By Ester Marsh
For the Salisbury Post

None of us have ever dealt with anything like the current pandemic, and I hope we never have to again. Unfortunately, the world wasn’t ready for this super virus (as Bill Gates mentioned in 2015). However, we have to keep hope.

Exercise has been the best medicine pretty much for everything. Having the Y and other fitness facilities closed has put a halt on many peoples’ exercise routines. It doesn’t have to be. Exercise not only keeps your body healthy, it has scientifically been proven to be a mood booster, decreasing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. It helps decrease stress, increases your self-esteem and self-confidence and helps you sleep better, now needed more than ever.

Most of us know the benefits, what do you do when you can’t go to the YMCA or gym? The Rowan-Cabarrus YMCAs are doing online and Facebook Live classes to keep you moving right in your home. Check this also with your local gyms.

At the JF Hurley YMCA Facebook page, I also started putting workouts of the day on Monday through Fridays. These are also workouts that can be done at your home and at any level.

Of course, our parks are still open for walks, runs and bike rides. Just make sure you don’t meet up with a big group. Stick with family and friends you have been hanging with all this time. And then small groups, they say less than 10. I would even go less than five. The better we follow the guidelines, the sooner this will pass us.

Through this time, I will have weekly actual workouts in the Salisbury Post. If you have requests please send them in, especially for those who do not do social media.

We are all in the same boat and we all need to pull together no matter what your beliefs are. The Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA’s mission statement is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Please be kind, be understanding and be patient through this very difficult time.

Ester Marsh is health and fitness director of the JF Hurley Family YMCA.