Students are finding their own ways to exercise and stay healthy despite gyms and fitness centers closing across the country.
Through social media and workout videos, they’re hoping to encourage others to do the same.
Lauren Kysela, acting senior, offered a live Pilates class through Facebook, open for anybody to join. Pilates is a low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while maintaining postural alignment and flexibility training. Kysela is currently training to become a certified instructor for the exercise.
“The one thing I have done the most that has been the best bodyweight workout has been Pilates, especially since I am currently trying to get my teaching certification,” said Kysela. “Being a dancer, this is an awesome workout since it is all based on having a strong core strength and helping with range of motion and flexibility.”
No experience is necessary to take the classes, Kysela said.
“Pilates requires no experience. To just take it, you can listen to the instructor and know when to modify movements or challenge yourself! I’m always open for questions about movements,” Kysela said.
Kristin Oliphant, exercise science sophomore, is on the cheer team and said she is continuing to maintain a healthy lifestyle from home.
“I try to follow my healthy eating habits as best as I can, but my main goal is to maintain as much of my strength and endurance as I can, so I will be better prepared for summer workouts and the upcoming season,” Oliphant said.
Many local and well-known gyms across the U.S. are offering online workout videos and making live classes accessible for at-home workouts.
“There is a really cool free app called ‘Down Dog’ which has workouts available for all skill levels and time allotments,” Oliphant said. “I know a lot of jazzercise instructors and gym apps are offering live-streamed classes or videos you can follow at home,” Oliphant said.
Orangetheory is sharing 30-minute workout videos each day on their website and short clips on their Instagram. The company stated on their website that special equipment won’t be necessary and are trending the hashtag #OrangetheoryAthome.
In addition, Gold’s Gym and Planet Fitness are both offering digital workout videos and live streams through Facebook and their digital apps. Planet Fitness stated they will be offering 20-minute workouts led by their trainers and celebrity guests.
In addition to these free at home workout options to help with students’ physical health, OCU counseling is continuing to offer remote telehealth sessions to students in Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. University counselling will also continue to provide resources for out of state services, and answer the phone and emails during business hours.
“The most important way I feel to stay healthy is to just keep yourself on a routine and be mindful of what you are eating in your home,” Kysela said.
For updated information about the university’s response to coronavirus, see okcu.edu/coronavirus.
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