Home Gym Post COVID
Although many of you are not gym rats, I happen to be have been a regular gym member and user for most of my adult life. COVID took that away in a moment and I was left for how to navigate on my own. The results of what I am sharing are even surprising to me and I am now thankful for the results and moving forward in new ways.
- Nordic Track s22i – although not inexpensive this bike is less costly than the Pelton. A client of mine who has the whole line introduced me to this bike. It is not just a spin bike like the Peloton but rather a bike that elevates and changes levels of difficulty electronically much like a treadmill. Rather than just having spin classes (which it has) one of my favorite parts is riding through multiple countries each morning – trails in France, Japan, Switzerland, Hawaii, Chile, Oregon, etc. My most favorite thing about this bike is the incredible fan which has 4 levels. So, while riding through the countryside of France I have a cool breeze on my face. Although I am still missing the Elliptical at the gym, the combination of this bike, power walks, and climbing stairs is working for me.
- Body Blade – I was introduced to this product by my Feldenkrais PT Stacy Barrows– it’s sleek, easy to store, and use. I met the inventor Bruce a few years ago at an exercise conference but never bought one since I had the gym. There are many videos online to help with exercises and it comes with a chart to show how to work each body part with the blade. Easy to use and effective! Great for arms, core work and stability.
- Stretch mat – this is one I really had to search for. I wanted an eco-friendly mat that was thick since the standard yoga mat was not going to work for me. I was thrilled to find this one and believe it or not it makes me want to stretch! Although in and out of stock on Amazon, it’s worth the wait and I like it better than the expensive one at the gym.
- Down Dog – this yoga app rocks it! You pay once so it’s not free, but this app has revolutionized my love for and ability to fit in yoga. I no longer have to carve out 2 plus hours to get to a class, be there and come home. Although I loved the feeling in my body afterward, I was always resentful of the time involved. This app lets you set the type of music you want, the level of ability, the part of the body you want to focus on, and the time you want. After setting these parameters a new class is generated each time. The instruction and visuals are excellent, and I can fit in a 30-minute class a few times a week when it’s convenient for me.
- Oura Ring – this product was again introduced to me by a client. Since I have the Apple Watch, we ordered it for Jeffrey to track steps, sleep, etc. Although not inexpensive there is no additional costs after purchase (just download the app) and the information you get is worth the price of admission and it’s a ring – not an appliance on your wrist for all to see. Over time it gives you data to see patterns to make lifestyle modifications to restore balance with sleep, exercise and movement.
Other things I use are workout bands, the Smartroller, and some YouTube videos but the above products have been my mainstays. I am actually glad COVID forced me to seek out alternative ways to keep in shape and stay healthy. AND maybe one of the best parts is I can sleep in (at least 30-45 minutes more than when I went to the gym due to no commute time) and am much more rested, one of the mainstays of health.
Although the initial costs to a home gym can be challenging, in the long term it saves money and allows you to take your “gym” with you wherever you go. So, when the gym comes back it will have to do with one less rat who is more rested and happier to come into our new normal.
