The place is relatively quiet, the setting perfect for a snooze, maybe even good two-hour sleep. I am feeling rather lazy, hesitating to do anything that requires my heart rate going above 60 beats per minute.
I vaguely remember a deal I made with myself the night before – eat the slice of cake and the piece of chocolate, even the cheese sandwich, but do a full workout the next day on the punch bags. Of course, my memory conveniently seeks another path.
Suddenly I bolt up from the bed. It’s T-1 day before only essential businesses and services will be allowed to operate. During the time I was contemplating how I would manage without punching the bags over the next two weeks, I got dressed and headed out the door.
Ten minutes later I arrived at the gym, which had been officially closed two weeks earlier. I was still working out during that period though, alone of course.
My hair is tied in a two-bit ponytail, my Polar Beat app is set, the timer is on and Sam Smith is serenading me. No, not many can understand how I can jam to his music. After two rounds of skipping, I feel ready not only for bag work but I wished there was someone for me to spar with. Over the next 40 minutes or so, I alternated between boxing and kickboxing, and I imagined that I was in a fight - usual scenario I adopt when working the bags.
It’s a back and forth matches. This way I am forced to work hard and smart, constantly ensuring I keep ahead of my opponent. Attack, defend, counterattack; Bob, slip, pop the jab, nail the right hand; Snatch the body with a left hook, finish up with a right uppercut and jab again as I step off to the side. Yes, imagination is a powerful tool.
As I packed up my gear and took a few selfies, I wondered if the fig tree in the backyard was big and sturdy enough to punch or kick. At the top of the staircase, I looked around at the gym - the bags, the ring, the TRX hanging, the weight training equipment, the suspended ladder. I felt a pang of sadness and said bye to the gym, hope to see you very soon. (Yes, I speak to the gym too).
Since the COVID-19 outbreak in T&T, I’ve treated each day similar to around on the bag or in the square ring. One at a time, dealing with whatever comes, as it comes. I try to ensure I stay ahead, keeping my eyes and ears attuned, listening and following instructions. Albeit instructions and advice from the Office of the Prime Minister and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The necessary precautions are taken, like washing hands regularly, sneezing or coughing into a tissue and disposing of it, no touching the face, etc. etc. No visitors are allowed now, not even inside my yard. On rare occasions, one has to venture out the house, there is an established three "S’s" rule for re-entry.
Outside the door, there is a can of Lysol and a container of Clorox wipes. Everything gets sprayed or wiped, doesn’t matter if it is vegetables, fruits, packaged items from the supermarket, bags, purses, keys. Items are left outside for a bit and may even get second spraying. It was always customary to leave footwear outside, so that’s a norm. Thereafter, head straight to the laundry area where clothes are stripped and tossed in the basket, and then a shower and scrub is taken. The routine is military-like it must be followed without any failure.
As for the “boxercisaholic” I tend to be sometimes, with the fig tree is not being sturdy enough for punching and running outdoors is not an option again, my spare room is now a make-shift gym, which I have yet to use though.
There are loads of workout videos and tips posted on every social media so I won’t add to it. But yes, please do your exercise. I know it can be hard at times, even I struggle for self-motivation on some occasions, and well it’s just easier to slouch on the couch. But hit up a friend, challenge each other – personally if you must.
Not everyone is cut out for the public and “post-it” challenge method.
Please, refrain from overloading your friends and family with information. Do not share, forward and post each and everything you receive or find. Maybe do a little research and see if it is relevant first. Many people get tired of the overload, and they end up just deleting or clearing chats and conversations, even those with an actual important or relevant piece of information.
I have made a list of all the things I claim never to have the time to do. I challenge myself each day to get something done or at least started. That has now become a contest, the "List vs Me". I evened the scores the other night - I cleaned out my socks’ basket.
We, Trinbagonians, are vibrant people. Always on the move, here, there and everywhere. But, now we must not only slow down, but we are also required to stop. Stop and restrict the spread of this virus. I hope my method of dealing with this current nightmare sheds some light on what you can do too.
Make the list, tag a friend for a workout challenge. Clean up and sanitise even if it seems going overboard. Follow the current laws of the land and comply instead of complaining. Please, do your part to ensure we are all safe.
Editor’s note
The views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer and do not reflect the views of any organisation or individual of which she is a stakeholder.