C R Y D E R
P O I N T
FEBRUARY 10
The Top 3 Fitness Trends of 2021
BY JOSH KRANTZ
ELITE Live! Head Instructor
Elite Amenity Management
The year just started, but I’m looking ahead to the fitness
trends that will take us to the finish line. My predictions:
AT-HOME WORKOUTS ARE
DEFINITELY TRENDING
People have figured it out: They don’t need to go to the
gym to work out. Even with the vaccine on the horizon –
meaning gyms might open back up — some of you will
still like the option of working out at home.
Whether that means Pilates, yoga, weight training,
or some combination of different disciplines and techniques,
an at-home routine is something you can fit into
your daily schedule to maintain a baseline of fitness.
And if you need to take it up a notch, find a trainer!
There are plenty of online options. Find someone whose
energy you vibe with, who can push you a little harder,
or who can teach you some new moves you haven’t tried.
Elite offers a full schedule of live workouts on Instagram.
BODY-WEIGHT WORKOUTS
ARE HERE TO STAY
Sit-ups, push-ups, squats, lunges, burpees, planks!
There are a million variations on the basic, classic moves
that use your body weight to make you stronger. This
simple concept has been around for a while, but it’s trending
now because it’s so adaptable.
The beauty of a body-weight workout is that you can
do it anywhere: in the park, on a rooftop, or at home in
front of your couch. Another plus: You don’t need any
special equipment. Use body-weight moves to increase
strength and flexibility, build definition, target different
muscle groups, work in some cardio. It’s a proven method
you can use to get to your goals.
10 CRYDER POINT COURIER | FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
FITNESS TRACKERS KEEP YOU
ON TRACK
Working out with a group gives you a boost. This is
science! Your group keeps you feeling supported and
gives you that sense of community. There’s that element
of competition if you need it. And it keeps you accountable,
because you don’t want to skip a workout and let
the group down.
When the pandemic hit, many people realized they
can keep that community going with a fitness tracker.
Whether it’s an Apple watch, a FitBit, a smart heartrate
monitor, or some other device or app, you can track your
results, share them, and feel great about your progress.
You need that right now!
Let’s Go!
About Josh Krantz
Josh Krantz is the Head Instructor for ELITE’s new
online streaming fitness platform, ELITE Live! Known
for his signature “Let’s Go!” attitude, Josh is responsible
for creating engaging workout schedules and attracting
top-notch instructors that propel ELITE Live! followers
of all athletic abilities to achieve their health and
wellness goals. Josh is a native of Bayside, Queens,
and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and
a Master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration.
5 tips to help seniors
exercise during the pandemic
(BPT)–By now, most seniors are aware that they’re
among the most vulnerable demographic groups when it
comes to contracting COVID-19.
That said, a recent nationwide poll by Tivity Health, a
national provider of senior fitness, nutrition and healthy
lifestyle solutions indicates many are probably not getting
the exercise they need to maintain optimal health.
In the poll, 46% of adult and senior respondents said
the pandemic is preventing them from attending in-person
exercise classes at local gyms, although 84% noted
they’ll return within a month once attendance is deemed
safe by authorities.
A core challenge is reduced gym access, as quarantines
prove problematic for many older Americans trying to
continue exercise regimens. Exercise remains critical for
seniors to maintain a healthy immune system that’s able
to fight off disease. Regular workouts can also increase
balance and strength and help prevent falls.
For seniors, falls are an all-too-common threat and crisis;
Johns Hopkins University reports that 25% of adults
65 or older fall, and three million are treated in emergency
rooms each year for injuries caused by falls.
“This pandemic has brought great challenges and stress
for seniors. But the good news is, there are ways to exercise
safely and maintain an active lifestyle,” says Tivity
Health president and CEO Richard Ashworth. “Exercise
is vital for maintaining optimal health, and through easyto
access digital and in-person options, it is our hope seniors
can continue or renew exercise regimens quickly
and safely.”
Maintaining regular exercise during COVID-19 need
not be difficult. If you’re a senior wanting to maintain
effective workouts each day, here are some tips you can
follow even if you’re practicing social isolation.
Start slowly
If you haven’t been exercising, you’ll want to ease into
your new routine gradually. Studies indicate just two
weeks of inactivity (or a 75% reduction in daily steps)
can decrease your muscle strength by 8%, while dropping
1,000 to 1,500 steps each day can raise inflammation and
blood pressure. Jump-start your new regimen with safe
exercises like squats, wall push-ups, light weightlifting
regimens and taking walks (keeping distance from others
for safety).
SUBSCRIBE TO A DIGITAL
EXERCISE PROGRAM
You do not need to leave your home to exercise each
day. That’s especially true if you sign up for a high-quality
digital regimen that fits well with your exercise goals and
preferences.
In fact, 56% of seniors responding to the poll said
their future workout plans call for participating in online
classes two to three times per week.
AVOID PROLONGED SITTING
Even if you must set a timer to remind yourself, take
frequent breaks from sitting and engage in rejuvenating
strolls–or simply take part in activities that involve
standing. The point is to avoid being sedentary for long
intervals of time.
USE OTHERS AS MOTIVATION
In the poll, 44% of responding seniors said they’re
motivated to return to their fitness centers to see and
socialize with friends. If you feel more motivated when
not exercising all by yourself, you might optimize Face-
Time, Zoom or even a quick phone call to interact with
fitness-minded others as you work out at home.
CHECK OUT LOCAL FITNESS
CENTERS
Before attending local gyms, learn what they’re doing
to keep their customers safe and to align with recommended
CDC guidelines. If you feel safe enough to participate,
exercise in open spaces where you can maintain
six feet of distance from others. You might also check out
low-intensity options such as water exercise classes, yoga
or Tai Chi.
Whether you’re staying at home or practicing safe social
distancing while out and about, there’s no need to
give up the exercise that can help you maintain optimal
health during the pandemic. Take steps now to ensure
you’re taking good care of yourself through age-appropriate
workouts and movement.
Trainer Josh Krantz
/WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
