As we all know, spring term is shaping up to be a little different. With Dixon closed, many of us cannot get a sweat on as easily as we used to. However, just because we are stuck at home does not mean exercise is impossible. In fact, exercise is perhaps even more essential now than it was before COVID 19 impacted all our lives.

“To help combat feelings of depression, anxiety, or lethargy, moving your body is extremely important,” says Megan Anderson, a Personal Trainer at Rec Sports. Megan has found that simply walking, at a set time every day, helps ward off these negative feelings. “I encourage everyone to try a new challenge,” she continues. “For example, my boyfriend and I are doing a jumping squat challenge. So, every day we do a number of sets and reps of jumping squats, increasing the amount each week. This is a great tool to get your body moving, whether you are doing it with someone or not, and to challenge yourself.” Megan notes the challenge can be anything you want; not just squats.

Getting creative is another tactic to support your wellbeing while at home. Lauren Chase, a Senior Fitness Associate at Rec Sports, has noticed some of her clients using unusual methods to stay in shape, substituting “soup cans and textbooks” for dumbbells in their at-home workouts.

“I love that this has been a time of generosity for most organizations,” Lauren says, “and that people are taking advantage of it.” Many of her clients and friends are taking free Group Fitness Classes via Zoom - where over 40 live classes are offered per week. “I cannot recommend these enough,” adds Megan. Group Fitness Classes are 30 to 45 minutes long and can easily be done at home. Choose from options like Yoga, Zumba, Beaver Fit, Beaver Lift, or Core Fusion. For Megan, the best part of these workouts is seeing other people. "It makes me feel less alone and that I am accomplishing something for myself, with other people," Megan said. 

If you don’t know where to start, consider working with a personal trainer like Megan or Lauren. Lauren recommends that first-timers sign up for a free 50-minute remote training session to create health and wellness goals during the COVID 19 crisis. During each web conference, the trainers will explore your current activity interests, help define goals and develop a fitness plan, and even demonstrate exercises.

Another way to stay fit with Rec Sports is to follow the official Group Fitness Instagram, @osugroupfitness. Along with instructor insights, fitness challenges are posted which you can do at home.