Two Things You Should Be Doing During Coronavirus

I can certainly sympathize with all those who want to go to the gym, but can't. With injuries over the years, I have had to miss a lot of training. Although the circumstances are different, I have learned some great lessons from those times away from the bar. You must control what you can.

I certainly don't want to be the five millionth person schlepping a band or bodyweight circuit.  Dear lord, I would think most of us could figure that out on our own. Rather, there are two very important things you can be doing for your body during this forced layoff other than training.

First, eat well. I know, the grocery stores are nuts. That said Jess and I have had no problem buying meats and veggies. We have also been keeping other protein staples on hand like egg whites, tuna, and protein powder just in case. Heatlhy food is out there, it's whether you really want to make the effort or not. It's easy to make excuses and eat pizza right now--don't!

The reason for eating well is twofold. First, you'll retain muscle mass better if you are getting adequate protein and nutrition. The other is, eating well boosts your immune system. I'm not claiming you won't get the covid, but I think we can all agree being healthier is never bad. I know when I was my rotund 320 lb self eating horribly, I was ill all the time and now I rarely get sick.

The other thing you should be doing is allowing your body to recover. I have had extended layoffs from two hernia surgeries, a torn biceps repair, torn mcl, and most recently herniated lumbar discs with a side of stenosis. Amazingly, various unrelated issues I had with my shoulders, back, tendinitis, etc all cleared up while recovering from those injuries.

I'm not saying don't train. However, focus on getting your body whole for a little while. Develop that good stretching routine that you never took time to do. Go through your dynamic warmup a couple of times a day. Foam roll for half an hour. Take some contrast showers, a cold or epsom salt bath. Meditate a little. Work on your diaphragmatic breathing, etc.

If you use this little break wisely you will come back a better lifter. Don't be so worried about losing your gains bro! Rather, think about what you could be improving instead.