| A new holistic perspective on exercise and fitness may be among the many ways the pandemic changes our lives. Feeling psychologically fatigued? Forced to cope with the pandemic for nearly a year now, you aren’t alone. Fitness carries new meaning these days. Those striving to stay or get fit are not only bringing the gym into their home (sales of fitness equipment have doubled during the COVID lockdown), but are actively searching for ways to enhance their overall psychological health and well-being. Researchers have discovered a palpable connection between people’s moods during the pandemic and shifts to alternative practices at home, including yoga, meditation, stretching, and hydration. Now, instead of just tabulating calories burned, pounds lifted, or reps completed, fitness is being viewed through a wider lens, in large part to combat the frustration, anxiety, fear, and stress that the pandemic has brought (mental health cases have tripled during COVID). Fitbit’s recent extension of their core sleep stage tracker which now includes guided mindfulness sessions helps demonstrate this new perspective. Similarly, personalized programs in the increasingly popular Verv app have four elements, with true exercise being just one component (nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness being the others). And streaming platform MasterClass announced its first class on holistic fitness and wellness where trainer Joe Holder blends traditional, home-based workouts with positivity and emotional awareness. Even the U.S. Army has a new Holistic Health and Fitness initiative that focuses on soldiers’ physical, mental and spiritual health. Today, these new ways to prioritize and track our overall health are helping to offset the psychological toll of COVID and redefining our concept of fitness. |
February 25, 2021