CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE March/April 2021 | Page 25

say “ well , why don ’ t you just get equipment to work out at home ?”
This can be helpful . But the reality is that the majority of people do not have the room , nor the thousands of dollars required to pay the inflated prices of today ’ s market . Equipment is backordered many months and people are selling used equipment at inflated prices due to the high demand . Paying $ 3000 for some basic weights is much different than paying for your $ 10-40 a month gym membership . At the end of the day , leaving the home and being in a separate environment can be good for mental health as well .
As we can see , statistics are showing that gyms are likely not responsible for the increased amount of cases of COVID in Canada . What we can also see , is that a lot more people are reporting instances of increased mental health issues and substance abuse . The gym is a place that helps people of all types improve their mental and physical health . With improved mental and physical health , it can be easier to fight against an enemy like this one . For now , we all have to stay strong and keep focused on our goals . Remember your “ why .” Why it ’ s important for you to stay healthy , why it is important for you to not let go of your good habits , and why it is important for you to get some sort of movement in daily . Keep your head up and let ’ s keep positive that this situation will improve !
If you find you are struggling with mental health issues during this time , you can always ;
call 1-833-456-4566 ( 24 / 7 ) or text 45645 ( 4 pm to 12 am ET ).
These mental health hotlines can help with guiding you towards the proper resources to get help .
https :// www . ctvnews . ca / health / coronavirus / canadians-reporting-more-anxiety-anddepression-than-ever-before-poll-finds-1.5266911
https :// www . ctvnews . ca / health / coronavirus / canadians-report-worse-mental-health-thanbefore-pandemic-nanos-survey-1.5141592
https :// dailyhive . com / toronto / covid-19-datatoronto-outbreak-sources

WHAT OUR FITNESS FAMILY HAS TO SAY

We asked a select group of competitors and coaches how they cope with and adapt to changes to changes with gym closures and restrictions .
“ Since the whole Covid lockdown began it ’ s been a challenge for many people . unfortunately some don ’ t have the convenience of a gym at home . I ’ m so happy I have enough of a gym to get the job done & stay on track . I ’ ve never taken it for granted !!.. However , I miss seeing people at the gym and having that camaraderie and motivation to lift me up . Daily , I try to keep the mindset to focus and not lose sight of my goals ! We may have a ways to go before life resumes to what is somewhat called normal again but for the meantime we need to all just continue to lift each other up and push by any hurdles to stay healthy and happy .” Judy Doughty
“ It all depends on what competitors have access to and I adapt or design a program based on what they have ... it ’ s always unique to the individual . Programs are always redesigned and now it ’ s more imperative I get creative and keeep them motivated .” Jason Green
“ We have been under less restrictions in Alberta , specifically , the length of time that gym closures have been in place . However , what we have done is change our clients ( competitors ) training to adapt to the home gym equipment they have . That in itself was challenging , as most just don ’ t have adequate equipment to challenge themselves the way they can in a full blown gym . We put together some very robust “ band ” training programs and met virtually ( FaceTime , Skype etc ...) to ensure our clients were utilizing the bands effectively , slowing down the eccentric portion of the rep and using more explosive movement in the concentric portion of the rep . I also , depending on the client / competitor , reduced caloric intake . Daph , did their posing sessions virtually and all of our clients were very happy with that .” Helen Bouchard
“ Government lockdown procedures requiring gyms to close can be mentally difficult for anyone who prioritizes living the fitness life style . Home workouts are certainly not the most sufficient way for a high level physique athlete to train , however with effort and some improvising an athlete can still focus on at least maintaining their physique even with limited home gym equipment . I personally think in order to avoid mental stress of not improving an athletes mind should shift towards maintaining the progress they ’ ve made during these times .” Morgan MacDonald
25