Sweating in Self-Isolation

My final hours on Northwestern’s campus during my freshman spring quarter were spent at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion. Reluctant to leave, and in denial of the ever-progressing virus, I wiped down the handles of what would be my last workout on a treadmill until the distant future. I have never been super athletic or excellent in team sports (I was cut from the no-cuts junior varsity volleyball team freshman year of high school), but I have always loved the endorphin rush that working out gives me. 

After being a dedicated member of the Pure Barre in Evanston for a few months, I decided to train to be a teacher. This required around 100 hours of training and discipline. I was certified and ready to teach only two weeks before Northwestern closed campus and I was returned home to New York. The sudden change of scenery is not exactly what I had expected when signing my contract in January. 

Though I couldn’t actually put into practice, training to become an instructor taught me about the different muscle groups at work during exercise classes, giving me an essential understanding of how best to tone and strengthen my body while protecting my joints. So, upon returning home I made it my goal to try new classes in order to stay active while staying home. Additionally, I recently splurged on a Fitbit, which allows me to calculate the net benefit of the specific online classes I am taking. It adds a game-like element to my exercise that makes movement more exciting - motivating me to outdo my previous work. Overall, I am doing my best with what I have. 

Here are the workouts I have tested and loved, requiring minimal to no equipment:  

Recently, I have noticed that the Chloe Ting 2 Week Shred program is all the rage on social media, with promising before and after photos plastered on YouTube thumbnails. However, this culture of two week systems does not provide long-lasting results unless you keep up the intense regimen following the two week period. Instead of focusing on a rapid “shred,” I would recommend Sculpt Society with Megan Roup. This program is energetic and intense, but will not leave you reluctantly doing up-and-down planks. While this is a paid subscription service, there is a two-week free trial as well as many free sessions on Youtube in partnership with Popsugar Fitness. It combines cardio dance with a focus on building core strength.

Low impact exercise is the best way to help your body heal from heavy cardio. I recommend Melissa Wood Health, a yoga and pilates based method that focuses on long lines throughout the body, to combat joint pain caused by your daily government-mandated walk/run. I have struggled with back pain for as long as I remember, and one of the things that has helped to combat this pain is strengthening my core and improving my posture. Melissa’s exercises have helped me by supplementing the Barre exercises I have been trained to do and improving my body strength. Upon signing up, there is a week free trial of her many class offerings, and she also posts “flows” (shorter versions of her classes) to her Youtube channel for free. What I appreciate is that the workouts do not involve a ton of movement in order to feel a burn within your muscles -- on a lazy day, you can still feel accomplished. Cans of food can be supplemented for one pound weights and a yoga mat is encouraged but not necessary. Additionally, Melissa ends her workouts with a small meditation, forcing you to thank your body for the work you have contributed to it. This mindfulness has helped me to re-center and always leaves me in a calmer state than I started. 

Occasionally, when the stress of quarantine hits, the only thing to do is dance it out. During times like these I rely on 305 Fitness. On their website you will find a treasure trove of ten to fifteen-minute dance cardio videos that pack a hidden punch. The classes are upbeat with easy-to-follow choreography. Native to NYC, my friends and I loved to frequent these classes at the Columbus Circle location last summer, sweating and dancing for an hour with a live DJ and an instructor who instantly made you feel like their best friend. The classes are lively and are guaranteed to give you a rush of endorphins. While throwing everything out on the dance floor may seem daunting to some in a group setting, this is your chance to perform on your bedroom floor, without judgment. My favorite instructor Melissa Birnbaum, a bubbly ball of energy, is even featured in one of the videos. The empowerment I felt leaving the studio uniquely translates to the feeling I get finishing an online class. 

If these classes do not speak to you, many studios are offering free live-streaming programming, so show your support for your favorite boutique fitness studio by participating in these accessible classes. Ultimately, this is not the time to shame your body into harsh routines, but rather to be kind to yourself and move your body in the ways that make you feel good.