Virtual Fitness: When the Gym’s Still Not an Option for You

Virtual Fitness: When the Gym’s Still Not an Option for You

By Kate Toohig, Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland

They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. While this may ring true for relationships, it can wreak havoc on your fitness routine. Social distancing may have put a temporary stop to in-person fitness (group or solo), but it gave birth to an online plethora of options that you can use to stay connected. 

While the closure of gyms — and now gradual reopening of gyms — may give many people the excuse to get out of their routines and skip their workouts, it is more important than ever to stay active. Exercise has proven to relieve stress and improve your mood, and we can all use a little of that these days. 

Up until recently, virtual fitness offerings have not been widely explored or supported by the general fitness user. The offerings have often been limited in variety, costly, require a subscription, or involve expensive equipment. The events of our world have changed this and many fitness centers have moved their group fitness and personal trainers online with a variety of wellness offerings — many at no cost and requiring no equipment.

Even though you might not be literally sweating side-by-side with your crew at the gym, this doesn’t mean you cannot work out together. Now is the time to get together to explore the virtual world of fitness, try new formats, discover new instructors, and make your fitness experience exactly what you want. Many people are hosting virtual happy hours. Why not a Facetime fitness hour instead (or before)?

Virtual fitness may not be everyone’s ideal fitness experience, but it an option and it does allow you to explore, stay fit and stay connected. Get online and get moving.

Kate Toohig is Assistant General Manager, Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood (mandeljcc.org.) The center reopened last week.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

Event of the Week: The 128th Annual Cuyahoga County Fair

You know we're in the dog days of summer when it's Cuyahoga County Fair time. Opening day is Tuesday, Aug 5.