Exercise challenges

[mtbc]

For worthwhile, frequent exercise I need some simple, single activity that is vigorous, low-impact, all-round, and includes resistance. Years ago, when I had the disposable income for private gym membership, I used to swim laps. When I could no longer afford the membership, I bought a cross-trainer. Then, I moved to Eastern Tennessee and my employer's gym included cross-trainers. I was getting back into a good habit there when they dropped the on-site mask mandate.

Although a look at people's present conduct would make one think that the pandemic had never happened, I read the current evidence as indicating that SARS-CoV-2 is still very much present, repeated infection is not unusual, and each bout of COVID-19 brings long-term health risks. Exertion increases infectiousness, just as with singing, etc. The NHS is hardly generous with frequent vaccination boosters and I do not have an easy alternative source.

I am unfit at the moment. With the move to Scotland, time in Southeast Asia, and now trying to buy our own home (hence property viewings, etc.), exercise has been a second thought. However, life may be stabilizing soon, so I should plan a return to exercising. I strained my back a few weeks ago, it still doesn't feel back to normal, and this never happened when the workouts involving all my limbs strengthened my core too.

We will probably be moving to a small city-centre flat. A cross-trainer is not going to fit into it comfortably. Pool and gym access may be affordable there but they may be full of people strongly exhaling plague around me, an especial concern if I am to visit frequently. Perhaps I need to find some other means of at-home exercise that seems both palatable and sufficient.

Comments

[wpadmirer]

When I first started working to get into shape I walked in water to get resistance, but no impact. Since you swim, you'd probably like that better - but there is the whole thing of being in a gym full of people.

Maybe hiking would work? Or doing yoga at home?

I know people also swear by using resistance band training. I've only done that as part of physical therapy, but it did work well for that.

[mtbc]

It's possible that I'll have to look at resistance band training or maybe, given the flexibility of my work hours, there might be lap pool times that are relatively quiet though, admittedly, I've also enjoyed the holiday from the viral and fungal skin infections that I'd sometimes get only during periods of my life when I've much used communal facilities.

[maju]

Our exercise bike fits into a fairly small space but I don't think it meets your criteria of "all-round, and includes resistance".

[mtbc]

Mmm, I haven't quite given up on fitting the cross-trainer in at least, we'll see!