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Fitness, health, and wellbeing - how are you doing?

Runcarla

Veteran

After an old thread https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....s-in-sizes got revived on the forum, I decided to open a new thread on fitness, health, and wellbeing here, in Off Topic.

My gym weight training regime did not translate to a home based routine 5 months ago when Covid 19 closed gyms. Instead, I fell back on a cardio based program (biking), long walks with DH, and some necessary physio exercises. There has been further unexpected weight loss - likely a combination of body fat and reduced muscle mass.

Early this month the local indoor pool opened. Swim times are booked and paid for in advance. You get a lane all to yourself ($4.50) for 45 minutes with 15 minutes change time. After each session the change rooms are wiped down and washed, then misted with a disinfecting fog, while the life guards wipe down the surfaces poolside. I’ve been swimming 3 times a week for 3 weeks. You’ve never seen 6 happier people than the 6 folks standing on the dots (6 feet apart) in the Sportsplex foyer waiting their turn - unless it’s the 6 people coming out after their swim!

My heart aches over the state of humanity, but as an optimistic person, I cling to the good news stories and hope and work for the best. This brings me some degree of comfort. One day at a time.

So, how’s it going? What are you doing to keep body and soul together during these challenging times?

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40 replies

Latest reply was from citygirldc

taylor

Veteran

Spending time outdoors is how we cope. We are very lucky to live minutes from lakes streams and a major river. We live in the mountains basically, so we are surrounded by beauty and nature...trees forests and wildlife bring us a sense of calm. Living in a very small mountain town of less than 3,000 has become a blessing in these crazy times.

Power walking 3 miles daily through nature trails Keeps us in shape and clears the mind...as Geese and Deer , assorted critters make a daily appearance , hubby can grab his fishing pole...I grab a rock in the sun and catch up on YLF On my phone

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Carla, great that you can swim again. I'm happy for you.

Taylor,

I do my PT exercises most early mornings, and some yoga.

Sam keeps us sane! His walks several times a day in our area are an absolute life saver. (Plus, dogs are therapeutic for Greg and me in every sense). We live next to water in the city so there is lots to walk daily. We also explore longer walks with Sam over the weekend. Lots of beauty around here, and I am grateful.

MsMaven

Veteran

I'm lucky that I live in a hilly area so I can do lots of hill-walking, and it certainly helps--my legs haven't been this toned in years. And my knees are better. I haven't felt the need to put on a knee brace in several months.

I gave up on the physical therapy exercises for my back that my MD gave me last fall. They weren't helping and to some extent making the problem worse. I want to wait and get a better diagnosis and go to physical therapy. Although I got an email from my former PT, and the place is open, I'm not ready to go there yet.

So I do a few resistance band and weight exercises for the upper body. And I do stretches and have been trying to add back some yoga. I have some very tight muscles. I don't want to do any harm though.

Trying to eat healthier as well. Fortunately, Mr. Maven, now a health food convert, is doing some of the cooking. He also shops. We eat so much fresh fruit and veggies now!

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Style Fan

Veteran

Carla, fantastic that you can swim. Mr. SF used to swim daily. He misses it. We don't know when it will open. The Y is working on opening the daycare first.
Taylor and Angie, walking keeps us sane. Being outdoors is a lifesaver.

I do an online Yoga class with the Montreal studio about 5 times a week. I love their classes. Excellent teachers. Mr. SF does classes every day. We go for a long walk daily. The TransCanada trail runs by our house and goes to a beautiful waterfall. There are a number of routes. I am very grateful for this. Lots of dogs and their owners go by.

Anonymous

I’m struggling with the wealth of resources at my fingertips - and how I’m not making full use of them . Lots of equipment and weights at home , a gorgeous neighborhood and nearby urban forest in which to walk and bike , and the biggest gym in the city with all the equipment you could ever imagine right in my pocket - for free . Yet I’m tired . Really tired emotionally and physically and it’s all I can do to get in a few workouts a week . I’m back at work and am exhausted . I actually miss the months of being confined to home and unable to work - and thus enjoying long walks with an uncluttered mind . Now I feel like I’m back on the hamster wheel and struggling . Eating healthily is not a problem , but my schedule is so all-over-the-place that consistency is lacking and bad choices are easier to make . What a sad tale I weave .

Pat_P

For me, daily walks in the woods and on nearby trails are both my exercise and my sanity saver. We have two dogs and I get out for 3-4 miles a day, usually after work. The woods, the dogs, and the exercise all do wonders for my mood!

bridgie

Veteran

Carla, you are truly an inspiration in so many ways. I think it is truly nice your older post was revived, and what it has led to, you doing a new encouraging post and many others chiming in with their stories how they are handling self care during these most awful times and enjoying nature at its best.

Just before Coronavirus hit, I was planning to join the Y here in this town and participate with senior groups, especially exercise. But, of course that did not happen.

I do a few rather miscellaneous activities whenever the opportunity presents its self.

Most recently, I have had the pleasure of the company of a Chinese Crested Hairless 3 year old dog, that has come into our life. She comes to my place to hang out a few hours, a day or so a week, when her owner is working.

nuancedream

Veteran

Pilates practice via Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday keeps me grounded along with yoga. I walk 4 miles each day in my neighborhood, going up and down some pretty challenging hills, or through several lovely parks in West Seattle. Kayaking with my husband on Puget Sound as well as playing tennis with friends are both therapeutic and energizing.

slim cat

Veteran

I guess I'm with @lisa p in feeling often too tired to exercise.
I'm back to full time work in retail business and struggle with anxiety and uncertainty of our times. Our mall is closed but our big department stores with entrances from the street are open. It's sadly not very joyful or full with eager customers looking for new fashions. There are sales, promotions, "final offers" and so on.
The best part of being back to work was the social interactions with co-workers and frequent shoppers ( there are still some ).
I know I'm lucky to have a full time job with benefits but not sure for how long.
Netflix and YLF ( forum and blog ) are my therapy sessions .

Gretchen

Veteran

I’ve used the downtime to put a new regimen in place: if I want coffee, I have to walk for it. It’s meant a guaranteed 3.5 miles each morning, and has helped keep me sane these last few months. I’m planning to keep it as a routine as I start a new job next week, but am also starting to explore backup options (I’m not remotely a morning person, and I know I’ll have commitment issues when the weather changes.)

bella

(website)

Veteran

One good thing that came out of Covid is I developed an exercise habit. I've been doing pilates (following youtube videos) 4-5 times a week, at least 20 minutes a day. No weight change, but I am seeing the results.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Good to hear everyone’s routines, as it’s encouraging and motivating to keep up. Lisa, I’m especially sorry you’ve faced a struggle. ☹️

My exercise is running, which I’ve kept up with better than I’d expected. Of course, in summer it’s always easier to be outside. I run 4-5 miles three days a week. In June I didn’t skip any runs, so my monthly mileage was 65 miles! In July I’ve done almost as well, replacing one run with a long walk due to a sore back. I’m also doing a little upper body work with free weights, but not enough.

Our diet is good, consistent and healthy. With no running around, it’s easier to follow through on preconceived meal plans. This is better for my weight, too, I feel. My husband plays golf 3-5 days a week, since he’s not comfortable playing pickle ball yet. He tries to walk the course at least a couple days.

Mentally, there are ups and downs. I feel it would be a lot worse if I wasn’t in good health, getting exercise, and didn’t have great resources for food, hobbies, etc. My heart breaks for the people who are challenged by financial, relationship, and health problems. Some days I am upbeat, ready to sew or do art, but once in awhile, it just feels like the world and society are crumbling away around us. Especially when there is no end in sight. If I can use that to motivate myself to get outside myself, to make a gift, speak an extra kind word to my husband, send a card, email or call someone, it’s better.

I hope all of you remain healthy and optimistic as possible during this long stressful season.

JAileen

Veteran

We started bike riding. I admit to being really out of shape after laying on the couch for a couple months. Anyway, we’re trying to ride every day. We didn’t go when it was smoky, though. And it’s so hot that even in the morning I come back drenched in sweat.

We gave up our pandemic cocktail. I enjoyed it, but we’re both sleeping better.

I have been drawing on my ipad, making political cartoons. I send them to my friends. It might be kind of therapeutic.

anchie

Veteran

Sciatica in my left leg is finally gone, and I am able to walk 10 000+ steps a day again. My DD and I have a new ritual - every evening we go out to have adventure exploring our neighborhood and trying to find new walking routes. It is also great therapeutic and bonding exercise and highlight of my day.

cindysmith

Veteran

I'm still not back at the gym, which is not making me happy; but Texas is seeing case counts rise and rise, so I'm not taking any chances. I am an essential worker, I'm exposed to potential risk 5 days a week at work, so no gym for me. Work is fairly physical, with the added bonus of exposing me to healthy foods all day, so I'm maintaining my weight and muscle tone reasonably well.

My mental health is another trick altogether, as 12 step meetings in my town are generally scheduled at times I can't make because I'm at work. I'm also afraid of the risk of exposure to asymptomatic carriers in meetings, so my attendance has been sporadic at best. I've been seeing my reiki healer regularly, relaxing at home a lot, and maintaining contact with friends in recovery as much as possible. YLF is one of the bright spots in my life, my mom is another.

Overall, I'm getting through it with as much grace and patience as I can muster, which is more than I can say for my handling of the earliest days of this outbreak. A lot of that can be credited to the management style of my current boss, who is very laid back and also in recovery himself It just makes it easier to handle frustration when I know he deals with the same internal conflicts I do, you know? Strength in numbers, I guess LOL

Anonymous

Still wish I could swim, but I'm not comfortable being in any gym/pool right now. Otherwise I don't miss the gym, I'm happier outside.

I've been taking advantage of the cooler (80 degree or less) early mornings to ride my bike for an hour whenever I can. It's the best part of my day! Tricked out my bike with lights

At lunchtime I still go out and hike about a mile, longer on my days off. After work I do a little archery, sometimes at home and sometimes with my neighbor who lives right on the river. Got a good self healing target and none of my arrows went in the woods this week. After dark I spin my glow poi

Sunday mornings I SUP for a couple hours, early before all the powerboaters come out. I'll often drop archor and do yoga on the board for a few minutes. Last week some of the lotuses were blooming- that was a bonus!

Aside from that, I read a lot, and spend time with DH and kitties. Really as long as I don't go into town (and avoid the news) I feel fine. Luckily that's not often.

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kkards

Veteran

Physically I’m doing ok. I’m getting out walking almost everyday, which is more than i was doing before. I’m cooking more, so eating better. My Pilates gym opened, but i canceled my membership, just not sure that I’m ready for that yet, but i miss it, both the physicalness of it and seeing and meeting new people part
mental health wise...i had a really bad week a couple of weeks ago, but things have gotten better since then. Although, my hairdresser noticed a small spot of alopecia, so maybe not doing as well as i think I’m doing. I’ve lived alone for 27 years, until this year, i never really felt lonely, but this year, wow. Its hard to know that many days I will not actually talk to another human people live in person....texting, FaceTiming, zooming, its just not the same...

Anonymous

I'm doing well food-wise, except for the occasional detour (usually in the form of expensive carbs from my favorite bakery). But I'm also embracing my inner sloth due to very hot and humid weather and not feeling safe to go to the gym. I miss my daily 3-mile walks, and my personal training sessions, but look forward to resuming when conditions permit. Mentally, well.... :0. The struggle with cabin fever is real!

Anonymous

I have deep feelings of empathy and sympathy for those who are alone . I also have great empathy for those who are working and not able to "enjoy" a slower, less complex lifestyle.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I would so love to go for a swim.It sounds like your swimming pool has it sussed,l seriously doubt that when our pools open they will be as well managed as this and then it’s a big dilemma over whether to go or not but no signs of reopening here yet.
l am doing 45 min floor based exercise routine everyother day.Thankfully as a retired Physio I can come up with gym programmes and progressions like it used to be my job or something!(lol)
l was cycling but have a hip problem and now can’t do this or walk or run at the moment.l could swim,hence my green eyed moment reading about your pool experience!This is the longest I ve been without cardio all my adult life but what nature has taken away from me physically she has given me patience in spades so I’m doing OK and the garden is my gym at the moment.Thank you for asking,it helps to off load!

Sal

Veteran

Thanks for all your updates. We are all in different spaces and stages. I think of you all often and hope that the virus can be contained better, or a vaccine developed, or even eliminated.

I feel guilty to admit that life here is almost back to pre Covid ways. There have been changes in the ways people work, shops are set up, and contact tracing. And there is genuine pain for many with our borders pretty much closed, and our tourism industry decimated along with some other areas (media in particular). And of course we have quarantine at the border which is a cause of tension and political power plays.

I am working long hours and back to my gym routines and did my first park run last weekend. Food has been okay but I was a bit too greedy early this week with sugary treats.

Big hugs to all.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Long story short: Not great. A bit of depression, extremely hot and muggy weather, and snacks keep calling. My clothes still fit but I’m feeling doughy and have little energy. I really do not like this time of year.

Bijou

Veteran

My gym reopened, but I don’t want to return because it seems too risky as whilst where I live it is relatively covid free, unfortunately that situation can transform in few days. I have been walking and attending my karate classes.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like most everyone is really striving to keep their heads up and move forward - but it is hard.

I haven't stopped working since I work at home. It is a little depressing in that so many people have been off work (still getting paid) and I've continued work as if nothing happened. Many people talking about how nice it has been to "have free time" - people have even been going on camping trips, visiting other states, etc. - that's been a bit annoying to me. Unnecessary travel has been one of the #1 causes of spread early on and continues to be an issue.

I've kept up with basic exercises like walking inclines and such. Weights have not been getting much use. We are lucky to live in a very small area with lots of nature but it's incredibly hot and humid lately so getting outside isn't as alluring.

We eat every meal at home and have for many months now. Trying to keep good fresh produce in stock (not wanting to go to the grocery store often) has been a little bit of a challenge of late. My garden produced a nice harvest early but it's past it's prime and we won't be able to grow much aside from herbs until October when the temps cool down again.

I'm usually more optimistic, but I'm not totally sure we're going to eradicate this virus. We never came up with a vaccine for SARS or several other viruses. In any event, I'm ready to have our lives back.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Carla, I'm so glad you've been able to get back to swimming! That's wonderful news.

I walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, usually more, on beautiful paths through neighbourhoods and nearby parks. I work out 2 to 3 times a week with kettlebells (via Zoom), and I usually go for a more challenging hike or a short run a couple of times a week as well. I don't use my new bike yet as often as I might wish, but it's coming. Just a new habit to build into my routines and that takes a while. If I were going anywhere, I'd be using it more!

I'm working from home and have been, since the start of this. So no breaks for me! I feel the loss of companionship and outings and longed for adventures, and feel more the deeper struggles and pain that others are undergoing. Several close family members and friends are in serious emotional duress, and we've suffered losses of people we love (from Covid and unrelated causes). So...it's not easy. I'm grateful for summer weather, for my garden, for books, for music, for whatever companionship I can find online, and for my wonderful cat.

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anne

Veteran

Exercise wise, I am doing well as our city has mostly opened up. I have a free gum at my work, and have been using it in a careful way with lots of wiping down of equipment and keeping distanced.

And while I can't do proper parkruns unlike Sal in NZ, I have been meeting friends to run and the other running club I am in has started up. Smaller scale events are back and I am training for a half marathon and feeling fitter after quite a slump in lockdown.

Foodwise, and weight isn't so good. My self control isn't great in our winter and I always gain. Hopefully will stop as my clothes are in danger of not fitting.

unfrumped

Veteran

I am making some progress though disappointed with some of my willpower and the idea that I could do much better.

I have always been a “ strength- training wannabe”— had a few gym memberships in years past, Nautilus, that sort of thing. But never kept at it.

At home we have a small weight- stack apparatus and some free weights and things and so I’ve been trying to do some modest workouts more regularly. But found I also had to pace myself as was doing a lot of yardwork projects and haha, am 65 and had not kept up a good vigorous exercise program.

Despite not doing nearly as much as I think I COULD be doing, now with no “ work excuses “ and being mostly at home, I am somewhat amazed to see what I think are definite, though small, changes in muscle tone. My upper arms are better and also legs.

Don’t get me wrong- there is absolutely no chance of mistaking me for Sigourney Weaver/Alien, Linda Hamilton on Terminator 2, or Jennifer Garner prepping for Peppermint, but I was kind of shocked that I might actually see some results.

I am trying to use this for further motivation and “ the long view” of, this is not a 6-week or 3-months program but that maybe over a year’s time, consistency might pay off.

Coupled with that is the realities of, at my age, even to maintain something, you can’t slack off even for a short time or will lose so quickly. Whereas a healthy teenager could lounge on the sofa all summer and then shape up in a few weeks!

nemosmom

Veteran

In short, not good. I *should* be getting out more, but I struggle to do so. DH is still out of work, and trying to deal with this in his own way. I am trying to hold down the fort, be emotionally and physically available for my kids and DH, navigate the coming school year, and work. My workplace is in the middle of a re-org, so there is lots of uncertainty and stress... I am tired. I miss the pool...

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I had been working up to a 5k running distance (with the Zombies Run 5k app, which I like a lot) but we are full into the unbearably hot and muggy part of the year. I have tried a few times to get up early enough that I can go running without feeling like I'm dying but it hasn't happened very often. My plan pre-COVID was to join the Y and run on the treadmill at the air-conditioned gym this summer, but...

I'm still working my retail job 3-4 days a week, so I get plenty of steps in on those days, and try to take a walk in the evenings on days I don't work. For a while I was trying out YT videos for cardio, yoga, or strength, but I kinda lost my oomph for that.

Food has been OK I guess. Less bingeing/splurging because I don't impulse go to the store anymore, but there's been a lot of baking. At least it's homemade, right?

I think I said this somewhere else on YLF already, but weirdly this whole crisis has made me feel less alone in my mental health struggles: it's like the rest of the world has joined me in my anxiety, fear, and overwhelm. Bizarre that I find that comforting, I guess, but there you go.

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