By Virginia Angle

With gyms closed and sports suspended indefinitely, exercising has become just another challenge that the COVID-19 pandemic has created in the daily life of many people. Social distancing measures make workout classes and team sports impossible, and thus people around the world have been forced to get creative in order to stay fit. 

Running outside has gained popularity as a way to stay in shape while still following quarantine guidelines. When I look out my window throughout the day, the streets are flocked with runners of all ages. Addison Smith (‘20) says, “I’ve recently been running more as a way to stay in shape, get outside, and clear my head. Although I didn’t mind running before, it has definitely grown on me throughout the last few weeks, and I’ve started to look forward to my runs.” Like Smith, I have also experienced a newfound love for running, and I’m sure many people are also beginning to find it a great way to take a break from endless screen time and the boredom of stay-at-home orders.

Since the quarantine began, many aspects of life have shifted online, including various types of workout classes. From workout apps with pre-programmed classes, such as Nike Training Club, to Zoom yoga sessions with friends, there is no shortage of ideas online to stay in shape. The exercise program that I’ve heard everyone talking about are Chloe Ting’s free video programs. According to her website, “Chloe began her blog as a way to showcase her love of fashion and to have a creative outlet outside of her day job as an analyst.” Her workout programs, which include all sorts of different exercises, are all on YouTube, as well as on her website. “Chloe Ting has been a great workout program and has given me more of a structured day, which is helpful to have especially during quarantine. Doing it with friends is the best, because you are more motivated to do it, and you could also have a workout buddy,” says Bralyn VanRoekel (‘20). Some other popular and free YouTube workout channels include MadFit and Sydney Cummings.

Another popular at-home exercise alternative is the Peloton. Peloton sells bikes and treadmills that you can install at your house, along with an app that has pre-recorded workout classes, with a monthly fee for a membership. The bikes and treadmills have screens that display a variety of different kinds of workouts, with everything from “90’s music intervals rides” to “Country music rides.” The workouts include upbeat music, entertaining instructors that each have vibrant and distinctive personalities, and really intense drills. “Peloton has been keeping me sane and in shape throughout the pandemic. The classes are so much fun that you forget you’re even working out! It’s hard to have motivation in such an unusual and unpredictable time, but by controlling what you can control helps make the best of any situation,” explains Dylan Lyons (‘20). Peloton recently announced it is offering a free 90-day trial for its app, so that people can keep up with their fitness during quarantine at no cost. 

Since spring sports seasons were canceled, it has been difficult to train for sports with the same intensity while practicing at home. Many sports teams have created group chats where athletes send in pictures and videos of their workouts in order to continue the team spirit and work ethic of a normal season. Seeing creative workouts from other teammates is inspiring and influences others to stay in shape as well. 

Nigel Williams (‘20), who is headed to play football at Northwestern University next year, says that he “struggles with motivation at some times, because the workouts are really challenging and conditioning and lifting is a lot harder when you don’t have your friends around to encourage you.” Williams is just one of many Collegiate athletes that are trying to prepare for their futures playing in college. 

People from around the world have also gotten creative. Instead of just simply taking classes online, a French man named Elisha Nochomovitz ran a marathon on his 23-foot-long balcony. In Wuhan, a Chinese marathon runner named Pan Shanco ran 31 miles around his living room amidst the lockdown. 

Exercising is just one aspect of daily life that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are still many promising and creative alternatives. It can be as simple as using household products, such as milk jugs, for weights, or running up the stairs a few times between online classes, but it is vital that people stay active during these times of uncertainty.