{Covid-19} Keeping sane by moving your body

We’ve been in lockdown (not allowed to leave the property) for a month. I am doing daily journalling for the first time ever in my life and I’ve noticed that the days I’m getting to move my body through a walk or actual exercise classes are the days I’m calmer, happier and a better human being.

Why is it important to move?

  • you sleep better
  • oxygen gets to your brain for clearer thinking
  • you feel better, and are a less anxious and overall happier human being

I wasn’t using the word “moving” as a euphemism for exercise; moving to me on most days means to:

  • get outside
  • notice the beauty
  • listen to the sounds
  • smell different smells
  • engage all your senses

(excellent mindfulness activities for an ESTJ, who needs to stay present and move slower through life)

I have found 4 things that help me get the most out of virtual exercise (my Zoom Zumba class)

  1. Dress as you would for a normal class at the gym – tie your hair up when necessary, wear a sports bra and sports shoes
  2. Tell yourself, I only have these 30 or 60 minutes, so I have to make it count, and then dance your heart out
  3. Keep the video on – it will keep you accountable and moving
  4. Set up your environment for success – have a big bottle of water ready, clear the space of chairs, etc. and close a curtain if necessary to block out sunlight
My Zoom Zumba set-up – phone, water bottle, untidy desk 🙂

I know all these things because I’ve done the exact opposite – forgotten the sports bra, had to run downstairs for more water, and had to take a couple of minutes to move the camera so I wasn’t squinting into the sunlight.

Interestingly, the Zoom Zumba is the only class I feel inclined to participate in. I have zero interest in doing virtual ballet – I want to have the class vibe for that. I may change my mind soon, but for now, let’s Zumba 😉

Are you moving enough? I’m probably not, but these days cleaning also counts and I’m doing plenty of that!

Do you participate in any virtual exercise classes?

PS Today Dion and I celebrate 25 years of marriage and I started off my day with Zumba 🙂

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Comments

  1. MamaCat says

    Wow, 25 years. That is a huge thing to celebrate. Congratulations to you and Dion. I hope you did celebrate to the best of your abilities.
    I am not really moving as much as I want to. I keep thinking about it, but I have not done anything about it. I recognise this in myself. I sometimes just need to stop in order to go.

  2. Laura Anderson says

    Hello Marvelous Marcia!
    Congratulations on 25 years together with Dion, that is a precious gift and commitment! I appreciate your encouragement to MOVE! I wanted to share with you something I think you might love: Body Groove. Bodygroove.com. It’s just dancing and moving and it feels SO great! She offers a 30 day free trial, as well as some freebies on youtube. Much love to you and the fam!

Trackbacks

  1. […] I do have my regular Zumba classes but I could easily add another class to the weekly schedule. I’m happier and calmer when I move my […]

  2. […] Exercising via Zoom […]

  3. […] Zumba has been keeping me sane, I’ve found I really do not like ballet via Zoom though (I really do go for the whole sensory experience) and I love going for a walk to clear my head some evenings after work, especially now during autumn and winter. I’m under no illusion that when it gets too hot in Jhb, I’ll hate walking again and may have to do more Zumba classes, or maybe ballet will start looking exciting again 😉 […]

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