Finding Rhythm In Chaos

Fitness routines and daily schedules have been thrown through the loop as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The situation is serious, and there are certainly bigger fish to fry than a few missed workouts, though we love to see the way the fitness industry is adapting. We are incredibly proud of the efforts we are taking to keep our clients active, from lending equipment to programming home and outdoor workouts.

For today’s blog, we want to address lifestyle and behaviors more broadly than just workouts. With so many working from home and with schedules upended, there has never been a more important time to create a rhythm within this new environment and strive for progress in areas you can control.

One mantra we are reminding ourselves of is this: Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated every day.

Why? The honest truth is that now is probably not the time for radical overhauls to your nutrition and fitness. There is already enough instability going on in the day to day, and sweeping changes may only be an additional stressor.

We do, however, all have the power and the bandwidth to adapt to a new environment by making a few small behavior changes and repeating them, day after day. Our bodies and minds love consistency, so create it where you can.

Hold on to what is feasible inside your regular routine and repeat it daily. Keep your wake and sleep times consistent, eat meals at the same time, take a shower, get dressed, and try to keep your daily movement at the time you’d normally hit the gym.

Next, build on your routine with small, repeatable efforts. These lifestyle habits are not quick fixes, but will have an incredibly powerful effect on your health when implemented consistently over a long period of time. 

• Add a 15 minute morning walk in the sun instead of your commute
• Prepare your lunch in the kitchen and include lean protein, a vegetable, and a healthy fat
• Aim to add an extra 5 seconds to your plank hold each day while you do your at-home workout
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night
• Have a goal to drink ½ your bodyweight in oz of water every day
• Eat your meals away from your workspace
• Take 5 minutes to meditate and breathe

Repeat and add to these small efforts, day after day. Amidst the chaos, they will create structure and help you continue to move forward.

When you look back a year from now, you’ll be amazed by what you have built.

Even with gym closures, OPEX Riverdale coaches are continuing to help their clients and broader communities through challenging times. Reach out to OPEX RIVERDALE NYC you and you’ll find a strong network to support you through tough times and out the other side.