The Surprises and Lessons of Physical Distancing
We have all been forced to make quick changes in our lives this past month, in both our personal and work lives. I feel lucky that I am already used to working from home, but my workday has been anything but normal. In addition to changing how I work, I have learned a lot while practicing physical distancing.
My New Workday
I am still teaching classes six days a week (online), but there is no paycheck attached to it right now. That’s ok, I know that I’ll get that back. I’m leading these free classes in part to stay accountable to myself and my clients. If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. Also, I want my clients to keep their momentum with their workouts.
Join me live on Zoom at 9am for Pilates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Strength and cardio circuit workouts are taught on Tuesday and Thursday. Each Sunday, I’ll email the new Zoom link, or you can find it on my social media. Even though we can’t be together in person right now, we can still workout and chat together online.
Things I’ve Learned While Physical Distancing:
- I Love Teaching! I taught dance as a teen, art classes one summer, and then began teaching fitness in the early 90’s. I love being able to bring my joy of movement to others, and see them discovering a love for it as well.
- I Am Learning to Love Technology. Technology has been a blessing this month as it keeps us connected. Now that I’m teaching on Zoom, I have had to learn to use some of these programs from a “host” point of view. Let’s just say that there has been some trial and error, but I’m figuring it out!
- We Eat a Lot. We go through a heck of a lot of food when everyone is home for all three meals every day of the week. A. Lot.
- I Can Still Be Creative. Growing up and all through high school, I created art. Then my post-secondary education and career was interior design. I love to move furniture, sew, and paint things. With this extra time on my hands, I am creating more again. New ideas keep popping into my head for work and at home. I am happy to say that the creative projects that have been waiting to be completed around the house are finally getting done.
- I Get Lonely. I always thought of myself as a homebody, but I’m learning that I miss in-person connection more than I would have guessed. I miss my clients, friends, family, and my gym and pilates teachers. My morning Zoom classes are helping a lot, as we take a bit of time at the start and end of the class for a few minutes. Real human connection!
- My Kids Are Getting Along. My daughters are getting along better now than they had been prior to this isolation. While they have always gotten along quite well, things started going the other way in the past little while. Now that they are older and more independent, they are coming and going in all directions and there have been a lot more “disagreements” between them. This forced home-time has brought a bit more peace to their relationship again.
- There is an Abundance of Gratitude. When I made the choice to teach free classes over Zoom each morning, I did so to thank my clients and so we can help each other through this time. What I did not expect was the messages, texts, and thank yous that I am getting. Even beyond the gratitude I feel from you, I am seeing so much more around me. Neighbours are picking up groceries for one another, there are literal signs of hope in the windows, and every night at 7pm the streets are ringing with joy and togetherness.
As isolating as physical distancing is, we are finding ways to come together in unexpected ways. Thank you all for being there for me, as I am for you.
Join the Live Zoom Fitness Classes
Each week I will share a new Zoom link for the week. So, how do you get the link?
