2020 is finally coming to an end and since 2021 is around the corner, let’s make this year’s resolution about getting back on track with our fitness! Ever had a gym routine that was interrupted and you just had issues getting back to it? Maybe it was a vacation that disrupted the pattern or even just a break you wanted for yourself and while those types of breaks usually last a week or two, the pandemic has changed lifestyles, disrupting routines for months. Regardless of time, any disruption can be really hard for us fitness junkies. The closings of the gyms and fitness centers definitely had an impact on my fitness, and I had to adjust a lot. But, for people who do not have a regular routine, this information below will be beneficial to you too.
How can we stay consistent in fitness given the circumstances or how do we even start?
Currently, some local New Jersey gyms are open. But, if you are a sensitive breather like me, working out with a mask on is just not an option! But if it works for you, then go for it! Just make sure the gym has good protocols for social distancing and keeping equipment sanitized and clean!
If you are a high-key germaphobe or don’t want to go out to the gyms yet, you can always look to home workouts. They tend to get a bad rep, but trust me, these work just as well. There are a lot of online guides that can provide you with more structure on what you can expect from home workouts and how you can be budget friendly for equipment you can use in your home.
If you are a student living on or near the New Brunswick Campus, here are some options for you:
For all Rutgers students, there are FREE options you can access such as virtual classes. This is accessible through the first link under RU Rec offerings below. There are also virtual personal training classes available that are offered at a very discounted price! This information is also provided, below, on the third link. The last link gives information on reserving different parts of the gym and equipment, in case you wanted time allotted for yourself in utilizing the tools the gym has to offer.
If you’re comfortable going to the gym, Werblin is open by appointment only for fitness classes which you can find more information on through the second link below. There are safety protocols that must be adhered to though. For example, you need to bring your Rutgers ID card, reservation confirmation, face covering, and an updated campus pass. So, be sure to review the requirements before you go to the gym and visit the Recreation operation status page for the most up-to-date information.
If working out live doesn’t work for you, Recreation has On Demand Videos. If you are struggling to stay motivated, you can even make an appointment with the Exercise is Medicine Coach for a work out plan.
Here are some other RU Rec offerings:
- Virtual fitness classes
- Virtual personal training (cost associated)
- In-person fitness classes
- Equipment/facility reservations
If you miss some of the physical fitness activities on campus, you can still participate in the Big Chill right from home! The Big Chill is a charitable event, in which participants run a race and donations are made to different organizations. Learn more here!
What other free resources might I consider?
There are tons of workout videos on YouTube! But a lot of them also give a demo and promote their full workout plans which you have to purchase. Now, we do not want to spend money where we don’t have to, so a good tip would be to look up fitness instructors on social media and see which ones offer workout plans. This should not be hard to accomplish since a lot of them already do this. This next step is key. Make sure their workout plans are FREE and the videos that go with them are easily accessible. A lot of these instructors who offer free workout plans, tend to put their videos on YouTube and have a series on there. This is highly effective.
Make 2021 the Best with Your Fitness!
This year the pandemic definitely had an impact on a lot of things, including fitness. But we shouldn’t let that deter us from reaching our fitness goals or even starting one. If some of you weren’t able to get back on track, this is your time to get to it! For those of you starting a fitness routine, you got this! Just stick to it and don’t give up! Make this upcoming year the best with your fitness!
