Getting Back on the Ball
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Catherina Pena
Getting Back On The Ball
These last two years have been quite a wild ride. Covid-19 shook the world, successfully re-shaping everything we considered normal everyday life. From the work front (how cool is remote though am I right?) to grocery shopping, to our social lives, right down to our physical and mental health. All the stress and restriction has, understandably, driven millions of Americans into some less than healthy lifestyle habits. Indulgence in food and alcohol skyrocketed, and because of this according to healthline, 61% of US adults have reported weight changes during the pandemic.
While for some afternoon drinks, taking up new hobbies such as baking, or an increase in large home cooked family dinners have been a thankful positive note amongst the chaos, things are finally beginning to truly wind down. Although variants of the virus are still casting shadows in the background, Americans are finally being given the opportunity to adjust to a new standard of a post pandemic "normal." This new standard of normal may include some aspects we may have never thought we'd see. Such as a whole at home work force, a serious lack in 24-hour convenience stores, and enough Purell on hand at any given location to sanitize all of New York City! The way we work and our stores aren't the only areas of life that will never be the same, however. Covid-19 has also sparked the revolution of online personal training, an industry redefining the way we approach our personal health and fitness.
What Is Online Personal Training?
Online personal training is a new way to bring all the assistance and expertise of personal training from your local gym - right to you! Not only is it more convenient while eliminating all risk of illness during the pursuit of personal fitness, but it also cuts back on expensive gym memberships as well as time from making commutes back and forth to the gym. For more socially anxious folks it even creates a less stressful social aspect.
Why Online Personal Training?
● All of the benefits of in person training! Nutritional advice, activity instruction, and a professional trainer to guide you through your journey.
● Unlimited access to chat with your trainer for any questions you may have!
● Less self consciousness due to judgemental eyes! Helping keep you confident and motivated to reach your goals.
● Your workout program will be tailored to fit YOU!
I know you may be thinking, "good lord, how do you expect me to make time for that and get myself off the couch." It's true, change can be rather difficult. After all they do say a body at rest tends to stay at rest. It may sometimes seem like there's some kind of magic secret only one of those "magical" weight loss tea makers must know for getting into shape. Or perhaps that it would take a minor miracle to figure it out.
Although we'd all love to believe it, there really is no magic secret to better health. It just takes a little bit of elbow grease and dedication. Thank goodness for trainers who can take the bulk of the load off our shoulders - navigating nutritious food intake and learning to understand what exercises do and target what can be a daunting task! Aside from all the "heavy lifting," of the journey itself. There are plenty of little tips and tricks for taking control and getting back into the swing of things.
Hacks For Getting Back To The Gym Post Covid
1.
Familiarize yourself with stretching practices If you didn't choose yoga as a lockdown hobby, it's never too late to start. It doesn't take an experienced Yogi to do some of these fun, limbering, beginners poses. It even burns a few calories! It only takes a few minutes and will leave you feeling loose and ready to go.
2.
Remember the rules!
The 80/20 Rule
Or the Poreto Principle, says that 20% of your effort gives you 80% of your results. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a foundation of health. Everything has to start somewhere. Taking short walks, choosing the stairs, or opting for a glass of water instead of soda can all make a difference in your health and readiness. Likewise, starting off light with a program once or twice a week - even a short one, or making healthier food choices a meal or two of the day, will start to yield results. We just have to put in that 20!
21/90 Rule
Similar to the Poreto Principle, the 21/90 rule is based in the concept that devoting yourself to building a habit over 21 days, lays the foundation to completing 90 days - successfully creating a new lifestyle for oneself. Since at the end of the day, genuine healthy living is truly a way of life.
- Self Love
There is little in the world as powerful a motivation as self love paired with a hunger for self improvement. We have collectively survived a global emergency. Even a good deal of our cherished idols let their health slip during this time. Remember to forgive yourself, you've been through a very stressful and uncertain experience. Use positivity to allow yourself to grow.
Positive Affirmations Repeat them to yourself in the mirror. Write them on sticky notes and leave them all over the house. Set reminders of them in your phone. Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool for raising self confidence. Encourage yourself.
I am strong. I am capable. I am worthy. I am doing my best. I make healthy choices
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