Thanks to the pandemic lockdowns, restrictions, stress, and lifestyle disruption, many of us have fallen off the wagon in terms of our fitness and sports activities. Golf courses were closed, tennis courts locked, and beach access was limited. Sports and paddling clubs couldn’t meet, trails were off limits, and of course, gyms and fitness studios could offer only remote online services.  Some of us persevered and we saw a jump in outdoor walking, cycling, skateboarding, surfing, and swimming.  Outdoor, socially distanced yoga and boot camp classes offered limited exercise options to the fortunate few. 

On the other hand, we also saw an increase in alcohol consumption, fast food munching, and Netflix binge watching.  These activities helped us cope with the fear and uncertainty of 2020. Some were obviously healthier than others. How did you manage in 2020?  At this point, there is no need for regret or self blame. Tiger King may not have helped you stay fit but provided some much needed distraction from negative news and dire warnings. And thankfully, it was a limited series!

But hey it’s 2021! Although we must stay vigilant with mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing, we now have a much better understanding of this virus.  The vaccine is providing hope for a better year with less risk of disease or death.  So if you gained the “COVID 19” (pounds!) and want to lose weight, now is the time to get off the couch, turn off the TV, and get back in action.

In a previous article, we talked about how to return to exercise after a layoff.  If you still  feel uncertain, it’s understandable! That’s why we created our SPORT READY program to help you return to your favorite fitness and sports activities. So how does it work?

Step 1. Think about what you want to achieve. Have you missed golfing or tennis for an entire year? Have you gotten injured trying to follow an online yoga class? Are your neck, shoulders, and back stiff and sore from hours in front of a computer, working from home? Are you lacking motivation to run or paddle with no races on the horizon?

Step 2. Call our Medical Fitness Center to set up a free, no obligation 60 minute fitness assessment with one of our Medical Fitness trainers. We offer sessions in downtown Honolulu and in Niu Valley.  Want to return to golfing, paddling, or tennis? A custom strength and cardio program could give you the boost you need. Not sure if you need new running shoes? Our RunFit assessment corrects your gait, posture, and form to prevent injury and improve performance. 

Step 3. At your fitness assessment, our trainer will help you determine if an injury could benefit from physical therapy – usually covered by health insurance. Or, our 1:1 personal training, massage therapy, and nutrition services may qualify for your FSA funds. 

Step 4. Plan a course of action — Physical therapy to address low back pain during your golf swing. Personal training to improve your trunk range of motion during paddling. Cardio and plyometrics to get you back on the soccer field. Nutritional counseling to improve diet for fat loss.  By the end of your fitness assessment you will have a good idea what you need to work on next.

So what’s stopping you? Whether it’s pain, weight gain, motivation, or simply feeling too out of breath up the stairs, we are here to help.  Make 2021 the year you achieved your health and fitness goals, no matter what craziness is continuing in the world. Take charge and call 808.373.1114 to schedule your free SPORT READY assessment today!