Staying Fit During COVID-19

Howdy Ladies and Gentlemen! I have been granted the opportunity to share with you what I’ve learned about fitness/wellness, as well as help you through challenges and answer any questions you might have.

For those of you who don’t know me – I own a Pilates studio. I started teaching live classes at the Boulevard communities here in Missouri a few years ago, but COVID-19 has changed things for everyone.

Fortunately, Arrow was quickly able to adapt to an online format!

Arrow wants our communities and Residents ACTIVE. COVID-19 may separate us physically, but we must continue to PARTICIPATE in our lives as different as they may be right now. So, I will be teaching online 5 DAYS A WEEK!!! 9:45a CST Monday through Friday.

Why is this important? With decreased activity, our muscles lose strength quickly – within a couple of weeks, we can see a decline in strength of up to 25%. We need to keep moving! The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. (Michelle teaching 5 days a week for 30 minutes = 150 minutes a week!)

My goal is to get you moving. I like to say motion is lotion – movement lubricates the joints, eases pain and, by golly, is great for your brain! I have heard from residents that they feel they are losing strength in their lower body. Can I get a squat? (Said like “Can I get an AMEN”). I am going to do EVERYTHING I can to offer opportunities to increase your fitness and wellness levels by thinking about movements you already do every day and designing classes that make those movements easier.

But Michelle, I don’t like exercise. It’s hard/boring/embarrassing. Clearly – you have not yet seen the Zoom exercise program at your community. If you are laughing at me, well that counts as an ab movement and some great breathwork too. So, you have to do better than that.

But Michelle, I’ve never worked out before. Harvard Women’s Health Watch updated its findings on May 14, 2019 (originally published in May 2007): AGE is just a number and exercise after age 70 (even if it is the first time) results in increases in fitness levels. (Strength, endurance and flexibility).

Please tune in to the Zoom sessions each day. And let’s DO this. Maybe we’ll come up with a secret wave or something.