How Will You Exercise in a Post-Pandemic World?

The world has essentially stayed indoors for the better part of the last 12 to 14 months. We have stayed home to work. We haven’t gone out to eat or take in entertainment options. We have even relegated our exercise to the basement rec room or the garage. Now that the world is gradually emerging from coronavirus, things are changing. What does that mean for your exercise?

It will be interesting to see how individuals exercise in a post-pandemic world. Proponents of outdoor exercise are encouraging people to set aside their indoor workouts and head out into the great outdoors instead. Undoubtedly, people tired of being cooped up indoors will do just that. Just how much the new emphasis on outdoor exercise impacts health clubs, cycling studios, and gyms remains to be seen.

Here are a few of the possibilities, among many:

 

1. Staying Indoors

For the purposes of this discussion, the focus will be on indoor cycling. Some people who have been cycling indoors for the last year will continue doing so. They have discovered they prefer either private cycling at home or taking indoor cycling classes with a few close friends. They have no intention of taking their exercise back outdoors.

There is something to be said about indoor cycling as a controlled exercise. You don’t have to worry about weather, traffic, dogs, etc. Then again, there is something to be said about cycling outdoors in the bright sunshine and fresh air.

 

2. Taking Things Outdoors

There are undoubtedly some cyclists who only used to bike outdoors prior to the pandemic. Going indoors was a matter of necessity. But now, with the world emerging from coronavirus, it is time to put away that indoor cycle and get back out on the road.

It’s not hard to imagine outdoor cycling enthusiasts avoiding indoor exercise except when absolutely necessary. Their choice is just as valid. They would rather be outside enjoying everything the natural environment has to offer. It is hard to speak against that.

 

3. Combining the Two

People obviously don’t have to choose one or the other. They can combine indoor and outdoor exercise as needed. Take the bike outside when the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable. Stay inside when it’s raining, snowing, or just too cold to have any fun.

For some people, combined exercise is a way of life. They have a regular bicycle they use outdoors a few days a week. They also take indoor cycling classes a couple of days per week. This affords them the opportunity to do both. According to the good folks at Mcycle, a Salt Lake City cycling studio, combining indoor and outdoor cycling is not unusual.

 

4. Combining Different Exercises

Still another group of people will combine different exercises that require indoor and outdoor environments. For example, a person might take indoor cycling classes two or three times a month. The classes are combined with regular running, walking, and swimming. Walking and running are done outside while swimming is enjoyed at an indoor health club pool.

It should be obvious from the many choices that there is no right or wrong way to go. The beauty of exercise is that you are only limited by your willingness to do it. So, now that the world is getting closer to putting the coronavirus crisis behind us, how will you respond? Will you exercise differently in a post-pandemic world?

If you don’t exercise at all, maybe this can be your motivation to change that. Take advantage of a reemerging world to get out there and get healthy.