We’re living in a weird time and we all know it. Going to our favorite local studio / gym for a workout isn’t as easy as it used to be. Studios have shut down or lowered capacity, making it harder to get into class. Or maybe you’re just nervous about the Coronavirus and can’t get yourself to the gym. Either way, getting in a good sweat has gotten harder over the past year and may become more difficult as we enter the winter months.
Here are a few things to get you up and active throughout this Indiana winter.
1. Get Outside – I know it’s cold and I know we live in Indiana, but it’s not as bad as you think. I ran track at a school in Michigan where we ran outside through rain, sleet and snow. You won’t die. Just bundle up with layers and you’ll definitely warm up once you get started. Many retail stores are having sales on their warm weather gear right now, so pick up a pullover or long sleeve top and get moving.
Example Workouts: walking, running, war memorial stairs, running / walking parking garage ramps or stairs, track workout, tempo, interval or Fartlek run.
2. Get Online – OK, not into the outdoors? Well, there are a ton of online options as studios have pivoted to virtual workouts and livestreaming. You can find both local and national chains offering amazing workouts to do right in your living room. I do highly encourage you to start local, helping studios across the city survive during this pandemic. You can support them from your home by paying the fee and making space. I live in a small one-bedroom apartment and have moved furniture (my warmup) to make enough space for a HIIT, yoga or Pilates class. Regardless of the workout, you likely need just enough room for a yoga mat.
Local Studios with Virtual Classes: Haven Yoga, Naptown Fitness, R|FRM
3. In-Person Classes – As the Owner of Just Ride Cycling Studio, the safety of my staff and clients is my top priority. So many studios have pivoted their classes to ensure a safe environment for all involved. During the summer we moved our classes outdoors and now into a large warehouse space, to ensure bikes are socially distanced and people can work out in a safe environment. Comfort levels vary. If you’re unsure of the rules and restrictions of a studio/gym, give them a call or send them an email. I’m sure they’ll be willing to walk you through the changes they’ve made to ensure your safety. The bottom line, give them a chance to survive by winning your trust and business.
Local In-Person Studios: Just Ride Cycling Studio, Awaken317, Era Pilates, Invoke Yoga
Here’s what we do know. Working from home and social distancing have taken a toll on our mental health. According to Psychology Today, a good workout is an easy inexpensive way to fight depression, anxiety and even some chronic mental health issues like dementia. It also helps fight many of the underlying conditions that increase your chances of being hospitalized with COVID-19 (obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, just to name a few). So, although it may be hard to climb off the couch, turn off the Queens Gambit and get moving; it’s never been more important. Hopefully I’ll see you outside, online or on the bike. Until then, stay safe!
MEET SHAYNA
Shayna Sangster is the Owner of Just Ride Cycling Studio in downtown Indy. A competitive gymnast and collegiate track & field athlete, she has always been into fitness. She works full-time as the Director of Marketing for the Indiana Fever and when she’s not on a bike or at a basketball game she’s cheering on her hometown team, the Michigan State Spartans. She loves living and working in downtown Indy and has been an Indiana resident since 2008.
