March 27, 2020
The best fitness streaming apps, why I broke up with my Apple Watch and a reminder that we're all in this together.
Exercise might be the only way to stay sane right now
I just got off an hour-long conference call (that was so unnecessary for me to be on), and all I was thinking the entire time was, I just want to get outside and go for a walk. Daily exercise has been a priority for me for more than two years now, and within the last week it’s become even more essential for my sanity.
My new normal.
I already did a streaming Pilates session this morning, but my afternoon walk works double-duty as phone time with friends—when I can talk about the stuff I don’t want my husband or son to overhear. I also take solace in listening to music and getting a much-needed break from the news, texts and all things COVID-19. And, it just feels good to breathe in fresh air.
If you’re not already a workout person, this is an amazing way to add a bit of structure to your day. And considering there isn’t much else to do, I dare you to give me an excuse as to why you can’t be more active (unless you’re physically unable for some reason). Listen people… Even just a few weeks of Netflix and junk food could make it hard to zip up our jeans when we actually have a place to wear them again—and it’s looking like we’re going to be in this situation for a heck of a lot longer than that.
In addition to those aforementioned walks, here are a few FREE apps and ways to break a sweat. Who knows, maybe we’ll all be a little more fit when this outbreak is behind us!
FitOn: Dance, cardio, strength, HIIT, barre, yoga, Pilates, prenatal, postnatal—you name it. This app gets extra points for classes led by celebrities (like Gabrielle Union) and celebrity trainers.
Strava: If you’re a runner or biker, this app can help you track your time, route and distance and it lets you be social at the same time. Why not start a virtual run club?
Nike Training Club: In addition to more than 200 free workouts of every kind, you can upgrade to premium for nutrition and wellness features for sleep, recovery and mindfulness.
YouTube: In our app-driven world, it can be easy to forget that YouTube is a treasure trove of fitness options. If you really want to keep things interesting, try throwback videos from Jane Fonda (and wear a leotard and legwarmers while you’re at it)!
My Apple Watch and I are on a break
When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is put on my Apple Watch. It helps me stay on top of my daily fitness/movement goals, gives me a heads up about texts and emails in the event something urgent pops up and has basically become a wearable link to my digital world.
I started prepping for corona a few weeks ago, including putting my Pilates membership and tennis clinics on hold. Although I usually meet my move and exercise goals seven days a week, it’s become harder and harder—and constant reminders from my watch like “You can still do it!” and “You’re usually farther along with your rings” started to make me feel like shit.
At the same time, the volume of emails and notifications (other than CNN) has dropped off significantly. Add in the fact that we’re all basically homebound, I’m likely in front of my computer so I don’t really need a wrist-notification for anything. So with that, my Apple Watch is going to be on its charger for a while.
This is only Day 3, and aside from less dependence on my watch, I’ve already noticed a major positive shift in my family dynamic (and I know I’m not the only one). Sure, there have been some arguments about school work and social-distancing limitations, but on the bright side, I feel like we’re actually living together more than ever (beyond literally being under the same roof 24 hours a day). Home used to be a pit-stop between waking up and school, school and sports, and maybe if we were lucky we’d actually sit down for dinner together. (No one ever eats alone, but I’m using cooking, cleaning up or doing random tasks while my son eats.)
Suddenly we’re having breakfast, lunch and dinner together. My son and I will go for a bike ride, my husband and son will go practice lacrosse. We’ll all take a walk with the dog. EVERY DAY.
The world is changing before our very eyes—and will continue to over the coming days, weeks and months. Although we don’t know what’s in store, it’s not ALL bad—and I’m more grateful for the “right now” than ever.
We need to focus on COVID-19—and each other
As the COVID-19 crisis becomes more and more dire with every passing day, we can all agree that we have more important to things to think about than a new sunscreen or concealer. (And let’s face it, we should be staying home as much as possible anyway!)
As the world around us changes, my coverage on the site is going to change as well. For instance, I was planning on featuring a new shampoo today—but I’m sorry, my head just isn’t in it. Instead, I’m going to start sharing content that's a bit more relevant to the current landscape, such as ideas for practicing self-care and exercising at home.
Although you might be hearing from me less on the site, you can still find me (as well as my beauty and fashion musings) on Instagram… We’re all going to have a lot more time on our hands, so why not come together over face-mask selfies and other entertaining (and unanticipated) aspects of social distancing as a much-needed break from the reality outside our front doors? I hope to see you there!
And if there’s any specific info, tips or advice you’d like to see as we navigate COVID-19 over the coming weeks, don’t hesitate to email me at paige@insiderbeautybuzz.com.
Stay healthy—and stay the F home, OK?