Going the Distance to Stay in Shape

When the COVID-19 pandemic started in the Spring of 2020 and things in the US started to shut down, including gyms, parks, and sports programs, most kids started to get a lot less physical activity each day, so new tools and techniques were needed to get them moving again.

In March of 2020, the Booth Physical Education program created solutions for the students in Physical Education classes. Suggestions of fun activities (such as homemade obstacle courses), and the use of YouTube instructional videos, were used to encourage students to be physically active at least three days a week. “When they [kids] wake up in the morning, they should think about what they’re gonna do and follow through with it. Don’t procrastinate. Go for a walk, go for a run, go for a swim, go for a bike ride,” Coach Combs suggests. In these uncertain times physical activity can really be an excellent motivator

After the government ordered schools and businesses to quarantine, adjustments had to be made, and the New Normal was introduced. “At this age, kids just really want to be together, and they miss their time together. Socialization is key. It’s important for their development.” Dr. Franklin, a certified pediatrician, said. Not only is daily physical activity key, but also socialization. 

Dr. Jennifer Franklin talks about the pediatric industry in relation to Covid-19.  “Children and adolescents are not ‘out of the woods’ either. We’re seeing an uptick in cases of kids, and in no doubt it’s because they have started to get back together.”  Cases are rising, so people have to make sure they take care of themselves and make good choices in this period of time. Children are vulnerable, but may not show serious symptoms.

Students are yearning to socialize again. “While I want them [students] to have that, I still want them to implement rules the schools have in place. Including, trying to maintain six feet apart, wearing masks and washing hands a lot. You really can’t do it too much.” Dr. Franklin said. Not only are sanitary steps a solution, but also the convenience of virtual zoom conferences. “We went online. We decided to do Zoom calls three times a week,” Coach Jen Thompson said.

“The environment at a gym allows you and encourages you to see other people doing the same activity. If you’re alone, you can just lie to yourself, and you could just say ‘It’s not that important’ or ‘I can’t do this’ when you probably could”, says Aiden Bryant an athlete in the CrossFit PTC Youth Program. Though it can be difficult to stay motivated when you are stuck at home by yourself, these adjustments are important.

Now that the vaccine is available, resuming normal activities is not too far away. Gyms have made edits to allow people to work out at their facilities. As Aiden Bryant commented, “Getting back to the gym and seeing my friends is probably one of the best feelings”.