January is the time of the year when we resolve to “shed” those extra pounds gained from the holiday food spree. But considering the unusual circumstances, even our customary holiday preparations were significantly subdued. Yet, because we’re stuck mostly indoors, we have what people call COVID-15, which translates to 15 pounds gained because of COVID lockdowns.
Gone are the packed gyms of Januarys past where patrons, ranging from the super fit to the overweight try and hope to get in shape. The fitness industry took a massive hit because of COVID-19, which forced them to impose health and safety protocols. Sadly, between 20 to 30 percent of them had closed permanently.
Little by little, fitness gyms had started to resume business, but many people opted to stay at home and accumulate time on their sofas binge watching on TV. Yet many adapted to virtual training and tuned to all those fitness and yoga videos on YouTube. The outdoorsy types increased their walking, jogging and cycling activities.
Virtual training had become popular due to the pandemic and people easily adapted especially those in more technically advanced countries. Target audiences trained online in the comforts of their homes. Of course, not all are doing this because some gyms don’t offer digital or online training.
Likewise, the sale of internet-connected exercise equipment like treadmills and stationary bikes had increased. Yes, you need to have a subscription if you want your workouts to be interesting and challenging, say like you’re running along the beaches of Rio de Janiero or cycling thru the Italian countryside.
Here at home, the recent spike in COVID infections in some cities and provinces and the resulting restrictions from local government units further prevents people from going to their favorite gyms.
Hopefully, when COVID vaccines become available for everyone in the country, things will improve not only for gym owners and goers but also for other businesses which had taken a nosedive.
Let’s put in mind that vaccines provide acquired immunity for infectious diseases. In the same breath, exercise and fitness in a way, is some kind of a vaccine that helps us control health problems like hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and the common colds and flu./PN
