I asked my email newsletter readers what’s been working for them during Quarantine, to stay healthy (ier).
I shared that daily exercise has been working for me.
To expand on that, if I don’t get something done physically, whether it’s a walk, a training session, or a mobility session, which I stagger throughout the week, then not much else is important to me.
Work is, and always will be, secondary to my health.
It literally WILL NOT work the other way around, so it’s really confusing to me when I meet people who ‘work all day’ and their health is horrible, but they believe their achievements are more important because that’s what others praise them for.
Has anybody ever said to you: “Hey, I can tell all that extra cardio was crucial in negotiating this deal, way to get your miles in!?”
Over the course of the last 5 weeks, it has become abundantly clear that we’re not all in the same boat, but we are all in quarantine (or should be), and that commonality has affected people differently.
I was amazed at the answers I got and wanted to share what others are doing during this time, and perhaps you can find something to add to your arsenal …
Hi John –
I’d say it’s a combination of things:
- I like structure, so I continue to develop a ‘to do’ list every week and check off items as I accomplish them.
- I still work, so I’m doing writing projects for my clients.
- I remain physically active in a way that’s as similar as possible to my pre-pandemic workout schedule:
- I do my BKS workouts on Monday and Thursday, per usual.
- I do yoga twice weekly, though different days each week.
- Although I can’t take in-person dance classes, I’m taking an online Latin class on Wednesdays and try to practice some every day, using videos.
- To make up for the dancing I can’t do, I spend 45 minutes on a treadmill (2.65 miles per session) 4-5 times a week.
- Having furloughed my house cleaning service, I’m doing the cleaning and it’s a big house. Husband does toilets and sinks; I’ve got to keep him real!
- I’ve been maintaining my community. I call/text/email someone every day. Usually more than one. Had a Zoom get-together with two friends on Friday; one in VA, the other in DE.
- I love to read, so I’m doing that. Just finished a 7-book mystery series.
- I enjoy cooking and have been doing lots of it, since my husband is home for dinner every night now!
Hi John,
Creating some type of schedule has helped me as being able to keep my 9:30 “class” time on T & R was the game changer.
Prior to that, I was just “wasting” my day, almost thinking like I was on vacation and didn’t have to have a plan.
Thanks so much for creating the online workouts and doing the zoom class!
Hey John,
I read this last post and just wanted to share my story with you on how I have managed not having a gym for the last month.
I have had to get so creative with my workouts.
To create some resistance I made sand bags into weights, 1 and 2 gallon water jugs with towels into dumbbells and kettlebells, turned doors into pull up bars and utilized my own body weight.
While still not the weight I am accustomed to, it has caused me to focus on the quality of my reps rather than the amount.
It also makes you really have to focus on balance and utilizing the appropriate muscle as the water/sand shifts the entire time.
The towels help the grip strength.
Overall I feel like these workout kick my ass more than when I am lifting at the gym.
I am Pulling that as my positive from the pandemic.
While I have always been a “gym rat”, I have been re-energized with these workouts and the best part these workouts can travel with me.
Going forward my workouts will change dramatically as this new form of workout focuses on functional muscle, cardio, strength and flexibility all in 30-45 min which will all add to a healthier me for the next 50 years!
As Carey and Pettine always taught us, to be a badass you gotta train like a bad ass.
Where there is a will there is always a way, as long as you put your mind to your purpose and are willing to grind through the good and bad.
Love the messages of encouragement buddy.
I hope it inspires others as much as it does me to be the best me/you we all can be for ourselves and each other not just through this pandemic but long afterwards as well, living our best lives!
John,
Hanging at home with my 3 yo grandson, watching tv, and just trying not to think about things.
John,
In all major points, it is the same as before: structure in my life to achieve a purpose.
Some opportunities I enjoyed prior to mid-March are currently unavailable, but that simply required making the most of what is at hand.
As you may have noted from the weekly posting on Facebook, I have been doing the BKS workout every weekday with great results.
I must confess, with a bit of embarrassment that, although I respected your work and achievements, there was a part of me that thought if it wasn’t running, swimming or cycling somehow it wasn’t a “real” workout for me.
I can assure you that the last five weeks have relieved me of that misunderstanding.
I feel great, my body is getting aligned much better, my core is stronger, and there is a small bump in the general vicinity of my bicep that does not look like something on a distance runner’s arm.
I have no idea exactly where I am headed with the current program (philosophically, do we ever?) but the direction is most promising and the journey is great.
John,
It’s been an interesting journey, I had to struggle through crisis and depression the first 2 weeks but it has gotten better.
I start my morning praying to help our family be focused on the things they have to do and the long list of people that I know who are suffering.
Being thankful for all the blessings we do have has been helpful.
Trying to be appreciative of all the things we take for granted, like a relaxing trip to the grocery store.
Focusing on nature, enjoying the birds and the beauty of spring.
Walks and exercise have been huge.
Our living room is the new Karate / gym room.
I have definitely been exercising more than I did before which has really been helpful.
This time has been a true test of physical, emotional and mental health.
I have been eating less because I know it’s going to cost me a trip to the store.
I hope that you are doing well and healthy on all levels and look forward to getting back to some sense of normal!
Thanks so much for trying to keep us focus!
Dear John,
Your commitment to helping is incredible and I thank you for this.
My husband and I worked from home prior to Covid 19.
Although a bit different we still had to get into a home routine prior to this.
OK, For me I love to walk and run and I do at least 2 to 3 miles a day in the morning.
Then twice a day I take a walk for 10 minutes.
I do an Abs work out 4 times per week.
My husband is much much better.
He will be ready for a class or help in increasing strength, I am hoping this will happen this month.
I think this is it for now.
Thanks again.
As you can see, lots of different answers, with some common themes, so hopefully now you see that humanism is the true commonality amongst us, and is more prevalent than ever.
Be Well – John
Changing the way Life is done.
Mindset. Fitness. Nutrition.
P.S. Here are 4 more ways you can become happier and healthier:
1. Podcasts
Some of the greatest insights and healing for me, have come from listening to podcasts in the last few years. This long-form type of communication, I’ve found, has been extremely important for understanding context, while learning how to make sustainable change.
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4. Fitness Scorecard
Have you gone through the Fitness Scorecard yet?
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