the RCYC. You do not even have to be a member of the Fitness Centre to join in. The schedule (found on our website) provides many different 30-minute classes taught by some of the best instructors in Toronto. These classes have a bit of a social feeling, as people log on early to chat, or stay after for a bit
as well. We are working out together, which I find helps with motivation as well. In the past couple of weeks, I have noticed some participants taking the class out to their backyard or deck, which is such a great change of venue! You do not need a lot of space...I would venture to say that a balcony would work as well. And guess what? If you are staying at the Island on your boat, you can Zoom our classes there, as well! Sunday, 10:00 am Yoga with Kellie would be extra lovely on your boat.
2. Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk! If you are in the city,
there are so many beautiful parks and paths and neighbourhoods to walk in. If you are up North, or on the Island, it is even easier to walk through trees...a known anxiety-reducing activity. Walking is a steady state cardiovascular activity, with well known physical benefits. Make it a mindful and meditative walk, to boost the mental benefits. Pay attention to details like the feel of the air, the smell of your surroundings and the sounds that you hear, and that laundry list of items that are weighing you down can disappear.
See you outside!