Staying Active While Social Distancing

By Nicole Gonzalez

    As a result of the pandemic, businesses and schools have not been open, leading to weeks of gyms being closed and athletic practices being canceled. Unfortunately, this affects professional, college, and high school athletes everywhere. However, thanks to the use of technology, people have found their way around the issue and still manage to stay fit while quarantining. 

    In general, exercise is extremely important for both the body and mind. With this said, physical activity is crucial to partake in while being stuck at home because it stimulates the brain even if one is not partaking in our everyday normal schedule. According to healthline.com, the average person under eighteen takes anywhere from 10,000 to 16,000 steps per day. However, without being able to walk from class to class every day, this number drops significantly within high school students. On the brighter side, students have found ways to continue staying active and going outside while remaining social distancing. CNN Health stated, “Online streaming services, the internet, and mobile app stores are loaded with a variety of free and low-cost at-home workouts for all fitness levels and workout preferences, and many don't require any equipment.” Even YouTube influencers like Chloe Ting or Yoga With Adriene have a great deal of informational and walk-through videos on different ways to work out, even in one’s living room. These videos have sparked excitement for working out in students who plan to continue even after quarantine.

    While at-home workouts are extremely beneficial, those who are used to a jam-packed week of practice, training, and games are having to find other ways to continue staying fit. No matter what sport, all athletes are being deeply affected by the cancellation of all Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) games, practices, and gatherings until June 19. Spring season sports were cut short, and many did not even have a chance to begin. While some practices occurred and teams were formed, a quick bond was created throughout many teams, and they plan to continue working together. Coaches have organized ways to stay connected with their athletes and help keep them accountable for working out. For example, Varsity Swim Captain Junior Allison Parra said, “To stay active, our coach sends us workouts every day. It contains cardio workouts as well as strength training.” Additionally, Junior Austin Burgess mentioned how he has “been communicating with [his] coach by informing him of any workouts [he does].” Not only that but with video conferencing and online communication resources, teams are still able to stay connected. For instance, the application (app) Zoom has been the main platform used for all web conferencing with colleges, businesses, sports teams, and more. Parra stated, “My team and I connect on Zoom twice a week to check in with each other and do projects as well.” By staying connected with teams and coaches, as well as maintaining good physical activity, athletes are ready to be fit and prepared once games start up again. 

    For athletes in quarantine, it has often been difficult to continue training in their sports with business closures and sport season cancellations. However, just as Burgess explained how he has been doing a particular workout consisting of push-ups, curl-ups, and more in order to make up for his time without the pool, other athletes are going the extra mile to stay in shape for the sports that they love.