Exercise options
I have previously been a very active member of the Berkeley Y and have loved their in person zumba and spin classes. Since March I've been taking long walks in the hills for exercise. But, now that the days are getting shorter, I'm afraid that's not going to be an option. I'm wondering what other people in the Berkeley area are doing. Unfortunately I have RA, which results in my not being able to run. I tried an outdoor spin class at a local spin studio and....it wasn't for me. I am open to outdoor exercise classes that don't have too much running, etc. Weights are also probably not that great for me. I looked at the Berkeley pools but it seems that it's very competitive to schedule time in a lane. I thought about getting an exercise bike and doing spin classes from my phone but we are very limited on space, which also makes it difficult for me to do zoom exercise classes. I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions?
Parent Replies
I love my personal rebounder (trampoline). It's quiet, inexpensive, can be stored against the wall behind the couch, and provides as much or as little of a workout as you want.
I've really enjoyed doing the BollyX dance workouts available on YouTube during these past 6 months - I only have about a 5x6' space to work in, but it's enough. I love that their instructors have a variety of body types and an apparent sense of humor, and there's almost always a low-impact option shown. Plus the music and dance moves are a lot of fun!
Carah, the excellent zumba instructor from the Y, offers zoom classes on this platform https://workouttemps.com/workout2u - I also have a small space and I am able to do it. Bonus if you were a regular Y goer you will see many familiar faces! Another option is to get a trainer for your bike rather than a whole separate spin bike - this is what my husband does on days he can't bike outside. Best of luck - I miss the Y too!
I feel your pain. I’m not in Berkeley but I was super active at our local Y too...So my neighbor normally teaches Zumba at our Y but haven’t been back due to Covid. She’s been holding outside classes for our neighbors and her regulars. Perhaps you can contact your local Y and ask if the Zumba teacher is teaching elsewhere or outside on their own?
Hello,
In person Zumba classes were my go to as well. I have been doing various online workout classes since March. Mainly classes on You Tube and a few other paid subscription classes. There are some great walking workouts (Walk at Home -Leslie Sansone) and Zumba channels on You Tube. My work out space is relatively small, approx. 5ft long by 3 ft wide. I do modification for big movements. I have been able to get great workouts despite the limited space. I hope you are able to find something indoors that works for you.
I finally invested in a treadmill and love it! Been getting up at 4am and going to the gym consistently for the last six years and missed it terribly since Covid closed it. Tried going on walks, but with the fires, poor air quality and being too hot on some days, I found that I wasn't going daily. Plus my legs could not handle the hills around my house. After six months of not really exercising, I gained weight and my body was aching from lack of movement! I never bought exercise equipment before thinking I would not be disciplined enough to get up at 4am, but now with my body freezing up and winter coming, I finally made the leap and couldn't be happier. I LOVE my treadmill. I got it at the Precor store in Walnut Creek. They had said it would be six to eight weeks delivery time, but mine was delivered at four weeks. Went with a basic model and got it for around $2200. $2600 with tax, mat, and delivery. Now, I don't have to worry about the weather or it getting dark so early. My body thanks me everyday!! I would highly recommend it. Good luck!
Makingwavesstudios.com has great zumba, it's salsa so works in a small space! Plus, wonderful community...hope you join us! I'm so grateful to be able to keep taking classes with them even with the pandemic.
I just saw that Jazzercize has a $20/mo subscription to stream classes. You might like it if you were into Zumba! It’s so much fun and easy to modify to make lower or higher intensity based on your needs. Good luck!
Exercising when you have RA is tough. I know from personal experience. The main thing is to not overdo. I was loving the TRX at my gym, so we got one once we started shelter in place. It is great for small spaces. We have ours attached to a beam in the garage, but I've seen them attached to walls and doorways. You can join their coaching app to get workouts, or you can find a trainer who will work with you virtually. I used to love using a Pilates reformer, too, but the place I used to go to shut down. That might be something to look into once facilities start opening back up. The great thing about the TRX and the reformer is that the exercises are really customizable for any joint issues you may be having. Other than that, I would try to walk everyday if possible.
I got a Pelaton. I also used to go to the Y and run. But after back pain got worse my doctor said cycling would be better for now. The classes are amazing and it’s very convenient to have to bike right at home. Also the application offers so many other classes. Now the bike is on sale, so it’s a better deal now then what I paid. Good luck