Lifting During The Lock-down

People don’t like change. Especially when it disrupts their daily routine and lifestyle. Adjusting to this change can be tedious. The pandemic has forced all of us to lead different lifestyles. Suddenly, something as small as a common cold can snowball into death. This epidemic has taken a toll on the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of our lives. However clichéd this may sound, change is the only constant.

As an athlete, I have had quite an unpleasant time adjusting to this change. I haven’t felt the pleasurable exhaustion, stress, and fatigue in so long. These things are intrinsic parts of my life. The exhaustion comes with a wave of relief, knowing that I gave it my best shot. The stress forces me to lead an organized life. The fatigue that I usually feel at the end of the day assures me that I have managed to balance my academic and swim life.

At first, I felt lazy, inactive, and idle. Over the span of a few days, I got myself together and started working out. Eventually, my swim team started dryland classes over zoom. Working out together is always fun...even if it is virtually. The sense of working out in a group gives me motivation even on the days I feel tired.

It is important for everyone to work out during this time. The need to understand why we should be active during this time is crucial. Working out should be the norm, and should not change even if your other routine does. Working out has numerous benefits. Not only does it help us keep fit and lively, but it also clears the mind. It is a good way to relieve stress and anger. Whenever I’m angry, I transfer that energy into doing a hard workout.

While swimming or working out, I forget about all of my worries and focus on doing the exercise correctly...and so should you! Especially during this time. Work out even if you don’t like working out; eventually, you will find a workout routine that suits you and you’ll start enjoying it. The reason I emphasize so much on working out is that it is an activity that has stopped me from doing a lot of things that I would regret, like getting into fights or arguments with my family or friends. Working out is a pursuit that is so much better than binge-watching a show.

Many people prefer working out with loud music...for me, it’s a distraction and I get engrossed in the music instead of in the workout. While working out, the throb of the blood in my head makes me feel full of life. It makes its own music...the music of Life.

Working out is a healthy choice, and can be fun if done with friends. This makes it social and makes it feel less like a chore and more like something fun and interactive. If you’re reading this right now and don’t have a workout schedule yet, what are you waiting for? Call a friend and get started. We’re blessed to have so many options because of the internet, let's put them to good use.