Boy, are we getting close to Phase 1 at the Rowan Cabarrus YMCA’s, opening. In Dutch, there is a saying “de laatste loodjes wegen het zwaarst,” which means, “The last load weighs the heaviest.”

Many people have been rather good by continuing to exercise, but as we all know, it is not the same as going somewhere to exercise. I know I can tell when I do my virtual classes that the workouts feel a lot harder because we do not feed of each other’s energy. I have been very appreciative that we have social media to stay connected and humbled by the outpouring of support from our members but also people near and far.

As I mentioned in last week’s article, our water people have had (and still do) the toughest time. So many people count on water therapy for their everyday movements. I absolutely believe that water and land exercises are essential and imperative for so many people’s health. However, for us to keep the COVID-19 curve down, we had to take the measures required by our government and still do, so we can start reopening the world slowly, carefully and safely.

There have been funny memes on social media that when you see your friends, tell them they look great no matter what! And that really is so true. Everybody experiences this pandemic differently and there is nothing wrong with that as long you respect everyone else’s views, physical state and  feelings. I think if I would not have exercised, I would have gone crazy. Exercising absolutely is the best medicine for the body, spirit and mind.

So, when exercise facilities finally open, it will be a lot different because until we have an immunization for the COVID-19 we must take great precautions in returning to our “usual” life. As you have heard many times before, some things will be the new “normal.”

Expect your bodies to be different, even if you exercised regularly. I know that I move less than I did before the pandemic and social distancing.

Have patience, your body will get back in the swing of things before you know it. Just give it time since slow and steady is always better than trying to rebound too quickly and end up with an injury or great frustration because “you have lost so much.” Once again, plan your workouts, plan your meals, enjoy each other, be kind to one another and we will see each other soon.

Ester H. Marsh Health & Fitness Director JF Hurley Family YMCA