Despite the COVID-19 pandemic concerns, instructors at the Badlands Community Facility are offering their services to keep Drumheller residents fit.
The Alberta Chief Medical health officer Deena Hinshaw continues to reinforce her plea for Albertans to stay at home as much as possible. With such an order, it is easy to fall into a fitness rut, especially if you are a person who regularly used gyms or town recreational facilities, which have been closed.
Recreation Art and Culture manager Darren Goldthorpe, tells the Mail a number of the contracted instructors at the BCF are continuing their support to their clients online.
“These instructors are passionate about what they do and want to continue to do something for their community, and people’s health and wellness are important,” said Goldthorpe. “They have done this on their own.”
Heather Jones is keeping up with her “Keeping up Fitness” program. She is an Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) certified instructor who typically offers boot camp style workout programs.
“She has her Facebook page and she has classes and she is doing classes and tips and techniques all through her Facebook page,” said Goldthorpe. “That one is open to anyone, and they can search Keeping up Fitness.”
Jenn Wright, who operates Bend with Jenn Yoga is continuing to offer her expertise to the community through her Facebook, including live classes.
Amber McLachlan Leavitt, who operates Body By Amber Fitness continues to be active even in light of COVID-19. She has started a Facebook page offering tips and work out suggestions as well as a blog with more information.
Goldthorpe says it is important to stay active, even during this time.
“People should take advantage of separating themselves from all the social media and all the news and looking after themselves is important for their health and wellness and their mental health,” he said. ‘We also want to make sure they are practicing good social distancing.”
He also stresses people be safe in their physical activity. COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm the healthcare system and injuries from starting a new exercise program can be risky. Even icy sidewalks can cause a preventable visit to the doctor.
Goldthorpe also points out the importance of creating a schedule. During self-isolation, it is easy to lose track of time. By setting aside time for exercise can help.
“If you can do things to create habits if that means setting aside a time specifically to exercise, or simply go for a walk. If that is what it takes to commit to it that is important,” he said.
“Someday soon hopefully we’ll be back and welcoming everybody back into our programs and facilities. Until then we all have to be safe and do our part, and stay home when we need to.”
