Safe in the gym : As we moved into the Autumn, many of us are also looking forward to seeing the end of 2020. It has been the strangest of years for everyone. Of course, the main preoccupation has been to avoid catching and spreading the virus. But what about how our general health has changed in the past few months? Many people say that diets changed as our food shopping habits changed. That often meant we ate more comfort food.
Nowadays, there are more and more people ordering their food shopping online. A lot more people are ordering takeaways and the delivery bikes are seen everywhere. Those aren’t likely to be low calorie or healthy food deliveries! Have you noticed you are drinking more at home? I put on a lot of weight in the last few months because I was shopping more beer and crisps. Add to that the fact that the gyms were closed and you have the perfect storm for weight gain.
Like many people, now that the Summer holidays are over, finally getting fit again is on my mind. I missed going to the gym. It was one of my regular habits. Every other day, no matter what, I went to the gym. It also served as a constant reminder to try to be healthier. I missed having that reminder in the past few months. Now that the gyms have opened again, I thought it is a good time to check in with a local gym and find out what’s new. So I asked Niels, the manger at Health Club Jordaan. I also wanted to find out how we can stay fit in these strange times.
Thanks Niels for taking the time to answer this Q+A.
Q1. What has changed at Health Club Jordaan since you reopened? Is it now safe in the gym?
We have taken precautions such as plexiglass shields on the counters, marked walking routes and training zones. There are stations with disinfectant and paper towels throughout the club and each visitor gets their own spray and cloth. Some machines are taken out of use. This is to avoid working out directly next to each other. For our classes, we have reduced the number of spots and marked the individual training zones. Our high grade ventilation systems are constantly pumping fresh air into the building, while at the same time removing the “old” air. Of course, we also have multiple cleaning rounds on a daily basis with extra focus on high-touch areas.
Q2. What changes have you noticed with your members due to the recent lock down? Was weight gain common? If not, what was?
Working out at home, often with zero or minimal equipment, proved to be a challenge and many of us weren’t exercising on a regular basis. When the boredom of being stuck at home kicks in, it’s easy to eat and drink more than normal. And like you said: when ordering food online, we usually don’t go for the healthiest options. Another thing we really noticed, which has nothing to do with weight or exercise, is how much people missed coming here for social interaction. I think we often underestimate what a big role we play in people’s social lives.
Q3. People often feel self conscious joining a gym. What programs do you have for middle aged and older people thinking of joining your gym?
Our health club is known for its friendly atmosphere and that has to do with the mix of people. We have members of all ages, shapes and sizes and we want everyone to feel welcome here. We know that the gym can be an intimidating place. However, I honestly feel that we are the right choice for people that are hesitant to start working out. We offer guidance and our classes are open to all levels. We have many older members, so don’t worry if you fall into that category. For anyone feeling self-conscious, remember this: others are mainly focusing on themselves when working out. We don’t go to the gym to judge others, but to become better and healthier versions of ourselves. We all have things that we are self-conscious about.
Q4. As we (finally!) move towards the end of 2020, what tips do you have for readers who want to get healthier?
If you are waiting for the corona-situation to be over before getting healthier I got news for you: corona is not going to be gone before the end of this year or even next year. A tough pill to swallow, but we have to be realistic. Postponing our health that long is not an option, so we all need to get back on track with our diet and exercise. With all the precautions that we took, I believe that the gym is a safe place. Since two months in gyms, there has not been a single corona outbreak. Still, if you really fear going to the gym, at least make sure that you exercise regularly. Stay active no matter how you do it. Since many of us are still working from home, use the time you save to cook yourself. when you do that, go for low(er) calorie, healthier options.
If you’re still hesitant, just stop by and see what we can do for you. We offer a free trial week so you can come in a try us out. We hope to see you soon!
Thanks for your inputs for the Safe in the Gym Q+A.
Health Club Jordaan
1e Rozendwarsstraat 10
1016 PC Amsterdam
020-4897676
www.healthclubjordaan.nl
info@healthclubjordaan.nl
Here is our listing for the Health Club Jordaan
