The effects of the recent school and business closures have rippled through the entire community. Many students have felt this impact in their daily routines, especially when it comes to exercise.
Senior Sam Sturtzer was devastated when his opportunity to train with the track team was taken away. “Being away from the track team is huge because it takes away a part of my senior year I’ll never get back,” he said. “Losing the chance to compete with a great group of guys is definitely heartbreaking.”
Sturtzer did not let his disappointment stop him from training. He is motivated to keep preparing for his college career, as he hopes to run track for Drake University in Des Moines. Having a partner has also kept him from losing his motivation. “I’m fortunate enough to have a great workout partner, Blake Sherman,” Sturtzer added. “Having someone to workout with is essential because it pushes yourself to new levels.”
While it is discouraged to meet with friends on any occasion during this time, there are ways to exercise with a partner, either virtually or while maintaining a safe distance.
While many in-season athletes have been affected by the loss of their sport and PV training facilities, students not currently training for a sport have as well. Senior Bilal Ahmed is used to training at the gym in his free time; the recent closures have heavily impacted his daily routine. “I’ve noticed a rise in stress [since gyms closed],” Ahmed said. “For me personally, going to the gym was a venting mechanism.”
However, he has learned to accept the situation and taken up some new exercises. “I’ve been resorting to a lot more boxing recently and more bodyweight exercises such as push-ups and pulls,” Ahmed said. He was determined to not let the gym closures keep him from staying healthy, adding he “had worked too hard to maintain [his health and routine] just to lose it” because of the gym closures.
For many students, staying home means staying sedentary. While the lack of proper gym equipment — and the uncomfort of sweating in one’s own bedroom — may be discouraging, staying active during this time will help keep both mind and body healthy.
The guidance and encouragement from the strength and conditioning staff through TeamBuildr — as well as the online physical education classes — is a privilege for PV students. Doing these workouts will help keep structure in one’s daily routine and benefit their health.
However, there is no one right way to exercise; run, do some push-ups, go for a bike ride or walk — anything to get moving and keep the heart pumping.
