Digital workouts amid coronavirus outbreak

As the impact of global coronavirus pandemic became unavoidably obvious, governments are taking
precautionary measures and issuing a self-quarantine ordinance. According to the WHO, coronavirus
can spread from person to person through droplets, which are spread when an infected person coughs
or exhales. The virus can also fester and spread through contact with objects and surfaces that have
been touched by those infected. With high humidity level and physical contact at the gym, the virus
can survive for days on dumbbells, bands, yoga mats, and even door handles if they are not
adequately cleaned. Hence, like other public spaces, the gym could afford the transmission of the
virus. In response to this emergency, copious gyms, fitness studios, and sports facilities closed their
doors as efforts to contain the explosive spread of the COVID-19.

With the confirmed cases rising at a somewhat alarming rate, staying active has highly praised to
boost overall health and maintain sturdy immune systems. Regular exercise can be an excellent stress
management tool, as well. American Heart Association recommends adults to get at least 150 minutes
per week of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. Getting a
proper amount of exercise might be a little challenging to accomplish while people are confined to
their homes.

From top-notch fitness chains to private boutique studios were forced to announce their temporary
closures as new social distancing initiative to curb the escalating outbreak. These severely impacted
markets have had to bring their operations to cyberspace over the past couple of weeks. While people
are being encouraged to stay homebound for the foreseeable future, there are myriad ways to engage
fitness enthusiasts to combat the stagnation of self-isolation. Studio owners and trainers are having to
adjust by providing online workouts, along with nutritional advice and diet plan, as well as fueling the
drive to stay in shape.

Several fitness studios in Jakarta have been offering virtual classes and workout drills designed to be
done from home. Numerous brands, including Soulbox, Alder, and Feel Good Space, to name a few,
have turned to Instagram to host live workout sessions to replace classes at their studios while they
impermanently close. On-screen workouts are popping up on every social media platform from
YouTube, Facebook, and Google Duo; you name it. Furthermore, some fitness video platforms offer
on-demand access to a wide variety of live-taped workouts and pre-recorded classes. Options
available are ranging from high-intensity interval training, Pilates, boot camp, barre, to yoga. The
allure of live-streamed workouts is that they can turn almost any environment into an instant gym.

Completing online classes at home is not the same as going to a dedicated facility to train and being
around people and picking up on that friendly competitive vibe. We usually draw the energy from
instructors and classmates to drive us even harder. The idea of live classes is to add a sense of
community knowing there are other people working out virtually alongside. Instructors can pass
encouragement at the screen and briefly respond to the viewer’s comments. Trainers could also
provide followers with a form of social support.

In light of the impact of the COVID-19 has become more glaringly palpable, people are likely to get
swept away with heightened concerns and awareness of the outbreak. Looking after your mental well-
being is also incredibly essential. There are feasible steps people can take to cope with fear and
anxiety. One such brand, Headspace, a subscription-based mindfulness app, is making its services
complimentary to help people weather the storm. Focused meditation with a combination of physical
activity has been found to be quite beneficial to alleviate anxiety-related mental health issues.

Digital well-rounded approaches to health and fitness can be an alternative to reach new audiences
and influence a quarantined community to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Online workouts and coaches,
nonetheless, cannot supersede human professional just yet. Personal trainers can supervise and give
tailored guidance based on what they are seeing. In the midst of the pandemic shutdown, virtual
workout classes could be the fix. Going forward, technology will play a significant role in how in-
person sessions at traditional fitness clubs operate, and there is a lot to learn from this situation to
come out better on the other side.

About the Author:

Dewi Nareswari Kosa
A primary care physician practicing in Jakarta