As weight of pandemic eases, people work on shedding COVID-19 pounds
The start of the pandemic sparked a run on exercise equipment. With summer right around the corner, people are looking to get back into healthier habits.“He came in with a big smile on his face and he was trying to do his key tag to scan in. I said, ‘Oh, it’s fine. Come on in.’ And he said, ‘Nope. I want to hear that beep to know I’m back in the gym again,’” Fondren Fitness general manager Terry Sullivan said.People are excited to be back in a gym environment focusing on their overall health.“People want to drop COVID weight. People want to get in and start working out. They want to be around other people again,” Sullivan said.While some may feel overwhelmed at the start of the race, trainers say the key is not to focus on the finish line.“Writing it down, speaking it out, then telling someone,” Fit Revival owner Laura Montgomery said.Because a focus on the finish line means there’s an end. But a focus on health means a win.“I would love for there to be a strong movement in Mississippi toward just taking one new step each day,” Montgomery said.In 2019, adult obesity rates in Mississippi were a little over 40%.“There’s a lack of education and understanding in our state, specifically on how those simple, small habits and choices can make a huge difference in our life,” Montgomery said.Over a period of time, the long-term changes outlast the temporary ones.“Stress management, getting proper rest and then being active 30 minutes a day, five times a week,” Sullivan said.For people that may have financial burdens, if it’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s how to be resourceful.“We can be creative with our movements, and instead of standing up from the couch once, you sit down and stand up five times,” Montgomery said.It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.“It can feel lonesome. It can feel isolating, like you’re the only one focused on this, but I guarantee you, there are people around you that absolutely want to encourage you,” Montgomery said.Small changes can help fight the big diseases, experts say.
The start of the pandemic sparked a run on exercise equipment. With summer right around the corner, people are looking to get back into healthier habits.
“He came in with a big smile on his face and he was trying to do his key tag to scan in. I said, ‘Oh, it’s fine. Come on in.’ And he said, ‘Nope. I want to hear that beep to know I’m back in the gym again,’” Fondren Fitness general manager Terry Sullivan said.
People are excited to be back in a gym environment focusing on their overall health.
“People want to drop COVID weight. People want to get in and start working out. They want to be around other people again,” Sullivan said.
While some may feel overwhelmed at the start of the race, trainers say the key is not to focus on the finish line.
“Writing it down, speaking it out, then telling someone,” Fit Revival owner Laura Montgomery said.
Because a focus on the finish line means there’s an end. But a focus on health means a win.
“I would love for there to be a strong movement in Mississippi toward just taking one new step each day,” Montgomery said.
In 2019, adult obesity rates in Mississippi were a little over 40%.
“There’s a lack of education and understanding in our state, specifically on how those simple, small habits and choices can make a huge difference in our life,” Montgomery said.
Over a period of time, the long-term changes outlast the temporary ones.
“Stress management, getting proper rest and then being active 30 minutes a day, five times a week,” Sullivan said.
For people that may have financial burdens, if it’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s how to be resourceful.
“We can be creative with our movements, and instead of standing up from the couch once, you sit down and stand up five times,” Montgomery said.
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
“It can feel lonesome. It can feel isolating, like you’re the only one focused on this, but I guarantee you, there are people around you that absolutely want to encourage you,” Montgomery said.
Small changes can help fight the big diseases, experts say.
