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3 Fitness and Wellness Tips to Help You Finish 2020 Strong

woman doing yoga; fitness and wellness tips

This year, we’ve experienced a lot of uncertainty and (yes, we’re going to say it) unprecedented challenges. But it’s not all bad news. In fact, according to a recent report by Vida Health, people are significantly more health-conscious since the outbreak of COVID-19 began. Their survey shows that people are exercising more, sleeping longer, and paying more attention to how they’re fueling their bodies. To support our community’s health, we’re putting together some fitness and wellness tips to help our members get through the end of 2020. 

Step away from your screens

With so many people working, schooling, and socializing from home, “Zoom fatigue” (or digital fatigue) takes a toll. Symptoms include physical or mental exhaustion, trouble focusing, blurred or double vision, headaches, and migraines. Of course, it might be impossible to completely step away from screens while so much of the world is virtual. 

Luckily, small changes can make a big difference. For example, the American Optometry Association (AOA) recommends practicing the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes spent staring at a screen, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away. It can also be helpful to have a dedicated “no screens zone,” like your bedroom or the kitchen. This automatically builds some screen-free time into your daily routine and can help relieve digital fatigue. 

Join the “joyful movement” movement 

If the word “exercise” makes you cringe, this one is for you. We’ve always believed that the most effective exercise plan is the one you look forward to when you wake up each morning. Now, there’s a growing movement supporting this idea. Joyful movement emphasizes physical activity that brings us, well, joy! Instead of exercising to punish your body or “earn” your food, you exercise to celebrate what your body is capable of. 

The best part of joyful movement is that it’s different from person to person (and even from day to day). It means listening to your body and following through, whether you’re craving a leisurely bike ride or a fast-paced HIIT workout. By expanding your idea of what exercise is, you’re more likely to exercise regularly—and gain all of the health benefits that come with daily movement. 

Be flexible with your plans, not your goals

You don’t need us to tell you that 2020 has thrown plenty of curveballs. So, how do you reach your fitness and wellness goals without getting discouraged? Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. In other words, we’d encourage you to be flexible with your plans, but don’t lose sight of your goals. For this wellness tip, a little bit of planning can go a long way. You might even want to rank different activities that support each of your goals. 

For example, if your goal is “Run a marathon in 2021,” your first choice activity could be “Go for a run.” Don’t have the energy for a long run? Maybe your back-up plan is active recovery, like yoga or stretching, or doing a speed workout with your jump rope. Don’t have the energy for the after-work yoga session you had planned today? Maybe there are other ways to support your goal—relaxation and movement—that feel more doable.

As always, our team is here to support you

Whether you’re charging full steam into 2021 or still reeling from the roller coaster ride that 2020 felt like, we’re with you. Our indoor workout areas are now open at limited capacity, in addition to our outdoor workout spaces like the Performance Tent, tennis courts, and pools. And we’ve moved spin classes back into the Spin Studio and reopened the indoor locker rooms. So, whatever your fitness and wellness goals look like, Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club is here to support them.